Animal Rights

Major revision January 1990

Details

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ANIMAL RIGHTS

Background

AR100 The expansion and development of human society has inevitably affected the lives of many other species. Disruption to their lifestyles has been both accidental and deliberate and has resulted in suffering, death or even extinction. The prevailing assumption that animals can be used for any purpose that benefits humankind is not acceptable in a Green society.

Long Term Aims

AR200 To eliminate the wholesale exploitation of other species, foster understanding of our inter-relationship in the web of life and protect and promote natural habitat.

Short Term Aims

AR300 To stimulate public awareness of the rights and needs of animals, to pass appropriate legislation to act by both informing the electorate and implementing suitable district policies.

Policies

AR400 As part of the Environment Commission (see PL410), a section will be set up dealing with the welfare of all animals, wild and domesticated, to oversee their treatment and make appropriate recommendations.

AR401 Local Authorities to provide a local Animal Rights Officer with adequate staff to oversee animal warden schemes, etc., and to liaise with the Animal Welfare Department of the Environment Commission.

AR402 To take pressure off wild animals by voluntarily limiting our population, by actively discouraging and penalising pollution and by preserving and restoring stable habitats. (see 'Pollution')

AR403 Intensive indoor farming of animals, fed on soya, grain and fishmeal, contributes to animal suffering, environmental destruction and pollution. It is also energy intensive, requiring high levels of mechanical and human labour. The diversion of grain, pulses and soya into animal feedstock also contributes to human food shortages elsewhere in the world. We would therefore discourage these intensive indoor methods of producing low quality, fossil-fuel dependant, cheap food, and instead promote grass-based pastoral permaculture systems that mimic the animal’s natural environment. This will result in a reduced level of meat, dairy and poultry consumption, but produce more nutritious food and improve animal welfare.

AR404 People in educational establishments should have the choice of both eating and, in the case of Catering and Home Economics courses, preparing vegetarian and vegan foods. We will therefore:

1. instruct the Department of Education and Science to make provision for vegetarian and vegan meals to be a compulsory part of the syllabus for all catering certificates, and,
2. produce comprehensive information on vegetarian/vegan diets for distribution to all Local Authorities together with instructions that a vegetarian/vegan choice of meal be made available at all education establishments within the Authorities' remit.

AR405 To prohibit the import, export and sale of all fur, whether wild caught or factory farmed, and to ensure a ban on fur farming in the UK stays in place. The import of other animal products such as ivory, reptile skins and whale oil, will be prohibited.

AR406 To encourage ecological farming in small free-range units, prohibit live export and minimise the internal live transport of farm animals, abolish the piece rate system in abattoirs, and otherwise improve market and slaughter-house conditions, and phase out all forms of intensive farming, including fish farms. We will also prohibit the import of any animal commodities not produced by methods acceptable to UK standards. (see 'Agriculture')

AR407 In the UK, millions of animals are used each year in experiments which can cause great pain and suffering. There are significant differences between the physiology of animals and that of humans and the reliance on animal testing and experimentation increases the risks of adverse reactions and hampers progress. A large proportion of animals are used for non-medical testing and for duplicate research which could be avoided. There are now many techniques available for testing of chemicals, drugs and medical procedures and for researching disease that do not use animals. However, these alternatives are often not used and are not adequately funded or supported.

AR408 The Green Party would ban all experimentation and research which harms animals, including harmful procedures used to obtain animal-derived materials. 'Harmful' is defined in this context as 'having the potential to cause pain, suffering, distress, lasting harm or death in animals, except where it is designed to benefit the individual animals concerned

AR409 Government research funds will be transferred from animal tests to non-animal technologies, including epidemiology, computer models, micro-dosing, imaging, DNA chips, microfluidics chips and the use of human tissue. Much greater use will be made of epidemiological evidence and clinical data. Greens would also fund more research into prevention of disease, looking at diet, environment, family history and lifestyle.

AR410 The Green Party is opposed to the harmful use in education of animals and of animal-derived materials where the animals have been killed specifically for this purpose. The Party supports the replacement of the use of animals and animal material with methods such as models, mannequins, mechanical and computer-based simulators, films and interactive videos, plant experiments and observational and field studies, and human studies including self-experimentation. The Party supports the educational use of animal cadavers and animal-derived materials where these have been ethically sourced, such as animals who have died naturally and animals who have been euthanased for humane reasons.

AR411 The Party is opposed to the wholesale breeding, manipulation and destruction of those animals who are chosen as companions to the human race. We will introduce measures to regulate the care and conditions for such animals including a two-tier system of dog-licensing [breeding and non-breeding], licensing of all animal breeders and dog owners, subsidised spaying and neutering, the implementation of good animal warden schemes and a prohibition on the import of exotic animals for the pet trade.

AR412 The Green Party would introduce a requirement that all dogs be microchipped. It would be a legal requirement that when the animal was sold or ownership transferred the owner's details be updated on the database otherwise the owner listed on the database would be deemed to be responsible for the dog.

AR413 Patents will not be granted on any animal and strict controls will be introduced to prevent genetic manipulation for profit or curiosity. (see ST363)

AR414 To extend the 1911 Protection of Animals Act to protect both captive and non-captive animals from unnecessary suffering. This will be used to prohibit hunting with hounds, shooting, snaring, coursing and various other abuses of our animal population. The Green Party is fundamentally opposed to all blood-sports. We oppose the killing of, or infliction of pain or suffering upon, animals in the name of sport or leisure, and will work to end all such practices.

AR415 To amend the Firearms Act to prohibit the use and private ownership of firearms and lethal weapons, such as air rifles, crossbows, etc., except on registered premises.

AR416 In view of the fact that animal acts in circuses are cruel and degrading to performer and observer alike, we will immediately prohibit the import of, and sale from other sources of, all animals to circuses. We will immediately prohibit the use of animals in circuses and will encourage the re-homing of all existing circus animals to sanctuaries or other suitable establishments with relocation to the wild wherever possible.

AR417 To abolish zoos and private collections of animals except where they are for the benefit of the animal concerned. Licences will only be granted to establishments involved in either captive breeding of endangered species for eventual return to the wild or else those offering genuine sanctuary to animals unable, through injury and other cause, to be returned to the wild and where their living conditions are as close as possible to the animal's natural habitat.

AR418 To control and monitor all racing involving animals. In particular, all racing animals exported will be subject to a substantial tariff in order to prevent abuse of retired/unsuitable animals. Horse racing/Point to Point: whips will not be allowed, tougher penalties will be applied for drug offences and minimum age/maximum jump heights and course lengths will be introduced in line with RSPCA recommendations. All pigeon racers will register with their local Animal Rights Officer to ensure welfare standards; race lengths will be restricted. Greyhound racing: adequate arrangements will be made for the re- homing of retired dogs.

AR419 The Green Party will endeavour internationally to initiate and develop an Animal Rights Division within the United Nations Organisation.

AR420 The Green Party opposes all lethal or harmful uses and treatment of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises). In particular, whaling is a premeditated, deliberate and unnecessary cause of animal suffering. It is not justified even if supposedly undertaken as 'scientific research' or 'subsistence hunting' rather than for commercial profit. It endangers the survival of various cetacean species. The Green Party condemns those governments who seek, through the International Whaling Commission and otherwise, to continue whaling. We call on all governments to outlaw whaling. The Green Party is fundamentally opposed to all lethal and harmful commercial utilisation of cetaceans. This includes all whaling, so called scientific whaling and any whaling conducted under the cover-all of 'aboriginal subsistence whaling'. The Green Party opposes any move to end the current moratorium on commercial whaling. We call on all nations to declare the waters under their control havens from whaling, to provide sanctuary throughout those waters for cetaceans, and to co-operate in achieving global sanctuary for cetaceans in the longer term.

AR421 Xenotransplantation: The Green Party would abolish research into, and the practise of xenotransplantation (the transplantation of nonhuman animal organs, genetically engineered or otherwise, into human beings). Treating nonhuman animals as "spare part" factories is both immoral and inhumane, and is therefore completely unacceptable in an ecological society. Xenotransplantation is yet another instance of corporate profit being prioritised over public health and the rights of nonhuman animals. Xenotransplantation carries the grave danger of virus transferral from nonhuman animals to humans, raising the real possibility of the unleashing of an epidemic amongst the human population.

The Green Party would promote more sensible and effective approaches to enhancing health, such as preventative health measures, increasing the pool of human donors, research into artificial organs, and the surgical repair of damaged organs.

 

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Animal Rights chapter updates

Autumn 2011: AR412 inserted (and renumbered)
Spring 2010 AR407 replaced, AR408 & AR409 inserted
Autumn 2009 AR403 replaced
updated Spring 2007

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The following additional policy statements can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) for Animal Rights available on the Members webiste:

• Animal Rights and Globalisation (Spring 1999)
• Cambridge University Primate Research Laboratory (Autumn 2003)
• Angling (Spring 2005)
• “Human Guinea Pigs” Tragedy (Spring 2006)

 

Climate Change

Major revision January 1990

Details

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CLIMATE CHANGE

Background

CC001 Climate Change is one of the worst environmental hazards facing human society and the rest of the biosphere. The detrimental effects of human-induced global warming so far on human societies and ecosystems are already severe. Future effects over the next few decades will be far worse.

CC002 As climate change is a global issue it is a clear example of the need for global environmental cooperation. This is indeed happening, if far too slowly. The 'Earth Summit' in Rio in 1992 led to the establishment of the UNFCCC (The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change); which is both a good overview statement of the issues and an international organisation to address them. Separately, the UN established the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) to organise work into the details of the science, impacts, and possibilities for remedial and adaptational action.

CC003 The IPCC has issued three major 'Assessment Reports' since it was formed, the latest in early 2001. The first of these included the oft-quoted assertion that stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere requires an immediate 60% reduction, at least, in emissions, and this remains broadly their view.

CC004 However IPCC conclusions tend to be conservative, because they have to be approved by consensus between governments. So common prudence, backed up by considerable evidence, suggests regarding them as being at the optimistic end of a range of plausible futures. It is clear that in any case no level of net CO2 emissions is sustainable in the long term, as the sinks (mainly forests and the sea) that are absorbing about half at the moment will inevitably reduce, due to the acidification and warming of seawater, and increased respiration in soil.

CC005 The Kyoto Protocol, negotiated under the auspices of the UNFCCC, came into force in 2005. It commits most industrialised countries to greenhouse gas emissions reductions averaging 5% from a 1990 base by 2012. It is extremely complex, and has many serious flaws. Its major technical problems are the "Clean Development Mechanism" and the "Joint Implementation" proposals, which open big loopholes for profitable cheating. Also, the non-involvement of the USA is a major setback, emissions from international civil aviation and shipping are not counted, and the proposed compliance mechanism is toothless.

A.1 Causes

CC010 The principal gases causing global warming are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), ozone, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and similar compounds, and nitrous oxide (N2O). Kyoto Protocol controls apply to a basket of the following gases: CO2, (CH4), N2O, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). Most CFCs are already controlled by the Montreal Protocol on ozone-depleting substances. The most important source activity by far is the burning of fossil fuels. Industrialised countries are responsible as at 2001 for about 60% of the world's ongoing CO2 emissions and historically for about 75% of the total.

CC011 The warming is partially counteracted by cooling caused by dust, both from industry and intermittently from major volcanic eruptions; and from sulphate pollution. Expanding forests also absorb significant amounts of CO2; currently it seems that mature forests are also absorbing CO2, though this effect cannot continue for long. Peat bogs are also a major store of carbon.

CC012 So far just over half of CO2 emissions have been consistently absorbed. In the 1990s there was considerable debate about where the absorbing was happening, as it is much harder to measure than emissions. A scientific agreement was eventually reached that boreal forests, tropical forests and oceans were all absorbing significantly. However there is some evidence that the natural CO2 sinks are declining in effectiveness; and some models suggest that many current sinks will become net emitters rather than absorbers over the coming decades.

CC013 Emissions by high-flying aircraft cause additional warming effects because of the different nature of the upper atmosphere. These emissions are also not covered by the Kyoto Protocol. The IPCC have produced a special report on the subject. GP policy to address this is in TR500ff.

A.2 Impacts

CC020 The IPCC's Third Assessment Report, published in early 2001, predicts that with business as usual global mean temperature will rise between 1.4°C and 5.8°C during the 21st century. Work with more advanced models carried out subsequently by the UK Meteorological Office's Hadley Research Centre suggests that, again with business as usual, rises of up to 8°C can be expected by 2100.

CC021 The most serious direct effects of climate change are an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, effects of the temperature itself, and rising sea levels. The reinsurance industry has estimated that global damages caused by storms, droughts & floods has roughly doubled each decade since 1950, reaching almost $500 billion in the 90s. Extrapolation of this trend suggests that the annual rate of damages could reach the same magnitude as the annual global GDP by the 2060s.

CC022 Effects on ecosystems, agricultural systems, people and economic systems will be increasingly severe. Many diseases, most notably malaria, are likely to become much more widespread. Rainfall patterns are likely to change drastically, including big seasonal and north/south variations in the UK. Food supplies will become erratic. Low-lying and island states, most notably Bangladesh, will become inundated and lead to at least 10s of millions of eco-refugees.

CC023 Furthermore abrupt changes in climate are quite likely -- they show up frequently in the paleological record. Possibilities forecast by different groups of scientists include the shutting down of the Gulf Stream, a complete dieback of the Amazon rainforest, and a rapid increase of perhaps 5°C due to methane emissions from warming continental shelves. Such jumps are potentially much more damaging to ecosystems and to human societies than more gradual change. Several other positive feedback mechanisms are known which could trigger rapid change, without being understood well enough to be accurately included in climate models. These include the effects of clouds, the changes in carbon absorption of plants under stressed conditions, and the link with a cooling stratosphere and ongoing stratospheric ozone depletion.

CC024 Some scientists believe that a 'runaway' greenhouse effect is possible, leading to temperature increases of several 10s°C over a timescale of 50-200 years and to large parts or even all of the Earth becoming uninhabitable.

B. Objectives

B.1 Preserving the Climate

CC100 The Green Party's primary objective is the safeguarding of the climate, as far as possible, for future decades and generations; or as the UNFCCC puts it, "The avoidance of dangerous anthropogenic change to the climate".

B.2 Targets

CC110 The Green Party calls for the establishment of annual targets for global and national greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and for the establishment of effective enforcement mechanisms.

CC111 The primary aim of such targets is to significantly reduce the likelihood of catastrophic climate change by keeping atmospheric temperature rise below 2°C above preindustrial levels. Climate research at the Swiss ETH Institute has shown that this requires stabilising greenhouse gas concentrations at or below 450ppm CO2 equivalent.

B.3 International Negotiations

CC120 The Green Party actively endorses the leading role played by the UN and its subsidiary bodies in striving for the necessary international agreement, global monitoring and implementation of the required policies; and will endeavour to support their ongoing activities.

C. Policies

C.1 Targets

CC200 The Green Party calls for the establishment of a number of targets for global and national greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and for the establishment of effective enforcement mechanisms. All targets herein relate to a baseline of emissions in 1990, as in the Kyoto Protocol.

CC201 On average, each person worldwide emitted about 5 tonnes of CO2 in 2000, of which 4 tonnes came from fossil-fuel burning. There were huge international variations, with the Americans averaging 20 tonnes, British 9, Chinese 2.5 and Africans 1 tonne. Climate research from the Potsdam Institute suggest that average global emissions will need to be reduced by at least 60% of the 1990 baseline by 2030. This equates on average to a 90% reduction in emissions by developed countries by 2030. Following the principle of convergence this requires UK emissions to be cut by 80-90%.

CC202 The UK's commitment under the EU basket agreement reached in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol is a reduction in the 6-gas basket by 12.5% by 2008-2012 The Blair government has also committed the UK to a 20% reduction in CO2 by then.

CC203 UK emissions in 2005 were just below the 1990 baseline and rising. We should aim steadily to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions to 10% of their 1990 levels by 2030. If this policy is adopted in 2007, the required annual rate is 9% per annum. If adoption is delayed, the required rate is significantly greater, rising for the next few years by about 0.5 percentage points for each year of delay in starting. _We will also establish effective mechanisms for getting back on track should an annual target be missed. New and persuasive scientific evidence may arise that shows a need for deeper cuts in emissions and Green party public announcements should reflect the current nature of climate change science.

CC204 Working towards a stringent target will make the UK well- placed to adapt to the tightening of global emissions limits which are likely to occur over the next few decades.

CC205 We oppose quantifying emissions due to land-use changes (mainly afforestation), as they are almost impossible to measure. In any case, adoption of Green Party forestry policy (see Forestry) should lead to net CO2 absorption from land-use changes for several decades.

CC206 Targets should also be set to cover the other Kyoto protocol gases (see CC010) as well as other gases and black soot that are found to directly or indirectly cause global warming. UK targets must include land-use emissions including peat and moorland burning

CC207 Parallel targets should also be set for NOx and water emissions by UK-based aircraft, which are more damaging than ground-based emissions. (see TR501)

CC208 The UN should modify the way the effects of different greenhouse gases are combined to focus on the impacts over a twentyyear time period. Currently 100 years is used and this makes a big difference to the calculated effects of methane, resulting in serious understressing of the importance of methane emissions reductions in the crucial next few decades.

C.2 International Activity

CC210 The Green Party calls for urgent replacement of the Kyoto Protocol with a new protocol which meets the requirement for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with prevailing science and which has an equal focus on safeguarding carbon sinks. It is dangerous to wait until the expiration of the Kyoto Protocol in 2012.

CC211 Global concentrations are now increasing at significantly over 2 ppm CO2 each year and have been rising steadily since 1990. This is in part because targets for Annex 1 countries are not based on science, in part because the Protocol has not been ratified by the US and Australia, and in part because it excludes developing economies (notably China and India). It also not only lacks any meaningful ecosystem protection mechanism but actively facilitates ecosystem destruction via its Clean Development Mechanism (see CC240).

CC212 Measures contained in a new climate change agreement must take precedence over any international trade rules. Any international trade agreements, including regional or bilateral agreements must be fully compliant with the new protocol and not the other way around.

C.3 Contraction and Convergence

CC220 The Kyoto Protocol says nothing about the future beyond 2012. To address that timescale the Green Party advocates the adoption by the UNFCCC of a framework of Contraction and Convergence (C&C) as the key ingredient in the global political solution to the problem of Climate Change mitigation, and urges the UK and other governments use it as the basis for negotiations in the international fora.

CC2214 C&C is a scheme to provide for a smooth and equitable transition to a safe level of global CO2 emissions from human activity. It can be adapted either to follow-on from a successful Kyoto Protocol, or can equally be used in case the KP is not brought into force by enough countries ratifying it. C&C is not an alternative to the KP; it is a long-term framework for global cooperation towards a genuine solution; while the KP is a short- term fix that takes only very limited steps forward. A GP policy statement describes C&C in more detail.

CC222 'Contraction', means adopting a scientifically determined safe target concentration level and setting global annual emissions levels which should take the atmosphere to that target. The UNFCCC should agree specific thresholds for unacceptable climate impacts, from which the IPCC should calculate the appropriate concentration level, to be reviewed at 5-yearly intervals.

CC223 'Convergence' means taking the world in an achievable way, both technically and politically, from the present situation to a common level of per-capita emissions in a target year. Under it nations are allocated annual quotas for emissions, which start from current or Kyoto-based levels in year 1 of the agreement and converge to equal per-capita allocations after a negotiated interval, probably of a few decades.

CC224 The C&C package is completed with an emissions-trading mechanism, which should include a percentage cap to limit the proportion of a country's reductions that can be bought rather than achieved domestically. Monitoring and enforcement mechanisms are also required and should be set up by the UNFCCC.

C.4 EU Emmisions trading Scheme

CC230 The current EU emissions trading scheme has two primary flaws; it not based on equal rights to the atmosphere, nor on global greenhouse-gas stabilisation targets. As a result the highest polluters are rewarded with the greatest allocation of emission permits, full carbon life-cycle emissions are not assessed and no attempt is made to correlate with global stabilisation targets. It needs complete restructuring in line with Contraction and Convergence principles.

C.5 The Clean Development Mechanism

CC240 The Clean Development Mechanism which allows credits for GHG emission reductions in Non-Annex 1 (developing) countries has become particularly damaging through its support for monoculture tree plantations in developing countries, called 'Green Deserts' by many local NGOs, and for bio-energy crop plantations. No CDM credits must be given for agro-forestry sectors linked to deforestation, peat drainage, biodiversity loss, human rights abuses or evictions. Low biodiversity tree plantations (as opposed to old growth forests and other original ecosystems) should not qualify as carbon sinks as they are generally not considered to be ecologically self-sustaining; new tree growth will not necessarily replace low diversity plantation trees at the end of their lifespan.

C.6 Biofuels

CC250 It is particularly alarming that nations are trying to meet the requirements of the KyotoProtocol by using bio-energy classed as 'carbon neutral' despite large-scale greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and peat burning. By doing so, Annex 1 nations are simply exporting greenhouse gas emissions to the developing world and, in doing so, are contributing to greater emissions overall. There is a limited role for sustainable bio-energy, but this must not lead to an increase in monocultures or in the area of the planet under agriculture. There is growing opposition in many countries of the South to large-scale bio-fuel plantations grown to serve the OECD markets, and we support the local communities and NGOs resisting those developments. Within Europe and the UK we call for a suspension of all bio-energy targets and obligations until clear environmental and human rights standards for bio-fuel production accompany such targets. An import ban should also be imposed on products linked, directly or indirectly to deforestation and other negative social and environmental impacts.

CC251 In line with party policy on applying the precautionary principle, the Green Party calls for an immediate moratorium on agrofuels from largescale monocultures - a period for scientists and policy makers in the EU and western nations to gain a greater understanding of the true impacts on the social, human rights, land rights, climate impact, and biodiversity impact issues. The Green Party supports the Agrofuels Moratorium Call launched in July 2007 in Brussels (supported by over 100 organisations in its first week). Agrofuels is the term coined to describe liquid fuels from biomass, which consist of crops and trees grown specifically for that purpose on a large-scale.

CC252 The majority of biofuels are made from large-scale monocultures of oil palms, sugar cane, soya, maize, sugar beet, oilseed rape and jatropha. They contribute substantially more to to greenhouse gas emissions by nitrous oxide emissions from fertiliser use and by land conversion than are saved by burning slightly less fossil fuels. As such agrofuels are set to significantly accelerate climate change. Other problems include biodiversitylosses, water and soil degradation, human rights abuses (including the impoverishment and dispossession of local populations) and the loss of food sovereignty and food security. The impacts seen today result from a less than 1% market penetration of biofuels in Europe yet the EU target is 10% by 2020 and the UK are aiming for 5% by 2010. The European demand for biofuels is pushing up commodity prices and thus encouraging multi- billion dollar investment in infrastructure and refineries linked to largescale deforestation. The impacts of this investment could be irreversible and will open up tens of millions of hectares of virgin forest to land conversion and logging. An immediate moratorium is the only way to put the brakes on such disastrous investment decisions.

CC253 The moratorium would apply to European and British public sector incentives for agrofuels and agroenergy from large-scale monocultures, including tree plantations, and a moratorium on EU imports of such agrofuels. This includes the immediate suspension of all targets, incentives such as tax breaks and subsidies which benefit agrofuels from large-scale monocultures, including financing through carbon trading mechanisms, international development aid or loans from international finance organisations such as the World Bank. The moratorium called for by the signatories will apply only to agrofuels from large-scale monocultures (and GM biofuels) and their trade. It doesnot include biofuels from waste, such as waste vegetable oil or biogas from manure or sewage, or biomass grown and harvested sustainably by and for the benefit of local communities, rather than on large- scale monocultures.

CC254 The Green Party also calls for a moratorium on the use and development of genetically engineered crops and trees, microbes and fungi for the production of any biofuels including agrofuels, due to the high environmental risks involved in GM technology.

C.7 Rainforests

CC260 Deforestation accounts for several billion tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, and this figure is rising. Scientists are worried that deforestation has pushed the Amazon close to a tipping point beyond which it may no longer be able to sustain its rainfall cycle and could progressively turn into savannah and even desert, vastly accelerating global warming. Emergency action is needed to implement a global moratorium on logging and burning of old growth forests; while ecological restoration must be funded to restore ancient forests which have been degraded or destroyed. The industrialised nations and multinational companies have profited the most from the cheap timber and pulp, cattle feed, meat and other food imports which result from global deforestation, and must therefore pay the cost of implementing a logging and land conversion moratorium. Trade rules must be changed to ban the international trade in products produced at the expense of old- growth forests.

CC261 The Green Party calls for an emergency international agreement to stop global deforestation. This must be developed as a priority and implemented in full consultation with the local and indigenous communities recognising traditional land rights. This must be made an integral part of existing and future climate change frameworks and the EU and UK must begin to work towards these aims now, not delay action until adopted by the UN.

C.8 Peatlands

CC270 The Green Party calls for an emergency international agreement to stop swamp draining and burning of peatland. Such a convention needs to include measures to extinguish fires, re-flood and restore drained peatlands and needs to be linked to a revision of the Clean Development Mechanism in Europe and the broader climate change framework. (see also CC240).

CC271 To achieve the necessary emissions reductions (see section C1) a new protocol will have to make ecosystem destruction and degradation a priority focus. Simply reducing the rate of deforestation will not be sufficient. Only a moratorium followed by a ban on industrial logging and land conversion of all old growth forest will allow us to achieve this goal; see section C7 . Such a ban should be binding on all nations, including nations which currently import wood products or agricultural commodities produced at the expense of old growth forests and ecosystems.

CC272 The Green Party considers the use of market-based mechanisms as an alternative to a moratorium to be wholly inadequate. Commodifying nature and including it in emissions trading is unlikely to slow ecosystem degradation and may even accelerate it. Further, market mechanisms are likely to increase social and economic injustice and to dispossess indigenous and local communities who have a vested interest in protecting forests and other ecosystems, and are most capable of doing so.

CC273 Ecological restoration must be an essential part of a climate change agreement, in order to reverse some of the damage done to ecosystems and to strengthen their ability to survive the now unavoidable levels of global warming. Ecosystem restoration must be based on scientific evidence and must be implemented in ways which are socially just and respect the rights and needs of local communities. Priorities for ecological restoration would include the reflooding of peatlands, particularly the peatlands of South-east Asia which have been drained for monoculture plantations, the protection of selectively logged or 'degraded' primary forests from land-conversion and further industrial logging, and measures to reduce the fragmentation of essential ecosystems by monoculture plantations. Biodiversity will be a key measure of the success of ecological restoration.

CC274 Sufficient funding for ecosystem protection and ecological restoration must be made available through the North-South transfer of funding which is an essential component of Contraction and Convergence. Funding will be required for enforcement of logging and land conversion bans, for fire protection and forcommunity forestry and social incentives, including education, public awareness raising and fostering the traditional values systems of indigenous peoples and local communities, measures shown to be effective for ensuring forest protection.

CC275 A new climate change agreement must include clear mechanisms to reverse the trend towards low-biodiversity, high-chemical input monocultures, and to support mixed high biodiversity agricultural systems based on permaculture principles which retain soil carbon. This necessitates regulatory and rightsbased mechanisms, supporting the land rights of small farmers and local communities and regulating against those agribusinesses which rely on destructive agricultural methods that result in ecosystem destruction and high greenhouse gas emissions.

C9. Livestock Farming

CC280 The substantial contribution of livestock farming to greenhouse gas emissions (see AG206, AG102, CC208) makes it evident that, to achieve our climate objectives and emissions targets, such farming will need to be drastically and rapidly reduced.

CC281 A reduction in livestock farming will have implications for land use, agriculture and human diets. Our policies for sustainable agriculture (see Agriculture chapter as well as EU542, EC952, CY524, EN508, FD302) will achieve a transition away from the production of animal products towards production for predominantly plant-based diets and bring other opportunities for farmers to diversify. The Green Party will manage this transition sensitively, so as well as reducing direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, it will bring benefits for farmers, consumers, the environment and animal welfare (see AR403).

C.10 Emissions Reductions in the UK

CC290 The principles of C&C would also provide the basis for reductions in emissions within the UK, through the introduction of a system of tradable quotas. This system should cover all emissions of carbon dioxide produced by burning of fossil fuels in the UK. On introduction of the system the total carbon quota would be equivalent to current emission levels, but would reduce year-on- year to meet the targets set out in section C1. Carbon quota would be needed for all purchases of electricity (if not from a renewable source), air flights and direct purchase of fossil fuels including gas, coal, petrol, diesel and fuel oil. Consideration would be given to also including long distance train travel. A system for buying and selling quotas would be established.

CC291 A proportion of the total quota would be distributed free of charge to all eligible individuals in the UK, with all adults receiving an equal amount. The remaining quota would be sold to organisations (public, private and voluntary) by a system set up by the government.

CC292 In addition to the introduction of quotas there would be a major programme of investment in energy conservation, energy efficient appliances, public transport and renewable energy technology, so that people are able to live within their quotas. This investment would be achieved through a programme of public spending and through the revision of technical standards, such as building regulations and standards for energy efficiency of appliances. The details of these measures are set out elsewhere in the PSS. See in particular:

• AG206 (Agriculture)
• EC786 (UK Taxation).
• EC921 (International Economic Management)
• EN500-511 (Energy Conservation)
• EN800-816 (Renewables)
• EU521-2 (Transport within the EU)
• F202 (Forestry)
• HO501-2 & 605 (House Building Standards)
• LP403 (Building Location)
• LP500-504 (Conservation in Buildings)
• TR010 (Transport - Aims)
• TR040-049 (Renewable Fuels)
• TR063-066 (Charges and Taxes)
• TR100-102 (School Transport)
• TR200 (Public Transport)
• TR300 (Personal motorised transport)
• TR330 (Freight)
• TR430-1 (Shipping)
• TR500-3 & 550 (Air Transport)

CC293 Government should institute a national publicity campaign on the threats from climate change, the need to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other green house gases, and how individuals can play their part in this.

CC294 We will publicise the various ways in which measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can provide immediate benefits to our quality of life, our economy and the environment, as well as delivering long-term benefits by tackling Climate Change.

 

Climate Change last updated Spring 2008

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The following additional policy statements can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) for Climate Change available on the Members webiste:

• Contraction and Convergence (September 1998. Amended January 2002)
• Global Climate Policy - the Kyoto Protocol and "flexibility mechanisms" (Autumn 1998. Amended January 2002)
• Mozambique Floods, Greenhouse Warming, Responsibility and Compensation (Spring 2000)
• Climate Change (Autumn 2003)
• Air Traffic Emissions Reduction Bill (Autumn 2004)
• The Climate Change Challenge (Autumn 2004)
• International demonstrations to demand that USA and Australia ratify Kyoto (Spring 2005)
• Conservative Party Filibustering on Climate Change (Spring 2006)
• Radical Climate Action (Autumn 2006)
• Restricting Fossil Fuel Production (Spring 2008)
• Geo-engineering (Spring 2009)

 

Countryside

Major revision January 1990

Details

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COUNTRYSIDE

Background

CY100 The rural areas of England and Wales are home to some twelve million people, many of whom experience the same social and economic pressures that are recognised among urban populations. These pressures include poverty, homelessness, unemployment, inadequate social and medical provision, alienation and prejudice.

CY101 These rural areas, which we collectively know as the Countryside, also represent the habitats for the greater proportion of wildlife in England and Wales. Habitats and their plant and animal communities are also under great stress from the demands of the total human population and from climate change and other environmental impacts. Some habitats are globally rare or unique to the British Islands and we have international obligations to conserve them.

CY102 In developing our policies for the countryside, the Green Party recognises the conflicting interests behind the pressures faced by both the human and nonhuman populations. By doing so we seek to protect and enhance quality of life, not only for rural communities, but also for urban populations that rely on the many services provided by the countryside. These include the supply of food, water and natural resources and for a wide range of recreational pursuits ranging from the casual to highly organised events that are enhanced by or depend on their rural setting.

CY103 Failure to reconcile the many conflicting demands found within the countryside risks further drift of population to urban areas, leading to further strain on urban facilities. In addition, these demands may lead to an ecological collapse that would have major consequences for the economy and wellbeing of people in England and Wales and beyond.  

General Principles

CY200 The Green Party recognises that meeting the varied needs of rural and urban communities may require different approaches that are nevertheless harmonised so that the interests of one community do not dominate another and that experiences gained are shared for mutual benefit.

CY201 The countryside is a living ecosystem that is essential for the survival of human communities both rural and urban. It has an innate value that cannot be assessed in solely monetary terms.

CY202 The Green Party believes that we all have an obligation to live within the natural limits of our environment and to adopt lifestyles that will not irrevocably damage the environment for future generations.    

Long Term Aims

CY300 The objective of our countryside policy is to create self-reliant communities that retain the fruits of local investment and activity and preserve the conditions where people can live in ways which care for habitats and wildlife and allow them to fulfil spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual and physical needs.

Short Term Aims

CY400 The Green Party will seek to integrate environmental, social and economic objectives in all areas of countryside and rural policy, with the overall aims to:

a) Revitalise the economy and life of rural communities;
b) Legislate to reform land tenure and access to land;
c) Legislate to stop further destruction of wildlife habitats, the soil, the landscape, ancient monuments and our countryside heritage;
d) Enact policies that will make the whole countryside more hospitable to wildlife, entailing increased protection for wildlife and habitats and delivery of meaningful landscape-scale conservation and restoration;
e) Increase the area and quality of woods, orchards, agroforestry, hedges and other tree cover;
f) Ensure food security, integrating human health and wellbeing, environmental protection, animal welfare and decent livelihoods for farmers, farm workers and growers;

f) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop appropriate renewable energy especially at local and community level.  

Policies

Wildlife, Habitat and Species Protection

CY500 Maintaining a healthy environment necessitates the maintenance of species diversity and the vigorous protection of wild habitats. The Green Party's policies to increase self-reliance and address our consumer-based lifestyle will help to ensure that we do not make environmentally damaging demands on the countryside or the rest of the world. We will work to extend globally our policies to support sustainable rural communities and will support at every level of the international community effective measures to protect the environment.  

CY501The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and related legislation will be consolidated and strengthened to remove loopholes and weaknesses that allow further destruction of wildlife and habitats. The Green Party will ensure that wildlife-rich sites are adequately protected and extend a basic level of habitat protection to the whole countryside. We will ensure that there are sufficient resources to enforce the legislation.

CY502 The Green Party will make it a general offence to cause cruelty to wild animals or suffering where it can be practicably avoided. Those committing such acts will be prosecuted in the same way as for domestic animals. Humane methods of killing, for instance in pest control, will be required. The Green Party will bring in an outright ban on snaring.

CY503 We will ensure that legislation is adequate to prevent wildlife crime and that there are sufficient resources to enforce the legislation and prosecute those who carry out wildlife crime.

CY504 The Green Party will work with appropriate partners to strengthen international wildlife law and to ensure that it is implemented.

CY505 We will work at the European level to strengthen protection of habitats through the Habitats Directive and will ensure that Pillar 2 of the Common Agricultural Policy continues to provide environmental and habitat protection.

CY506 We support the establishment of Nature 2000 network of special areas of conservation established by the European Habitat Directive and its associated legislation. Although the UK has a good record of reporting on such sites, biodiversity is still threatened at many types of sites in particular grassland, wetland and coastal sites. And more positive action on biodiversity is needed.    

CY507 Introduction of non-native wild plants and non-native genotypes of British species may have a negative impact on wild plant populations and communities in the UK. The Green Party aims to ensure good quality habitat restoration and avoid the introduction of harmful or invasive non-native plants. Relevant policy is in place under the Convention for Biological Diversity, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the Habitats Directive but there remain loopholes. We will review legislation and implement new laws where currently there are only codes of practice. We will collaborate at a European level to achieve this, including both live plants and seeds in the review.  

CY508 Collection of wild plant species may have impacts on wild populations. The Green Party will support measures to introduce a European Wild Plants directive which would give clear labelling on all living wild plant material traded within Europe, license all traders dealing with wild-collected plant material and tighten up
import and export controls on wild plants.

CY509 The Ramsar Convention is a global network of wetlands for sustaining people and the environment; the UK has 168 designated sites. The Green Party will ensure that Ramsar Convention sites remain highly protected and that other designated areas retain a high degree of protection from development.

CY510 The Green Party recognises the continuing pressures on the countryside. Rather than economic growth being the key driver of planning policies, we believe that ecologically sound strategic planning is needed, protecting and enhancing the environment and integrating the needs of urban and rural communities, as well as future generations. The Green Party opposes the relocation of environmentally damaging operations overseas.   

The Rural Economy
 
CY511 Rural areas support a dynamic and diverse economy that employs over 5 million people and makes a significant contribution to the national economy. Agriculture lies at the heart of this economy and it supports many spin-off enterprises - from recreation to retail outlets. The Green Party believes that a new policy approach is needed to support and enhance this vital economic sector (see below). However, we also acknowledge the potential of non-agricultural rural enterprise, including recreation and tourism, renewable energy, home working and internet linked enterprise. We will pursue policies to enhance such diversification of the rural economy, shifting it away from its traditional low pay and seasonal work. In doing so we will ensure that rural enterprise does not adversely impact on the ecology or food production potential of the countryside.

Agriculture  

CY520 Agriculture forms an important part of the rural economy, producing food and other products, generating income and providing employment. Agricultural land makes up a large part of the countryside and rural landscape and supports diverse wildlife habitats. Green Party policies on Food and Agriculture aim to improve farming livelihoods, provide safe and nutritious food, improve long-term food security and increase regional and local self-reliance in food.
 
CY521 The Green Party will support shorter supply chains and direct links between producers and consumers to maximise income generation in rural areas and to supply healthier, fresher food. We will discourage large-scale agribusiness, processors and retailers which take large profit margins, concentrate jobs in urban centres and cause the closure of small, local retailers.
 
CY522 The Green Party will discourage the amalgamation of farms, support family farms, improve access to land for new entrants to farming and horticulture and favour the setting up of sustainable, small-scale and labour-intensive enterprises and their associated dwellings. We support sustainable diversification and multiple use of agricultural land and buildings, for instance for appropriate renewable energy, tourism, recreational pursuits and low-impact enterprises.
 
CY523 The Green Party will support small-scale, environmentally benign farming systems that protect the soil, biodiversity and water resources, minimise greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, support ‘joined-up' wildlife habitats and provide secure jobs in rural communities. We support farming and land management which conserve and, where appropriate, increase woods, orchards, agroforestry, hedges and other trees. We will phase out ‘factory farming' and discourage farming systems highly dependent on fossil fuels and imported feed that have large-scale environmental impacts and tend to reduce rural income and employment.
 
CY524 Soil is the biggest pool of carbon stored in the land, and is an important wildlife habitat in its own right. Soil is also an essential resource without which human civilisation cannot survive, yet farming is too often responsible for depletion and degradation of the soil. Through legislation and support for agri-environment schemes, the Green Party will ensure that all farming and land uses protect and enhance the soil.
 
CY525 Agriculture accounts for a large proportion of the pollution of watercourses with nitrates, phosphates and sediments from fertilisers, inappropriate application and disposal of manure and from soil erosion. Release and deposition of nitrogen compounds pose threats to biodiversity. Pesticide spraying can threaten watercourses and the health of farm workers, rural communities and consumers. The Green Party will support a strategy to reduce release of nitrogen compounds and other pollutants, will increase monitoring of watercourses and enforce penalties for pollution of watercourses and unsafe or inappropriate use of pesticides.
 
CY526 The Green Party will work towards replacing the Common Agricultural Policy, and while it still exists, support a radical reorientation of the CAP to support sustainable farming systems that protect and enhance wildlife habitats and biodiversity, ensure fair and secure farm incomes, support sustainable and thriving rural communities and promote regional and local self-reliance in food.

CY527 The Green Party welcomes the concept of agri-environment schemes such as Environmental Stewardship and initiatives such as catchment-sensitive farming, where agricultural support may be used for environmentally sympathetic ends. We support extension of the concept to the whole of the countryside. We encourage further investment as having a positive role to play in securing the future of the countryside. 

Land Tenure

CY530 The Green Party will introduce Land Value Taxation (see LD400), which will be calculated to take into consideration the economic effects of having to conserve wildlife habitats, archaeological sites and other landscape features. This would help to reduce inequality in the ownership of land and buildings and would help new entrants into farming and poorer local people to afford housing.

Planning

CY540 The Green Party will ensure that planning for sustainable use of the countryside for multiple purposes is a major and integral part of the Local Development Frameworks to be implemented by all Local Planning Authorities and National Park Authorities. Advice will be provided by the government's statutory authorities and agencies on conservation and full democratic consultation undertaken. Ecological criteria will be given full weight in all planning decisions.

CY541 The Green Party will ensure that planning decisions are made at the lowest appropriate level - by elected parish, town, district, county or unitary councils, and ensure that they have the necessary training and access to knowledge to make appropriate decisions. Appeals against refusals will be determined by a strengthened independent planning inspectorate, competent to take all factors into account. The Infrastructure Planning Commission, or any similar separate fast-track body for national infrastructure decisions, will be abolished as democratically unsafe. However, steps will be taken to avoid unnecessarily long hearings into major developments. The Green Party will review the case for the right to appeal against local planning approvals.

CY542 The Green Party will strengthen planning controls for large-scale or damaging land-use changes in the countryside, in particular, large-scale farm buildings, new and improvement works by drainage bodies and water authorities, clearances of woodland, works affecting woodland and large-scale afforestation.

CY543 The Green Party will introduce legislation to halt and reverse the spread of light pollution in the countryside in order to protect the dark night sky and to minimise disturbance to wildlife from artificial light. There will be a presumption against new lighting in the countryside - this will be incorporated into all Local Development Frameworks. Improved lighting design and the use of more efficient lighting will be required for new developments or replacement of existing lighting. Energy conservation, including the removal or reduction of unnecessary lighting, will be promoted. National policy that encourages local renewable energy installations will be retained, strengthened and enforced.  

Countryside Designations

CY550 We see the whole of the countryside as important for conservation and will treat all farmland and open country as environmentally sensitive. The Green Party endorses the extra controls and incentives for specially protected areas but wishes to see their successes replicated as widely as possible. In particular we will work to link the current protected areas into a wider network of sites.

CY551 We will encourage Natural England and the Countryside Council for Wales to carry out a thorough review of the complicated system of designated areas. In the  long term, we will seek the continued expansion of conservation principles to the whole of the countryside.

CY552 National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty provide a popular expression of the nation's love of the countryside and demonstrate a special combination of access, recreation and tourism. In the long term the lessons learnt from National Parks and successes in arresting unbridled agricultural, forestry, industrial and mining developments will be applied to the whole countryside.

CY553 The Green Party will strengthen and widen the role of National Parks and the Park Authorities by encouraging better democracy in their governance, by addressing the lack of control and investment in species and habitat protection and by encouraging better take-up of renewable energy opportunities.

CY554 The Green Party considers that the use of National Parks for artillery ranges and other forms of destructive military training are incompatible with the designation of a National Park and its continuance cannot be tolerated. We will press for the earliest withdrawal of inappropriate military training within National Parks.

CY555 The Green Party will ensure that the National Planning Policy Framework continues to provide strong policy protection against mineral extraction in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). Local authorities will be encouraged to make a concerted effort to remove the remaining old dormant permissions in these sensitive areas. We oppose all mineral developments in National Parks, other than small-scale operations that produce materials for local traditional building and repair.

CY556 The Green Party will halt all damaging road construction within National Parks, in favour of the enhancement of public transport and improved access for walkers and cyclists. 

Environmentally Sensitive Areas

CY560The Green Party will provide adequate funding for the management of designated sites, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), National Nature Reserves (NNRs) Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs). In addition we will give local authorities the power to make Countryside Conservation Orders to protect vulnerable features which require conservation, consistent with our aim to disseminate good practice more widely.

CY561 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty will receive comparable status to National Parks. As with National Parks, they are exemplars for the whole countryside.

CY562 The Green Party will retain and rigorously strengthen Green Belt legislation as a positive measure to revitalise the countryside, improve quality of life for people in cities and large towns and encourage the extension of ‘green wedges' into the cities. We will:
a) Make rural communities rewarding places to live and work in, reducing and reversing rural depopulation and out-migration.
b) Extend environmental and social impact statements into all areas of decision-making.
c) Encourage the development of thriving urban and rural communities.
d) Reduce speculation in land in both urban and rural areas.

Woodlands, Forests and Trees (see Forestry)

CY570 Woods and trees play a vital role in the landscape. They protect soil from erosion, protect water supplies and water quality, provide wildlife habitats and protect the climate by storing carbon both above ground and in the soil. They can provide us with renewable supplies of timber, wood fuel and healthy food. They can make landscapes more beautiful. Woods, plantations, orchards, agroforestry, hedges and trees are especially important to our policies to protect the countryside.  

CY571 The Green Party will ensure that woods are considered as an integral part of Local Development Frameworks. Planning authorities will be required to liaise with the Forestry Commission and other bodies when dealing with the establishment of new woods and the management of existing ones. The public ownership of woods and plantations that are currently in public ownership, such as those managed by the Forestry Commission, will be rigorously protected. Public rights of access to such woods and plantations will also be rigorously protected whenever this is compatible with wildlife protection and good management.

CY572 Good management of existing woods, plantations, orchards and hedges will be encouraged, for example through agri-environment schemes. Farmers and landowners will be encouraged to allow new woods to grow and where appropriate to create new plantations, orchards, agroforestry and hedges.

CY573 The Green Party will prohibit destruction of ancient woodland.  

Access to the Countryside

CY580 The Green Party will extend the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to provide wider public access such as that granted in Scotland by the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Access Authorities will ensure that the law is properly implemented. Public access to woods and plantations will be protected (see above).
 
CY581 The Green Party will ensure that adequate funding is provided to protect and maintain existing rights of way and to create new ones.

Local Authorities

CY590 We see local authorities as custodians of local democracy, being the primary agents for conserving the countryside and building strong and resilient rural communities. The Green Party supports the further devolution of powers from central government and higher-tier authorities to lower-tier authorities. We will act to strengthen the role and responsibilities of Parish and Town Councils.    

Rural Housing

CY600 There is a crisis of housing and affordable homes in rural areas. Pressure to build more houses to accommodate second and third homes puts pressure on housing availability and on land, which frequently is good quality agricultural land better suited to supplying long-term food requirements. Developments in existing rural towns and villages puts pressure on already inadequate facilities, and while incoming residents can benefit such areas, new housing developments
can generate local hostility. Much of this new build is unaffordable to people working in the countryside and for a young rural generation who might choose to remain close to their family roots.
 
CY601 Imaginative schemes, as proposed in the Green Party Housing policy, are needed in order to address the issue of rural homelessness and to secure a supply of affordable homes (see HO103). A Rural Housing Agency will be established to keep under review the needs of people working in rural areas who might not be able to access homes through traditional routes (see HO507).

CY602 Support will be given to low-impact living initiatives, particularly where they can meet rural housing need and help with rural economic regeneration. Such developments will be required to follow the principles of sustainability and self-reliance being pioneered by the Transition and Low Carbon Communities movements (see HO509). These schemes might include self-build projects (see HO508).
 
CY603 The Green Party will enact policies to discourage the speculation in land that pushes up prices beyond the means of the majority rural population. We will discourage second home ownership since this effectively reduces house availability to the permanent rural population.
 
Rural Transport and Services
 
CY604 Transport needs of rural areas differ from those of towns, yet too often the rural service is no more than the poor relation of an urban based system. Because of the inadequacy of rural facilities and employment opportunities, distances travelled are generally greater, involving greater expense than in urban areas (see TR080). Dependency on cars for essential trips is much greater, with many villages and remote communities having no, or an inadequate, public transport alternative. Such are the distances to be travelled the alternatives of walking or cycling may well be unrealistic. As a result of these factors, plus the higher costs of fuel in rural areas, expenditure per household on travel in rural areas is generally higher than in urban areas. For people in the lowest income bands this can be as much as 50% higher than their urban equivalents. However, a significant number of countryside residents do not have regular
access to a car, young people and disabled people being particularly disadvantaged.
 
CY605 The aim of the Green Party's rural transport policy is to secure equitable accessibility in a sustainable manner that minimizes impact on the environment and the community (see TR010). An important element of this policy is demand reduction (see TR020). Planning policy will reflect the need to reverse the trend away from local facilities in favour of centralised, usually town-based developments. Any new housing developments in the countryside will also be required to recognise the potential transport needs of residents, providing solutions that do not rely on private car ownership.
 
CY606 The Green Party will develop a more innovative approach based on real needs as expressed by people living in the countryside. Such innovations would include shared vehicle ownership, community  transport schemes, multiple-use vehicles such as the alpine-style post bus and locally based and affordable private hire (see TR211). Modern web and phone-based technology would be utilised to enable more efficient use of available transport.
 
CY607 The costs of delivery of a rural transport service may be higher than in urban areas. The Green Party will reform and increase the Rural Transport Grant to a level that allows for this. The grant will be administered by the most appropriate level of government, which will determine and enforce service levels in consultation with transport users (see TR201 & TR210).
 
CY608 The Green Party believes all citizens, both in towns and in the countryside, have the right to public services such as public libraries, music, sport, and the arts, and that public funds should therefore be provided to support them. However, the Green Party will encourage innovative solutions to maintain vital local services if necessary, such as post offices relocated into village shops, community halls and pubs, internet access in village halls and churches doubling up as meeting rooms and music venues.
 
CY609 Department of Health funding allocation will make sufficient allowance for the higher cost of delivering health services in rural areas, so reversing the trend of closing local facilities and transferring their functions to large urban centres.
 
CY610 The Green Party will ensure that high-speed broadband is available to all rural areas at the same cost as in urban areas, if necessary by adding a small fee for all phone lines.

Tourism in the Country

CY620 The countryside is probably the largest recreational resource in the country. Most people spend some recreational time in the country during the year, in pursuits ranging from the very informal to the highly organized. All recreational visits have some impact on the countryside and those who live there; increasingly people are expecting facilities and ease of access. A great many people benefit from a ‘reconnection' with nature and countryside recreation serves to enhance general health and wellbeing, both physical and mental.
 
CY621 Recreation and tourism are important parts of the rural economy. The Green Party will seek to ensure that this contribution is sustainable and benefits the economy of the locality where it takes place (see TM040 & EC911). In considering planning proposals, Local Planning Authorities will be required to consider the sustainability of the enterprise, the quality and permanence of the net employment the applicant claims would be created and its overall landscape and environmental impact. Periodic reviews will take place, incorporating an environmental impact assessment (see TM031) and the input of local
residents.
 
CY622 Correctly managed, recreation and tourism have the potential to enhance the lives of people living in rural areas, where people can become isolated, not only through developing multi-use facilities, but also in offering the opportunities for people to meet and interact for mutual benefit (see TM016 & TM010).
 
CY623 The benefits of recreation and tourism can include inward investment and development in local communities (see TM003). The Green Party will encourage the development of multi-purpose facilities, usable throughout the year, to meet the needs of local people as well as visitors. Such facilities would offer more regular employment than seasonal facilities.
 
CY624 The Green Party recognises that developing attractive recreational and holiday facilities closer to centres of population is important in supporting our policy to reduce long-distance and air travel. However, we will ensure that facilities are designed and managed to minimise social and environmental impact (see TM002 & TM032). 

 

Last Update:
Spring 2012 CY630-631 mover to LP
Revised Autumn 2011

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The following additional policy statements can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) for Countryside available on the Members webiste:

• Endorse “The Land is Ours” Campaign (Autumn 1995)
• Archaeology (October 1996)
• Rural Issues (Spring 1999)
• Countryside and Rights of Way Act (Spring 2004)
• Protecting Youth Hostels (Spring 2006)
• Badgers, Cattle & Bovine TB (Spring 2006)

 

Crime and Justice

Major revision January 1990

Details

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CRIME PREVENTION & JUSTICE

Background

CJ100 The term "crime" covers many different categories and types of acts or omissions. Most crimes cause or threaten harm to individuals, groups, the community, other species or the environment. Crimes are currently defined by legislation which gives the Courts power to impose sanctions on people convicted of committing them.

CJ101 Crime arises from a combination of individual and social factors. The level and types of crime are related to the sort of society we create. Green policies are directed to improving the quality, as opposed to simply the material wealth, of our society, and ensuring a just distribution of that wealth and quality of life.

CJ102 Current approaches to imposing sanctions are a confused amalgam of conflicting principles; deterrence and punishment mixed with compensation and rehabilitation. This confusion undermines the potential for success of the positive aspects of the present system.

Principles

CJ110 Given that crime should be seen as partly caused by social factors, it cannot be adequately addressed solely in terms of criminal justice and policing policy. A Green approach to crime reduction therefore places significant focus on the social causes of crime. As well as social crime prevention, this includes a broader range of social policies which will lessen the social pressures, such as poverty, inequality or addiction to illegal drugs, to commit crime.

CJ111 The lives and liberties of individuals, groups and society as a whole must be protected within a law-based system which strives for justice, including social and economic justice, and fairness. We therefore believe that it is necessary for society to define certain forms of harmful behaviour as crimes, but that the list of crimes should be kept as short as possible.

CJ112 Criminal justice cannot be successfully imposed from above, but needs as far as possible to be a product of a living, democratic community. The basic institutions of Green justice should be community-based and relatively informal in nature. They should provide maximum potential for public participation.

CJ113 The Green approach to dealing with offenders however differs markedly from current practice. We believe retributive sentencing to be ineffective in reducing crime.

CJ114 We will introduce the principle of "restorative justice", which while denouncing the crime, deals constructively with both the victim and the offender. The primary aim will be to restore and, if necessary, improve the position of the victim and the community; the offender will be required to make amends.

CJ115 Restorative justice recognises the need not only to ensure that the amount and nature of reparation be appropriate to the harm suffered, but also that it is within the capacity of the offender to make it. This means that any shortfall will have to be met by the community.

CJ116 The symbolism of the scales of justice would be interpreted in a new way; balancing the harm done to the victim or community not by further harm inflicted on the offender, but by requiring the offender to make reparation.

Objectives

CJ200 To reduce the amount of crime committed by some individuals against others, against the community, against other species or against the environment, with the emphasis on persuading and enabling rather than coercion.

CJ201 To assist the victims of criminal acts as much as possible.

CJ202 To demonstrate clearly and constructively to offenders and other members of the community that criminal acts are unacceptable.

CJ203 To require reparation for crimes committed rather than punishment or retribution.

CJ204 To heal the rifts resulting from crime in such a way as to further social integration and to integrate offenders into the community rather than outlaw them.

CJ205 To intervene as minimally as the seriousness of the offence and the circumstance will allow, in order to achieve the aims of CJ202, CJ203 and CJ204.

CJ206 To ensure that if an offender has to be detained, the purpose of detention is not to punish humiliate or degrade him/her, but to protect society or the offender her/himself, while maintaining his/her dignity and human rights.

Policies

CJ300 A two-fold strategy is required; firstly to reduce crime and, secondly, to respond to it. This will ensure that crime prevention can focus on reducing the social pressures that are or are considered to be conducive to crime, and that restorative justice can function no longer complicated by incompatible considerations of crime prevention or general deterrence.

CJ301 These two functions will become the responsibility of two new ministries;

1)Departments of Crime Prevention: in addition to traditional modes of crime prevention, these departments will also promote social crime prevention.

2)Departments of Justice: in addition to responsibility for the judicial system, sentencing policy and practice, these departments will also sponsor services such as assistance to victims.

CJ302 These departments will function at every level of government, in accordance with Green Party policies on power being exercised at the lowest appropriate level.

Departments of Crime Prevention

CJ310 Prevention of social harms, including crime, is ineffective in our present society, because of a limited vision of what could be achieved by integrated policies designed to build a stable and just society.

CJ311 In addition to what is traditionally thought of as crime prevention (policing, physical security and so on), these departments would undertake:

a)social crime prevention, that is, reducing social pressures that are, or are considered likely to be, conducive to crime;

b)education to promote the development of communication cooperation and problem-solving skills.

CJ312 At each level of Government, these departments will co-ordinate the activities of other Departments concerned with social policies, especially housing, employment, education, recreation, social security, in much the same way as the Department of the Environment is concerned with the effects of other departments on pollution, and the Treasury with their expenditure.

Reducing the Threat of Crime

CJ313 Policy measures to reduce both the real threat and the fear of crime would include:

i)ensuring universal access to high quality youth facilities and open spaces.

ii)improving street lighting and ensuring people-friendly street design.

iii)ensuring prompt repairs of public amenities and spaces.

iv)increasing resources for caretakers, attendants and staff on estates, railway stations, parks and other public areas.

v)tackling drug related crime by pursuing measures outlined in DU410-413.

Police Services

CJ315 The Police service has failed to build meaningful trust with many communities and still does not adequately represent or reflect Britain's diversity, including its ethnic diversity. The police are only a mechanism to uphold laws which the community in general consider reasonable and fair. Policing must be by the consent of the community. The Green Party therefore supports:

i)Police forces supervised by and accountable to elected local government.

ii)A fully independent police complaints procedure.

iii)Appointment of more community and part-time police.

iv)Recruitment to police forces emphasising selection of candidates with previous experience in other walks of life.

v)An emphasis on crime prevention.

vi)Thorough anti-racism and equalities training for all staff working in the police and related services, and full implementation of all Lawrence inquiry report recommendations. Require all police forces to have equality and diversity liaison officers whose remit is to support and educate colleagues and ensure that incidents and hate crimes which target LGBTI people, people from black and ethnic minorities (including refugees and asylum seekers) and disabled people are thoroughly investigated and where appropriate, prosecuted, and that preventive action is taken.

vii)Strong, democratic community policing committees in every neighbourhood.

viii)More local police stations.

ix)Greater emphasis on ensuring diversity in all levels of policing so that they include people from a range of backgrounds including people from black and ethnic minorities, different sexual orientations, various faiths, trans people, and other social and cultural backgrounds, and are more equal in the employment of men and women.

CJ316 There will be fully independent inquiries into deaths in police custody and the police shooting of civilians.

Departments of Justice

CJ320 The departments of Justice would combine the current functions of the Lord Chancellors Department and the Home Office in relation to the administration of justice. They would be responsible for the judicial system, sentencing policy and practice. They would support and fund victim assistance agencies such as Victim Support Schemes, Women's Aid, Rape Crisis Centres and schemes to support people who suffer racist, transphobic or homophobic attacks or harassment. They would also sponsor and support local alternative dispute resolution initiatives including Mediation Centres.

CJ321 The Department of Justice at the local level of government will organise the setting up of Local Mediation Centres and fund their running. These centres will not only offer mediation between victims and offenders but also mediation between personal or social groups in civil, domestic and neighbourhood disputes.

CJ322 In order to ensure more effective justice and reduced crime, resources will be targeted towards enhancing co-operation between the police, the Prosecution Service, defence services, mediation services and courts and towards providing all parties involved in the justice process with sufficient means to reach fair decisions through transparent due process.

The Justice Process

CJ330 The community's first response to a crime is to offer support and services to victims.

CJ331 All accused who admit the offence or are convicted would immediately be provided with an opportunity to offer reparation to the victim(s). Local victim/offender mediation services could convey such offers to victims, in liaison with victim support, and negotiate between the two parties, offering the chance of a direct meeting - in the immediate future or later on - if the victim would like to have the opportunity.

CJ332 It is important to note that the process of mediation and reparation does not put all the onus on the offender. It is a mutual process: the community has a responsibility to provide adequate and well-staffed support facilities.

CJ333 Where offences have no identifiable victim, or where the victim does not wish to take part, offenders may still be offered mediation, but in this case with victims whose offenders have not been apprehended or with community representatives.

CJ334 Reparation might take various forms directly to the victim, if the latter wanted it, or in service or payment to the community; or it might include taking part in a programme that would encourage the offender to avoid offending again, such as vocational training, counselling, therapy, problem solving and other ways of overcoming disadvantage; or it might be a combination of these different forms of reparation. Where a crime has a transphobic, homophobic, or racist elements or targets people due to a disability or faith, the offender should be given specific training to encourage them to review their attitudes.

CJ335 For less serious crimes which have little effect except on those personally involved, the Prosecution Service (CPS) would use its discretion not to prosecute if adequate compensation had been agreed or to suspend prosecution conditionally on the offenders carrying out agreed reparation.

CJ336 For serious offences where the offender is regarded as a danger to society, or others are affected (for example because they fear they may become the next victims), a personal settlement is not enough. Serious offences require a public denunciation, and these cases would be brought to Court by the prosecution.

CJ337 Where the offender pleaded guilty or was found guilty, the court would

a)review any reparation already made and decide whether more was required in view of the seriousness of the offence;

b)consider any other suitable non-custodial options, e.g. probation or assistance with relocation;

c)subject to the offenders consent, arrange treatment or counselling;

d)if the offenders past behaviour or the offence were so serious as to indicate a grave danger to society, and there was a serious risk of repetition, order restrictions or detention.

CJ338 The Green Party will consider the possibility of supplementing the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme with a publicly funded safety-net compensation scheme in the case of property crimes where the victims cannot afford insurance and are dependent on Basic Income (EC730) or benefits, and where the offender has not the means to make full financial reparation, or where no offender has been convicted.

Sentencing

CJ340 Wholly unacceptable levels of men, women and children are currently imprisoned at great cost to their future rehabilitation, as well as to their families, the taxpayer and society in general. The Green Party is therefore committed to significantly reducing the prison population. To that end, a range of measures will be used, including changes to sentencing policy and practice. Courts will have a duty to reduce use of custodial sentencing in favour of community sentencing. (See also 'Immediate Prison Reforms' section, below.)

CJ341 New principles will be introduced giving Courts the duty to sentence with main objects of firstly, ensuring reparation to the victim or the community and secondly, persuading and enabling the offender to become a law-abiding member of the community.

CJ342 Reparation of whatever nature agreed or ordered would in the first place seek to reflect the actual financial and other losses and the pain, injury and inconvenience suffered by the victim. Then the offender's ability to pay and perform the reparation would also be taken into account.

CJ343 Reparation successfully completed before sentencing by the court in a serious case will be taken into account in determining the sentence. Mediation between victim and offender, however, will be a voluntary process affecting only the victim and offender as individuals.

CJ344 Current non-custodial sentences such as Community Service and Probation would continue to be used, but the use of fines would be replaced by measures which make reparation for the harm/ inconvenience caused. In the short term emphasis would be placed on increasing the reparative element in sentencing and reducing the use of detention.

CJ345 Vulnerable people such as those with mental health problems or learning difficulties will in a Green society, benefit from sufficient community support to reduce the likelihood of their offending. Their greatest needs are not for penal measures but for stable and caring families, decent accommodation and community medical (including psychiatric) provision.

CJ346 Sentencing practice would be constantly monitored to reveal:

a)whether it is being effective in ensuring reparation for the victim;

b)whether offenders are required to make reparation;

c)whether it is delivered in a non-discriminatory way as between different ethnic, gender and other social groups.

d)the extent to which it contributes to a reduction in crime.

Hate Crime

CJ350 In a just society everyone should be protected from crimes motivated by hatred and discrimination based on ethnicity, colour, gender, trans, sexual orientation, religion, social origin, age, disability including learning difficulties or any other prejudice. A comprehensive strategy will be adopted to tackle, significantly reduce and ultimately end hate crime. This will combine appropriate legislation, police and community resourcing and initiatives, and sentencing. Its effectiveness will be monitored and adjusted as necessary, in consultation with relevant non-government and civil society organisations and the equalities commissions.

Domestic Abuse

CJ351 Addressing the imbalances of power - including economic and social power - that can leave individuals vulnerable to domestic abuse is central to many aspects of Green Party policy. The Green Party recognises that domestic abuse takes places in a range of circumstances, in all types of relationships, and that the victims can be women or men, children or vulnerable adults, including disabled adults, older adults, trans people and people in same sex relationships. Nonetheless, it is acknowledged that a large majority of cases involve abuse by men against women, with research indicating that one in four women will experience domestic abuse during their lifetime. On average more than two women a week in Britain are killed by current or former domestic partners. Abuse can be physical, emotional or psychological, financial, or involve restricting of personal freedom.

CJ352 Relationship education to inculcate values of respect for others and respect for difference will be provided in schools and other appropriate environments. Such education will also provide knowledge about the unacceptability of abusive behaviour of all types, and about when potential victims are most vulnerable (such as women during pregnancy, in relationships involving drugs and alcohol), how abusers can gradually wear away at resistance, and what escape routes are available.

CJ353 Programmes will be provided that train all frontline staff dealing with the public, including housing officers, street rangers, police, workers in the health services and particularly maternity services, and other relevant individuals to recognise signs of abuse and to be able to provide pathways of escape for victims. They will recognise that for different victims different referral points and aid agencies will be appropriate. Victims will not be pushed towards police and the criminal justice system against their inclination or will. Peer support networks, with appropriate training and support, will be encouraged.

CJ354 Multi-agency working is essential to identify the full extent of domestic abuse and improve prevention or early intervention. Crime Reduction Partnerships must take lead in co-ordinating information from refuges, NHS, Police, Children's Services, Adult Services, social housing, schools, voluntary organisations and any other appropriate local body who may have information about individuals and families at risk.

CJ355 The Green Party recognise that domestic abuse can have wide ranging impacts, affecting whole families and neighbourhoods. Where children are living in households where there is physical abuse among partners, the children can often also be at risk of physical abuse, and witnessing abuse can have long-term psychological damage. We will expand access to counselling is for all those affected by domestic abuse, the victims, the witnesses and the perpetrators. This is the most effective way of reducing re-offending and breaking cycles of offending within family and neighbourhood networks.

CJ356 It will be assumed that victims will be assisted to remain in their own homes with the provision of all necessary safety measures (including alarms, improved locks and grills, extra police patrols, "neighbourhood watch" schemes etc). Where this is not possible or desired by the victim, appropriate immediate refuge and future housing will be available for all victims escaping domestic abuse. All of these provisions will be publicly funded with permanent guaranteed funding, so that there is certainty about their continuity. Victims will be offered appropriate counselling, and measures put in place to attempt to prevent offenders reoffending.

CJ357 For victims escaping domestic abuse, lack of funds can be a major barrier. If the abuser controls finance and the victim can not access public funding (e.g. working individuals who can't claim benefits), then the barriers to escaping are increased. All essential services will be made readily available to all victims to help them through the trauma and difficulties to escape abuse, including help with housing, legal costs, etc. The court system will be provided with appropriate resources and guidance to ensure that the needs of victims of abuse are recognised, both in hearings related to their case and other matters.

CJ358 Asylum policy will recognise that claimants may be especially vulnerable to domestic abuse, and will ensure that asylum claims of victims fleeing abuse are treated appropriately. It will also recognise that claims may be validly made on the ground that victims' own state will not or cannot protect them from an abusive partner.

Environmental Crime

CJ360 Environmental problems would inevitably assume much greater significance for a Green society; there would be a strengthening of legislation.

CJ361 While the protection of the environment would be promoted in accordance with the principles set out herein, a strong legal base will make it both easier and more desirable to establish community-based and regional forums for the settlement of environmental disputes and for preventing environmental harm by means of voluntary agreement. Third party mediation of multi-group disputes, where there are genuine conflicts of interest in the community, are now well-developed techniques and should be adopted in preference to authoritarian planning decision making structures. Coercion should be a last resort.

Wildlife and Animal Crimes

CJ362 Action is needed to tackle crimes committed against other species. These include infliction of suffering or failure to provide 'duty of care' for animals, the breaking of other animal protection legislation and crimes committed against threatened species and wild animals. Every police force will have a dedicated Wildlife and Animal Crimes Unit, which will work in liaison with local/regional Animal Rights Officers. (See AR401)

Motoring and Road Traffic Offences

CJ365 A separate but not wholly exclusive code dealing with these categories of offence will be implemented using many of the principles and guidelines referred to above but taking account of the particular role of the motor vehicle in society.

Homelessness

CJ366 The Green Party calls for the repeal of the Vagrancy Act 1824 because it is open to abuse by police and government. It discriminates against homeless people and wrongly labels them as criminals when their plight is a social problem.

Restriction, Detention and other Punitive Measures

CJ370 In some cases it will be necessary to place restrictions upon offenders to prevent re-offending, and in some of these cases to hold them in detention.

CJ371 Courts will have power to impose restrictions, for example by requiring offenders to report at stated intervals, or disqualifying them from practising certain occupations.

CJ372 Only the Crown Court will have the power to order detention and only when it is satisfied that the public must be protected because there is a substantial risk of a further grave crime, or that the offences have caused such public alarm that the offenders presence in the community would constitute a threat to his/her own safety.

CJ373 The duration of detention will be subject to a maximum, determined by Statute, and within the statutory limits set by the Court. Parole or early release will be subject to Department of Justice executive review with a right of appeal to a judicial forum.

CJ374 Prisoners will be granted the right to vote. Any decision to deny a prisoner the vote will be taken only by a judge, taking into account the particular circumstances of his/her case.

CJ375 When individuals fail to make reparation or to pay taxes, maintenance, or other moneys where the present penalty for non-payment is imprisonment, they will be required to make reparation for their default through service to the community if no other way of recovering the money is effective. In addition, in the case of those who have income in addition to the Basic Income which will be guaranteed under Green fiscal policy, repayments will be deducted from the Basic Income (EC750). A limit would be placed on the repayments to ensure that the individual was left with not less than the Basic Income.

CJ376 No person in contempt of court will be detained until an opportunity for non-custodial means of purging the contempt has been offered.

Immediate prison reforms

CJ380 The physical and social standards of prisoners will be improved so that as far as possible the only limitation on the dignity of their lives will be the denial of freedom of movement outside the prison. Prisoners would normally have their own room. They would enjoy extended facilities for communication and association with family and friends including unsupervised visits. Prisoners would as far as possible be detained near their family and home community.

CJ381 Recognising the nature of the female prison population, with high levels of mental illness, experience of being a victim of crimes such as sexual assault and domestic violence, and caring responsibilities for children, the only women who should be in custody are those very few that commit serious and violent crimes and who present a threat to the public.

CJ382 For the vast majority of women in the criminal justice system, solutions in the community are more appropriate. Community sentences must be designed to take account of women’s particular vulnerabilities and domestic and childcare commitments. The restrictions placed on sentencers around breaches of community orders must be made more flexible.

CJ383 Existing women’s prisons should be replaced with suitable geographically dispersed, small, multi-functional custodial centres. More supported accommodation should be provided for women on release to break the cycle of repeat offending and custody.

CJ384 Pregnant women in prison are particularly vulnerable and the scheme provided by the charity Birth Companions, which visits pregnant prisoners once a week, stays with them through birth and gives them support afterwards, should be extended to all women who wish to use it, with government funding.

CJ385 Prisoners should have improved access to meaningful activities, particularly real work and education and artistic and creative facilities. Particular efforts should be focused on ensuring all prisoners attain levels of literacy sufficient to allow them to function effectively in modern society.

CJ386 Prisoners will be offered counselling and appropriate assistance to overcome the root cause of their offences and reduce the likelihood of re-offending.

CJ387 Homelessness after release is a significant factor in reoffending. We will seek innovative schemes - such as offering training in construction skills that prisoners can use to restore dilapidated housing that they can then inhabit - to help deal with the problem.

CJ388 Prisoners rights will be legally enforceable and will be supplemented by grievance procedures and a prisoners' complaints commission, headed by a prison ombudsperson to whom appeal can be made if a grievance cannot be resolved within a particular institution. Regular spot inspections by lay visitors and Department of Justice inspectors will further contribute to ensure standards are maintained and human rights safeguarded. Suicide and self-harm are a huge problem within our prisons and we will ensure prevention efforts are stepped up. ‘Buddy schemes’, where prisoners help each other, guided by organisations such as The Samaritans, will be strongly encouraged.

CJ389 The Prison Medical Service will be incorporated into the improved National Health Service (see Health Policy). Its responsibilities will cover access to complementary health care, health education and the provision of counselling as well as the direct medication care of prisoners.

CJ390 The Health and Safety Acts and Factories Acts, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Unfitness provisions of the Housing Act 1985 will also be applied to prisons, and Crown Immunity will be abolished in relation to prisons.

CJ391 Young People under the age of 18 would no longer be kept in custody. Social Services Departments will have the responsibility to establish and run a range of small secure residential homes to cater for the needs of particular types of young people with special needs. Safeguards similar to those set out in CJ383 will be built in to the system.

CJ392 There will be adequate facilities and a suitable environment to allow a young child to stay or live with their parent or guardian in custody when this is considered to be in the best interests of the child.

CJ393 We oppose privatisation, use of PFI and any creeping or part privatisation of our prisons and the prison service.

Bail and remand pending trial

CJ394 We will strengthen the right to bail for suspects. Bail will be withheld only when the court has strong grounds for believing that a suspect must be separated from the public until the trial for the same reasons as apply to the power to order detention (see CJ372), or if the suspect has failed to honour bail commitments.

CJ395 Special arrangements will be made to ensure that the trial of such suspects will normally be held within six weeks from the time of arrest. Remand in custody will only be used for offences and offenders where detention after sentence is permitted. There will be a strict limit to the length of the remand. The safeguards set out in CJ383 above will also apply to bail hostels and detention cells in police stations and courts.

Costings

CJ400 The system of criminal justice proposed will we believe be cheaper and more effective than the existing system. Principal savings will come from the reduction in the use of imprisonment, but savings will also flow from the diversion from the courts of more minor offences.

Gun Control and Gun Crime

CJ500 Gun crime is a particularly serious problem and the Green Party is committed to tackling it by ensuring a high level of gun control as well as addressing the social factors which contribute to people committing crimes with guns.

Also, as well as their actual use, the presence and availability of guns and 'gun culture' contributes to fear of crime, intimidation and the reluctance of witnesses and victims to report crimes.

The Green Party is committed to introducing the following measures:

1. Defining lethal weapons
   The lethality of a gun will be defined quantitatively in law, thereby covering new weapons resulting from developments in firearms technology.
2. Prohibited weapons
   The most dangerous weapons will be prohibited. These include handguns, multi-shot and high calibre weapons. There will be a complete ban on the private ownership/possession of all automatic and semi-automatic firearms. A suitably constituted Gun Safety Advisory Committee will regularly review which weapons are prohibited.
3. Deactivated weapons
   All deactivated weapons will be treated the same as active weapons in terms of prohibition and licensing, as they are capable of being reactivated and can cause fear because they appear as though active.
4. Licensing
   A single rigorous licensing process will be put in place based on considerations of public safety rather than the convenience of shooters. Subject to relevant criteria, licenses will be issued for permitted shotguns and rifles, all lethal airguns and permitted deactivated guns.
   Users of firearms for sporting or agricultural purposes will be required to demonstrate their competence in handling firearms and satisfy the authorities of their mental and emotional stability:
   1. Applicants should also be required to obtain the signature of, say, ten citizens (just as a prospective electoral candidate) who will vouch for the good character of the licence holder. This will discourage the 'loners' and socially isolated individuals who are most at risk of committing the horror that occurred at Dunblane and Hungerford.
   2. The cost of medical and psychological tests must be borne by the applicant, together with a new annual fee which is sufficient to repay the economic damage - to police, court and NHS - inflicted on it by the abuse of guns generally. When licences are awarded the onus will be on the applicant to demonstrate his or her suitability to handle firearms rather than on the authorities to prove the applicant's unsuitability. Licence holders will be required to renew their applications on an annual basis individuals whose licence application is rejected will be required to wait at least two years before re-applying.
5. Imitation weapons
   There will be a complete ban on the manufacture, sale and import of imitation weapons (replica guns and blank firers) and a ban on their public possession. There will be licenses for imitation weapons used for film/theatrical purposes, and legislation to ensure toy guns are highly distinct in appearance, probably by being made of clear/translucent plastic.

International

The death penalty

CJ600 There is no place for capital punishment in a criminal justice system which is compassionate, just and respectful of human rights. No country or state should retain the death penalty in its criminal justice system. The Green Party advocates the abolition of the death penalty in all countries, and will use its influence in support of instruments and campaigns at national and international level which seek its global abolition.

 

Crime Prevention & Justice chapter updates:
Spring 2009: deleted reference to 0.5J in CJ500
Autumn 2004

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The following additional policy statements can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) for Crime & Justice available on the Members webiste:

• RHE05.1 New Anti-Terror Measures (Spring 2005)
• RHE05.2 Prevention of Terrorism Bill (Spring 2005)
• RHE05.3 Civil Law Injunction Pro-grammes (CLIPS) (Spring 2005)
• RHE05.4 UK Anti-Terror Laws (Autumn 2005)
• RHE05.5 Menezes Public Enquiry (Autumn 2005)
• RHE08.1 Political Policing at Kingsnorth Climate Camp (Autumn 2008)
• RHE09.1 Rape Crisis Centres (Spring 2008)

 

Culture, Media and Sport

Major revision September 2007

Details

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CULTURE MEDIA & SPORT

General Background

CMS100 Culture Media & Sport (CMS) are three important elements through which social identity and a sense of community can be fostered in larger social groupings than those which can be sustained by personal relationships.

CMS101 In all areas of CMS there are two ways in which people can engage with the activity - through participation as performer or producer, or through reception as audience or spectator. Both forms of engagement with the particular activity are important; the major social value of CMS activities is the dialogue between participant and observer.

CMS102 The rise of new media at the beginning of the 21st century can be seen as a public expression of a need for better access and improved participation. Similarly the continuing existence of grass roots activity in sport and culture, despite the large scale withdrawal of public sector support, shows the continuing need and value of these activities to citizens.

General Principles

CMS200 The central Green principle in Culture Media and Sport (CMS) shall be that of promoting participation over passive consumption.

CMS201 Green policies should seek to democratise access to culture, media and sporting activities, ensuring that individuals are not excluded by reason of age, gender, social, ethnic, economic or geographical factors.

CMS202 There is a particular duty on organisations responsible for administering cultural, media and sporting activities to ensure that both participants and audiences are not subject to any form of discriminatory treatment or abuse.

CMS203 We believe, as across all our policy, in democratising and localising where possible. Regulatory structures need to be effective and accountable, and applied and controlled at the most local practicable level.

CMS204 Support should be given to ensure that there are adequate resources available to allow activities to flourish at a local level of participation. Where the private sector is unable to provide accessible local media, local sporting activity or local cultural support then it is the role of government to ensure that adequate provision is available to meet the needs of the community.

CMS205 Where an activity makes use of limited resources (for example media bandwidth, land for sporting activity, venues for cultural activities) then it is the role of government to reserve a proportion of the resource for 'public' access (e.g. public service channels, public playing fields, support for local theatre infrastructure)

Censorship & Privacy

CMS206 The Green Party is opposed to all forms of censorship in the media and cultural activities for adults. The state and persons holding positions of power to control activities shall not censor freedom of artistic expression or freedom of speech. Where there is a conflict between the right to free expression or speech and the responsibility not to cause offence this should be dealt with by allowing the offended person equal right of reply.

CMS207 The Green Party recognises that not all freedoms may be appropriate for young persons. Parents and guardians have a responsibility to protect those in their charge from inappropriate material. In the case of material targeted directly at children the relevant authorities may have a duty to control content in loco parentis. (in the place of a parent)

CMS208 The Green Party recognises the right of citizens to enjoy privacy within their home and domestic activities. Where there is a conflict between the individual's right to privacy and legitimate public interest then the onus is on those claiming public interest to demonstrate their case. The Green Party recognises that an individual's actions in placing their private life in the public domain (for example politicians or celebrities inviting media attention) may undermine their right to privacy.

General Policies

CMS300 Green elected members of government authorities will seek to introduce policies to promote the widest participation in culture, the media and sporting activities.

CMS301 Specific policy frameworks for each area are outlined below. All policy proposals are aiming to reinforce the core principles of accessibility, localisation, participation and fair management of limited resources.

CULTURE, CREATIVITY & THE ARTS

Culture Background

CMS400 For the purposes of this chapter ‘culture’ means all forms of artistic expression, including entertainment, such as film, drama, dance, painting, photography, sculpture, crafts, architecture, design music and similar activities. It also includes the historical record of such activities.

CMS401 Culture is essential to human fulfilment. As a human need, it enhances the economy both directly and indirectly: where people are more fulfilled they are likely to contribute more to their work and to society. In a ‘Green’ society people of all ages and backgrounds would have access to participate in and enjoy all types of arts and cultural activities.

CMS402 The Green Party recognises that the ‘creative’ industries sector is growing significantly in the UK, and as we move towards a sustainable society we anticipate an increased role for artists and craftspeople.

CMS403 Arts and culture in the UK is currently structured and funded in a way that gives the ‘bigger’ players dominance over smaller community organisations and individual artists. A healthy and vibrant society does not see a necessary competition between creativity and purely financial business concerns. Indeed much commercial entertainment marries the two effectively. This needs to happen on the small scale and through community-based activities as well as the large and more commercial scale. Our aim is to rebalance the relationship between cultural superstars and ordinary people. The present imbalance amounts to a virtual deification of celebrity superstars, which mirrors the economic divergence between rich and poor.

Culture Principles

CMS410 We value artistic expression for its openness, diversity, imagination and importance in education. We do not measure artistic value in economic terms. We believe that the state has an important role to play in supporting artistic activity in society.

CMS411 Arts and creativity play a fundamental role in education. All education should be as creative as possible, both to enhance enjoyment and to achieve greater success.

CMS412. Financial support does not entail a right to intervene in other people’s self-expression. Arts policy-making, where it is needed, should be organisational in nature and empowering in character.

CMS413 Artistic activity has an important role to play in the sustenance of a society’s culture. We believe that the UK produces some of the finest professional theatre, film, comedy and music in the world and that home grown entertainment industries need to be recognised for the value they add to society. If we want to maintain cultural diversity in the 21st century these industries, at national and local level, on large and small scale, need to be protected and promoted in the face of the homogenising influence of a dominating global artistic culture.

CMS414 The body of historical creative work forms the basis of our culture at national, regional and local level; the preservation of this culture is a responsibility of the state through support for cultural stores such as museums, archives, libraries, heritage and major performing arts venues and companies.

Culture Objectives

CMS420 To enable people to participate both by extending opportunities to enjoy and participate in the arts and by providing support for non-commercial artistic organisations.

CMS421 To develop more relevant structures of support for the arts, building on the work of the Arts Council and ensuring that vibrant regional and local arts cultures can thrive.

CMS422 To promote our shared cultural heritage.

Short to mid term Policies

CMS430 To encourage the growth of local arts associations made up of practising artists.

CMS431 To require the representation of local arts associations, where they exist, rather than local government, on regional arts boards.

CMS432 To ensure levels of financial support for buildings housing cultural collections are such as to render admission charges unnecessary.

CMS433 To modify the licensing regulations to ensure that small scale live performance in pubs, clubs and similar venues is not stifled.

CMS434 To zero-rate live performance for VAT purposes.

Long term policies

CMS440 To shift responsibility for arts funding, where appropriate, from regional to local levels.

CMS441 To develop more autonomous and less dependent forms of financial support for the arts.

CMS442 We will explore the feasibility of a tax on superstar performances which is hypothecated to local cultural enterprises.

Culture and Commerce

CMS450 Sponsorship of the Arts: There may be a role for commercial sponsorship of any cultural activity. This should not be used to reduce the total state support for the Arts, but rather to allow state funding to be redeployed elsewhere.

National Lottery

CMS460 The National Lottery has generated vast profits for a private company, while the portion of its income directed towards ‘good causes’ is distributed by unelected quangos. Conference believes that the National Lottery is no substitute for the accountable system of wealth distribution that would be required to bring about a just society. The Green Party would dismantle the National Lottery within the term of one parliament, without compensation for its operators.

Media

Media Background

CMS600 The media section covers three major areas: a) Broadcast media: primarily television and radio b) Print media: primarily newspapers, magazines and journals. c) New media: primarily internet delivery by landline, wireless and mobile access. In addition this section deals with advertising in the media. A major concern for a policy framework across all media is the ownership of the means of content production and distribution, particularly where this allows gatekeepers to control access to the medium A second concern is that some media make use of a limited resource (e.g. electromagnetic spectrum, print distribution channels, internet bandwidth) and where this is the case a proportion of the resource needs to be maintained for public service purposes. A third concern is that, particularly in the case of the traditional media (press and broadcast), there need to be systems to ensure a degree of local access and content.

Media Principles

CMS610 The Green Party believes that a public service element in mass communications is a vital part of Britain's democracy. A healthy democracy is an informed democracy.

CMS611 The Green party believes that market mechanisms alone are an insufficient basis for regulation of the mass media.

CMS612 A key factor in Green Party media policy is recognition of the large influence that the mass media has on our democracy and our citizens. Public information supplied through mass media channels should not be subject to private or ministerial control.

CMS613 The world of mass media and digital communications is one of constant technological change and innovation. There is no reason why such changes cannot be utilised to facilitate greater public welfare and democracy.

CMS614 As a general principle data that is collected or generated at public expense should be made available to individual citizens for private use at no extra charge. Examples include Ordnance Survey mapping data and Post Office postcode data (see PA856)

Media Objectives

CMS620 We believe that there is a proper democratic case for limiting cross media ownership by trans-national companies. We would have tighter rules on cross-media ownership. We are not convinced that arguments around globalisation and competition are any justification for loosening restrictions. Allowing individuals and companies to have too much influence undermines the operation of healthy informed democracy, not just in the UK, but across the EU and beyond.

CMS621 We would seek to encourage wider, more localised, participation and discourage any further concentration of media ownership. Local participation links in with our economic strategy of strong local economies (see EC500)

CMS622 Part of the role of public service broadcasting is to provide a shared space for all citizens. Atomised broadcasting contributes to an atomised society; publicly supported channels should seek to address the whole society, reflecting the diversity and common interests of the whole potential audience.

CMS623 Public service broadcasting means that information and education are given equal precedence to entertainment in terms of availability and are not ghettoised to inconvenient times.

CMS624 As noted above, a public service obligation also includes entertainment as part of the mix. A public service channel may help ensure that top quality entertainment is available at times and places where it may not be commercially viable. This could include offering repeats of peak time entertainment from other channels in non-peak slots, as well as the production of high quality original programming

CMS625 The operation of public service media should be entirely divorced from interference by the government of the day both in terms of editorial content and in terms of economic support. Government's role should be confined to defining and reviewing a public service remit for channels with a public service obligation and providing sufficient funds to fully deliver the public service obligation through the Public Service Media Council (see CMS645).

CMS626 Across all the broadcasting media and press we would seek to ensure that local channels were locally owned and accountable. The concentration of regional press and radio ownership in national organisations acts to reduce diversity of output reflecting regional and local differences. The loss of locally owned television stations with the aggregation of ITV and Cable TV ownership is unhelpful and we will seek ways to reintroduce and protect viable locally based channels.

CMS627 New media ownership and access need to be monitored to ensure that 'digital divides' or ghettoisation of sections of the community does not occur. Just as society has historically provided a universal postal and telephone service to every address in the country without geographic penalty, so we should seek to ensure universal access to digital television and radio channels, broadband communications and mobile telephone use.

Media Policies

a) General

CMS630 We will establish a principle of appointing regulatory bodies by democratic means, through nomination from appropriate democratically organised bodies, including trade unions and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), as well as direct and indirect elections. All senior appointments, such as Director General of the BBC, or Chair of the Independent Television Commission (ITC), should be made by regulatory bodies, and where appropriate, scrutinized by the relevant Select Committee in the House of Commons.

CMS631 The Office of Communications (OFCOM) will remain as the primary regulatory authority across all media, but the remit will be amended to give social and cultural concerns equal weight to commercial factors. The current bias against intervention has tended to create a focus on market failure as the basis for regulation.

CMS632 Membership of the OFCOM Board and the Board Committees will be reformed to include democratically elected representatives from stakeholders.

CMS633 The role of OFCOM will be further expanded to take on statutory responsibility and regulation for matters relating to print media. In the first instance OFCOM may delegate front line complaint handling to the Press Complaints Commission (PCC), but OFCOM will provide a regulatory framework for the work of the PCC

CMS634 A free press & media are fundamental to our society and should not be constrained by spurious definitions of the public interest. Privacy laws, whilst protecting citizens' rights, should not be used to obstruct proper investigative journalism.

CMS635 Trade unions in the mass media can help democratisation of access to media by giving employee stakeholders a voice in the output of media channels. The Green Party will support the role of unions in the media, with a view to developing a formal union representation on governing boards of large media organisations in the UK.

b) Public Service Broadcasting

CMS640 In television and radio an important component of a public service obligation is the production and promotion of non ratings-led programming. Public service broadcasters will not be expected to maximise ratings where they can demonstrate a cultural value to their work.

CMS641 The primary public service broadcaster will remain the BBC (and S4C in Wales) funded wholly by public money from a tax which may be ring-fenced (hypothecated) for public service broadcast use. The operation of this tax should not be regressive. The existing licence fee will be abolished and in the first instance replaced by a guaranteed inflation linked payment from general taxation.

CMS642 As part of its public service obligation the BBC will be required to continue to develop its centres of excellence in all regions of the UK and have a significant local presence in all regions. The centralisation of functions in London does great dis-service to the rest of the country, and modern technology makes it feasible to run a fully dispersed national organisation.

CMS643 The BBC should be organised primarily as a public service and thus not have to behave as if it operated in a commercial market. This is not to discourage innovation in the BBC or to prevent the BBC competing in certain markets against commercial companies, but to recognize that the value and success of the BBC is not solely measured in commercial terms. Following from this the funding of the BBC cannot be viewed solely through an economic prism, but must include the idea of public utility.

CMS644 The Green Party believes in maintaining public funding, as long as the BBC is pursuing clearly stated commitments to non-ratings led programming and continuing to fulfill a public service remit defined by the government through the regulators. This would include significant local production and distribution of content reflecting local communities.

CMS645 Whilst the BBC remains a public service organisation it is vital to distance it from Government or State interference. The level of funding available and its distribution between the BBC and other organisations fulfilling public service obligations shall be removed from direct government control through a democratically appointed Public Service Media Council.

CMS646 The Public Service Media Council (PSMC) will agree with government the total level of funding required for all public service media to deliver the agreed public service obligations. PSMC will distribute the funding to appropriate organisations including the BBC.

CMS647 Where an existing public service medium is being supplanted by a new alternative (as for example in the switch from analogue to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) broadcasting, or the possible movement of some public service programming to new media) then the government has an obligation to ensure universal access before the old medium is discontinued.

c) Commercial Broadcasting

CMS650 We would seek to restore some public service obligations to the commercial TV and Radio broadcasters. In particular we wish to see the reintroduction and protection of locally owned and run television and radio channels through more stringent controls on the licenses issued to broadcasters.

CMS651 We would establish Community Media Centres, at a sub-regional level, where residents of the area can be trained and produce programmes that reflect the diversity of perspectives in their community. These Community Media Centres should be run democratically and accountable to regional public broadcasting councils.

CMS652 We will remove financial and other bureaucratic barriers to small geographically based channels built around the local output of Community Media Centres.

CMS653 Broadcast media will be regulated such that there is a presumption against aggregation of ownership both within and across media.

CMS654 We are opposed to 'contesting' funds for Public service programmes ((i.e. opening up a programme fund for which all Broadcasters can bid). This will undermine BBC's and C4's public service platform. Only where existing public service broadcasters are unable or unwilling to meet an identified public service need would funding through PSMC (see CMS646) be opened to alternative channels.

d) Press and print mass media

CMS660 Ownership and control of national and local print newspapers and journals is a proper matter for regulation by OFCOM.

CMS661 At present we do not see the need for a public service print publisher in an analogous position to the BBC, but this shall be kept under review as the newspaper market evolves.

CMS662 Concentration of ownership of the distribution channels for print media acts as a barrier to new and unusual entrants. There may be a case for intervention by the regulator (OFCOM) to ensure a vibrant print culture develops. Retailers shall not be tied into single distributor agreements for magazines and national chains will be encouraged to allow local management to source and stock local material.

CMS663 Measures will be introduced to encourage local ownership and editorial control of titles particular to specific communities, cities and regions.

CMS664 We will encourage local papers to report on local government issues (parish, town, district and principal authority levels) as a public service to help re-engage citizens with their governance.

e) New Media

CMS670 Democratisation of media/TV: the Green Party recognises and welcomes developments in broadband TV channels that allow free participation. The Green Party believes that government at all levels should encourage such democratisation of media, and wider participation in generating content.

CMS671 Councils will be encouraged and helped to make their public deliberations available through streaming media.

CMS672 The Green Party believes that the development of computer communications has reached the point where BT should have an obligation to provide broadband capable infrastructure to every household. Funding for marginal 'uneconomic' lines may come from a small levy on every access line. The principle of universal access at the same base price to the household should prevail as with post and telephone services.

CMS673 The BBC will be allowed to carry its public service role over into new media through developing its web and online services funded from its general revenue stream. In line with the principle of limiting cross-media ownership, we may wish to see the new media arm of the BBC develop into a separate organisation which carries a public service obligation specifically for new digital media and funded from public money through the Public Service Media Council.

CMS674 As technologies evolve 'spare' spectrum or bandwidth may become available. This represents a valuable 'commons' which should not simply be auctioned to the highest bidder but a proportion should be reserved for public use.

f) Advertising

CMS680 Advertising has great impact on the world in which we live. The Green perspective is that in the context of deregulated commercial freedom and unsustainable consumption by citizens, advertising is in need of some restraint. Whilst we recognise the freedom of individuals to make informed choices for themselves, regulation is needed where the impact of consumption is to the detriment of society. Regulators have a particular responsibility towards children and the vulnerable.

CMS681 Advertising to Children. Unsustainable economic growth is highly influenced by a culture of consumption. This culture is currently engendered in children and young people by advertising, particularly on television. Children must be protected from unscrupulous marketing and aggressive advertising. A Green government would strengthen regulation of advertising in media that may be viewed by children, and of products intended for consumption by children, to ensure that they are factual and informative and not manipulative.

CMS682 As specified in DU401 we will introduce a complete ban on promotion of tobacco and alcohol products through advertising or sponsorship.

CMS683 Environmental Advertising. Products which are harmful to the environment, for example in terms of greenhouse gas emissions through use, or embodied carbon in their manufacture or distribution, will be required to carry a prominent warning in all advertising. See also policies TR550, TR552 and TR553 on air travel advertising

CMS684 Social Advertising. The costs associated with advertising space create an imbalance between commercial and non-commercial organisations in their ability to influence the public. We will investigate means to provide access to all advertising media for groups seeking to redress a perceived imbalance.

CMS685 Political Advertising. Political Parties are not fundamentally commercial organisations, and need continuing access to media channels in order to help maintain a citizenry aware of the political issues and involved in the democratic process. The system of Party Political Broadcasts should be extended to allow registered political parties some free access to media space outside election periods and in print as well as broadcast media. Access between elections would be dependent on the party exceeding a given threshold of votes cast in the last round of proportional representation elections, in line with the rules regarding eligibility for state funding of political parties (see PA307)

CMS686 The aggregate and cumulative effect of advertising taken altogether is to increase overall demand and foster a materialist and consumption driven culture which is not sustainable. The overall volume of advertising that promotes unsustainable consumption will be controlled and gradually reduced. This control will be exercised by OFCOM, who may also exercise it over forms of advertising not otherwise within their control. They will take into account, amongst other things: a) the extent to which advertising is straightforward and factual, and provides useful information to consumers, or promotes worthwhile causes or activities, as against unsustainable consumption, b) the need, given the importance of advertising revenues, to maintain and encourage diversity within the media and freedom of editorial expression, c) an overall target for the volume of advertising provided by the government to OFCOM annually in the light of economic circumstances d) the need to avoid unnecessary regulation of small scale or local activities that promote the development of the local economy or community.

Sport

Background

CMS800 Sport can have a very positive influence on the society we live in. Participation in sport improves physical fitness, and sport can help provide a sense of community and can help break down barriers between communities through engaging in friendly competition.

CMS801 There has been a growth in sport as a spectator based entertainment and a diminishment of sport as a means to improve physical health and co-operative behaviours. We see a need for government to encourage and provide support for participation in all sports at local level.

CMS802 National excellence in sport can best arise as a result of a widespread engagement in sporting activity across age, class, race, gender and geography.

CMS803 Any sport that involves the killing or infliction of pain or suffering upon any animal is excluded from this section (see AR411)

Sport Principles

CMS810 There are significant wider social benefits through increased participation in sport; for example health and well-being benefits translate into reduced pressure on the NHS (see H311) and improved green economic performance (see EC310)

CMS811 In line with the principles above, the Green Party believes that there is no place in sport at any level for racism or any other form of discrimination.

CMS812 The Green Party further recognises that sport is one of the main remaining areas of gender discrimination. Women face many barriers (social, cultural, official) to full participation in many sports. This is an equally unacceptable discrimination.

Sport Policy

a) General

CMS830 Programmes to combat discrimination should be introduced wherever necessary, with a particular focus on young people.

b) Sport in School

CMS840 Participation in physical activities such as sport is a very important part of children's development. Because many sports require special facilities, equipment, or the participation of large teams, they can be things which children or parents will be unable to properly organise for themselves. Schools therefore have an important role in first introducing children to a wide range of sporting activities.

CMS841 Sport in school should not be treated in the same way as other lessons. Since it can involve setting up equipment and getting to and from playing locations, all of which take time, sports are likely to suffer if they are timetabled into a school day just like any other lesson. Instead, they should be given sufficient time to make them meaningful. This may be achieved by extending the school day and increasing resources specifically to enable sporting and physical activities.

CMS842 Schools should be aiming to provide a full, unbroken half day per week of sport for every child, in addition to daily opportunities for physical exercise. All sports should be open to all children and all children should be expected to participate in some sporting activity appropriate to their needs.

CMS843 Schools should seek to form ties with local sporting clubs (either amateur or professional) in order to share facilities, gain coaching assistance and provide pupils with an easier route to taking up these sports outside school.

CMS844 School playing fields should be protected from development through rigourous planning controls. All new schools should include sufficient indoor and outdoor facilities to ensure that all pupils can be accommodated.

CMS845 School sports facilities should be open for access by local clubs and teams outside teaching hours to ensure maximum use of a valuable resource. This would apply to all types of school however funded. In addition, as noted in ED320, community resources should be fully integrated into the educational system.

b) Amateur Sport

CMS850 Participation in amateur sport fosters good community relations and helps maintain people¹s physical fitness. The aim of sports education in school should be to encourage as many people as possible to continue participating in sport after they leave school. As the vast majority of this participation will be at an amateur level, it is important to ensure that sufficient facilities exist to allow the participation of all those who want it.

CMS851 Local councils should ensure that facilities such as sports centres, swimming pools and sports fields are sufficient to meet demand. The importance of local amateur sporting teams should be recognised by government at all levels, who should provide assistance to such clubs whenever practical. This could include the use of school fields by clubs for matches, where such clubs are unable to maintain their own grounds.

c) Professional Sport

CMS860 A strong school and amateur sports culture should, in turn, strengthen professional sport by both encouraging those who wish to pursue sport as a career and increasing the potential audience. Access to a sporting career should be available without discrimination to anyone with the desire and ability to pursue it.

CMS861 In addition to their commercial aspect, professional sporting teams often represent communities at local or national level and this social function needs to be recognised and supported by developing structures which would allow local stakeholders to participate in the running of the business.

CMS862 The Green Party would prefer professional sporting clubs to be mutually owned by the members rather than by shareholders. For those clubs which are currently Public Limited Companies, whose shares are traded internationally, the risk is always that distant shareholders, with no regard for the community the club is supposed to represent, will take over the club and sever all meaningful links with the local community. In some instances, clubs have even been moved to other towns and cities - making a mockery of any supposed local connection implied in the club's name. We will introduce legal mechanisms to allow transformation of such PLCs into Mutual Organisations with agreement of stakeholders.

CMS863 Where clubs wish to remain as PLCs, the Green Party would like to see supporters' trusts set up with the aim of achieving enough of a shareholding to prevent the club being taken over by outside financial interests.

CMS864 Local authorities should be permitted to invest in shares in professional sports clubs which operate in their area as a means of maintaining a connection between the club and its community. Any dividends paid to the authority must be reinvested into public sporting facilities or coaching programmes in the area.

CMS865 We believe in 'safestanding' for sports stadia. This means that spectators who wish to stand will be allocated their own space separated from seating only areas. There are examples of good practice in countries like Germany and we believe it is high time the UK adopted this practice. Currently (2007) UEFA does not allow the use of standing areas in grounds for its fixtures. We would seek to undo this ban where such areas are proven to be safe for spectators and where the police are satisfied that no crowd control issues would arise.

d) International Sport

CMS870 Whilst professional sport is a business, as noted above, its role in representing a community in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect with other communities should never be overlooked. This is especially so in the case of international sport.

CMS871 If a team is representing the nation then the Government should take a role in deciding whether it is appropriate for the team to take part in competition against a country with whom normal friendly, respectful, or diplomatic relations are not possible. The Government should not try to avoid taking action by treating the sport as if it was a private business venture.

CMS872 In determining whether a particular country is appropriate for international sporting contacts consideration should be given to the freedom of access by supporters and media in the country. If host government actions meant that such freedoms for UK citizens and journalists could not be reasonably guaranteed, there should be a presumption against a visit by a representative national team.

CMS873 Strategic national planning should seek to ensure that major national sporting arenas are not all sited in one part of the country and that all can be easily accessed by good public transport links. Wherever practical, the venue for international sporting fixtures should be rotated around various suitable stadia throughout the country, and should avoid being excessively focussed in London.

CMS874 When bidding to host major international sporting competitions, such as World Cups or the Olympics, wherever possible existing facilities should be proposed. No new facilities should be proposed unless their existence will also prove to be useful to the wider local community in the years to follow the games.

CMS875 The UK should use its influence with the world sporting community to encourage the placing of international games across wider geographic areas to prevent excessive negative disruption to the lives and economies of host communities.

CMS876 The televising of major national and international sporting events has a significant influence in inspiring young people to take up sports. It is therefore important to ensure that such events remain available on free-to-air nationwide TV. The Government should resist proposals to remove events from the list of those protected in such a way. It should negotiate to get highlights of major events which are no longer protected in this way, and events staged overseas involving representative national teams, made available on free-to-air TV if possible.

f) Localised Sports

CMS880 Some sports are specific to small localised areas of the country. For example Cornish Wrestling and Sussex Stoolball. Local authorities should particularly seek to encourage and support such activities both in education and in the community.

 

g) Sponsorship in Sport

CMS890 Sponsorship of sporting teams or events should not be used to circumvent regulations on advertising.

CMS891 Sponsorship arrangements should not be allowed to restrict access to events deemed of national or regional importance. In particular where a national team is playing then public service media should always be allowed to offer free access to all UK citizens.

CMS chapter created Autumn 2007
Update history:

Autumn 2011: CMS641 amended
Autumn 2008 : Culture section CMS400-442 added
CMS206-8 Censorship & Privacy added
CMS890-1 Sponsorship in Sport added

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The following additional policy statements can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) on Culture, Media and Sport available on the Members webiste:

• RCMS04.1 Murder Music (Autumn 2004)
• RCMS08.1 Arts Funding Cuts (Spring 2008)

 

Disability

Major revision January 1990

Details

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DISABILITY

Terms used

DY100 For the purposes of this policy base, the term 'disability' refers not to the situation of having a physical, mental or other impairment. Instead it refers to the widespread phenomenon of people being unable to do things in society specifically because society has failed to reconstruct itself (physically and culturally) in all the possible ways that would ensure that an individual's impairments are not a barrier to their full participation.

Background

DY200 There are currently two basic approaches to the subject of disability:

a)The medical model of disability focuses on an individual's impairment as the root of the problem. The impairment (e.g. no use of the legs) causes the disability (e.g. inability to walk) and the result of this is handicap (reduced ability to participate fully in society).

This approach has been rejected by many disabled people; it has been almost totally defined by non-disabled people - often by administrators who define disablement in the way most suited to bureaucratic convenience, or by charities not controlled by disabled people themselves, who frequently promote an image of disabled people's powerlessness that reinforces existing prejudice against disabled people.

This medical model of disability (or 'charity' model or 'administrative' model) has led to a general acceptance that disabled people cannot fully participate in society; and therefore that where society makes 'special' efforts to meet the needs of disabled people, this is a kindness on the part of non-disabled society for which disabled people must be grateful. Disabled people are seen as incomplete people to be regarded as tragic objects of charity whose aim in life is 'to overcome their handicap' and be as much like a non-disabled person as possible.

b)The social model of disability focuses on society's response to impairments as the root of the problem. A person has an impairment, and society, by failing to take into account the needs of such a person, disables that person. If this person cannot, for example, enter a certain building or get on a bus, it is not fundamentally their own impairment that is the problem, but rather the way in which the building and the bus have been designed - unreasonably excluding some people.

Similarly, people with intellectual impairments are disabled by segregation from the rest of society, which restricts their opportunities to learn a whole range of skills, including social skills, that are normally developed through interaction with others.

This model of disability widens the definition to include people living with long-term mental health problems, who are also socially disabled and marginalised. It also includes people with temporary impairments, such as a broken leg, who encounter many of the same obstacles as people with permanent impairments.

According to the social model of disability, notwithstanding the fact that individuals' personal experience of their impairments may be negative and in some cases painful or hindering, society as a whole has created disability because it has failed to take into account the needs of people with impairments. It is non-disabled society that has created the barriers to full social equality for people with impairments, and it is non-disabled economists and politicians who tell us that 'we' cannot afford the cost of removing those barriers. Disability is a human rights issue; and human rights are not to be denied some people by the oppressive fiscal calculations of others.

The social model approach demands an integrated society. This does not just mean integrating disabled people into a non-disabled world; it means re-defining society according to the perspectives of all people, not just the non-disabled.

This understanding of disability has been growing stronger in recent years, and is the only approach acceptable to the British Council of Organisations of Disabled People.

Principles and policies

DY300 The Green Party rejects the medical model of disability and accepts the social model:

a)that disability is a social phenomenon;

b)that while many individuals have physical or sensory impairments or learning difficulties or are living with mental health problems, it is the way society responds to these which creates disability;

c)that disability is a form of oppression.

DY301 The medical model will not be invoked with reference to 'disability' but will be utilised only in the assessment of impairments as part of the process of meeting an individual's desired (or, in restricted cases, perceived) need to receive support etc. and for the purposes of defining the 'disabling' factors in society that are to be reconstructed.

DY302 The Green Party aims to help deconstruct disablement as a form of oppression; to assist the enablement of people whom society has previously disabled. This will be achieved through various policies which may be categorised as educational, environmental, social and political.

An enabling education system

DY400 Research has shown that prejudice against disabled people can be greatly worsened by segregated schooling. To segregate children with impairments or difficulties for any reason, when provision is potentially available in an all ability setting, is a breach of human rights. Moreover it helps inculcate prejudice in non-disabled children. The Green Party will therefore introduce the following policies for an all-ability education system:

a)Impairment will not be an acceptable reason for excluding a child from a school to which they would otherwise be entitled to admission. This means that, whilst there will be no compulsory integration of individuals (or abolition of 'special schools'), all schools will be deemed to be all-ability schools. Schools will have a statutory duty to provide for the needs of any child, wherever this can be achieved without disadvantaging other children; the presumption will be that a child's needs can be met in that school. And government will have a duty to provide fully adequate funding for the purpose. Children will be entitled to take legal action against any school which seeks to deny this right. Children and schools will have the right to take legal action against the Government for failing to provide the necessary funding.

Where children with emotional and behavioural difficulties are concerned, a balance must be struck between their educational needs and their present emotional needs; and also between their own needs and the needs of the people around them. However, research and practise has shown that children with emotional and behavioural difficulties do not need to be permanently segregated from others.

b)Similar principles will apply to all other educational establishments, so that practical difficulties and institutionalised prejudice will not be allowed to deny a person their right to an education using impairment as an excuse.

DY401 Public awareness of the level of oppression of disabled people must be raised through a public awareness campaign to be devised jointly with disabled peoples' groups.

An enabling environment

DY500 Currently, our built environment is one of the principal means by which society disables people. On taking office, the Green Party will require all central and local government bodies to instigate immediately the necessary structural and other modifications to all their buildings, so that these buildings do not reasonably exclude people with impairments.

DY501 Building regulations will be radically overhauled with accessibility in mind, including visitors' access, access to public buildings, access to work premises, entertainment and sports, etc. Associated social measures will also be taken to open up previously inaccessible locations and activities to people with impairments.

DY502 A comprehensive plan for fully accessible transport will be implemented, so that public transport will be usable by all members of the public. In addition, the necessary arrangements will be made to meet any extra reasonable transportation needs of disabled people beyond that which can be provided through general services.

Social and political enablement

DY600 Comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation of the highest standard will be introduced, along with the necessary means of implementing it.

DY601 An end to the oppression of disabled people can only be achieved under the guidance of disabled people themselves. Therefore an Enablement Commission will be established as an independent body for monitoring progress made in this area. It will be established as an independent body for monitoring progress made in this area. It will be made up of disabled people and will be accorded rights and powers such that it can allow disabled people themselves to define their own reasonable needs and ensure that these needs are met. It will receive complaints against breaches of anti-discrimination legislation, and against this legislation itself, should the latter be found wanting. It will be fully involved in the preparation of new legislation. It will have a wide-ranging, often proactive role in the deconstruction of the social phenomena of disability.

 

Disability chapter last updated Spring 2001

 

Drug Use

Major revision January 1990

Details

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DRUG USE

Background

DU100 Throughout history, psychoactive substances have been used by all societies and are likely to continue to be used in one form or another. The extent to which people use drugs depends not only on the availability of such substances but also on social, economic and environmental factors.

DU101 Drug use - whether experimental, recreational or dependent - can have a damaging effect not only on the user but also on the user's family and friends. The illegal drugs market is also having an increasingly harmful effect on society at large, mainly because of two problems: crime and HIV. Powerful criminal organisations are involved in the drugs market and a significant proportion of acquisitive crime is committed by dependent drug users to fund drug use. Shared drug use by injection is currently a significant transmission route for HIV, a major threat to public health.

DU102 In recent years, the `drugs problem' has been largely equated with the use of illegal drugs. This has had the effect of diverting attention away from the dire social and health consequences of legal drugs, principally alcohol, tobacco and inappropriately prescribed tranquillisers. Between them, these cause the loss of thousands of lives every year and much pain and disability for both users and non-users of these drugs.

DU103 The legal drugs, principally tobacco, alcohol and pharmaceutical drugs, are widely promoted through advertising, sponsorship and corporate pressure. As a result their use is generally accepted by society and efforts to control usage largely rely on a mixture of taxation, education, restriction of sale and use to adults or certain places, and voluntary restraint.

DU104 Under prohibition, illegal drugs are made not only more attractive to some, but also tend to be more poisonous and expensive. Consequently users become unhealthier and more likely to steal and deal. The cost of enforcing prohibition is becoming increasingly untenable.

DU105 Raves / pay-parties / free-festivals and the like have proved an enduring setting in which various drugs are consumed by many tens of thousands of young people across the country. Unlicensed and unregulated events, kept underground by prohibition, are held regularly in overcrowded venues or inappropriate sites that fail to meet health and fire regulations, at which ventilation and provision for refreshments are inadequate and to which the emergency services would be unable to gain access if needed. The popularity of these events and their proliferation in spite of attempts to suppress them makes the adoption of a more liberal approach coupled with a system of regulation a matter of highest urgency.

DU106 Small scale farmers in the underdeveloped South often rely heavily on the hard currency they can receive from drug crop harvests. Strategies by rich, drug-importing nations to eradicate drug crops, such as cash compensation, have proved woefully inadequate and are usually jeopardised by corrupt bureaucracies. Crop substitution has repeatedly failed because of depressed commodity prices for the underdeveloped world's exports.

Principles

DU200 Government responses to the issue of drug use are inconsistent: neither the legal status of different substances nor the targeting of government expenditure on the information / education is commensurate with the harm different drugs do to the individual or society.

DU201 Prohibition does not prevent drug use by adults or children and leads to the creation of an illicit market, an increase in consumption due to pyramid selling and the criminalisation and marginalisation of those who use drugs. Prohibition is counter-productive; it is more damaging to the drug user, the community and society than the drug use it seeks to eliminate.

DU202 Social custom, convention and ritual play a vital part in the moderate and responsible use of all drugs. The development and perpetuation of these customs are inhibited and eroded by prohibition and to some extent, by all interventions by government or state agencies.

DU203 The Green Party therefore seeks to open up the whole issue of drug use to the public and regards the supply of adequate, clear, free and accessible information as vital to the process of both reducing drug-use and minimising harm from drug use.

DU204 Interventions by importing nations, such as support for international drug-crop eradication and crop substitution programmes are both economically unfeasible and ecologically damaging. Measures such as increased military aid for repressive regimes against drug cultivation, as well as being morally indefensible, run the risk of fuelling political destabilisation.

DU205 In addition to instances of direct complicity in international drug traffic by agencies of importing nations, there is also an element of hypocrisy in the fact that whilst campaigns against drugs are being waged, rich nations are simultaneously trying to swamp many poorer countries' markets with the products of their own tobacco, alcohol and pharmaceutical industries.

Objectives

DU300 In keeping with the Green Party's health promotion policies, the Green Party would aim to minimise the misuse of drugs.

DU301 At the same time, we recognise that drug use will never be entirely eliminated. Our policies would aim therefore to minimise the social, psychological and physical harm to those who use drugs and to society at large.

DU302 Green policies on drugs will be directed towards accepting the reality of drug use and will strive to minimise harm, both to the user and to society at large. This will require a more pragmatic approach to the issue of recreational and cultural use and should highlight the broader socio-economic forces which drive people towards escapist use.

Policy

DU400 Tobacco smoking is the principal cause of premature death in the United Kingdom. In view of the considerable dangers to the health of both smoker and non-smoker, the Green Party supports legislation prohibiting smoking in all enclosed premises to which the public has access.

DU401 The Green Party would also introduce a complete ban on the promotion of tobacco and alcohol products, including sponsorship, advertising (direct or indirect) and product placement on remuneration or reward. This ban would also apply to any currently illegal drugs when a policy of decriminalisation or legalisation comes into effect.

DU402 The effect on consumption of taxation on the sale of tobacco and alcohol would be subject to continued review and, where appropriate, these legal drugs would be taxed at a higher rate than at present. In addition, both the net profits of tobacco companies and companies producing alcohol for consumption, and the dividends paid to shareholders of these companies would attract a significantly higher rate of taxation than at present. The tax levied on alcohol products would be in proportion to the amount of alcohol in the finished product.

DU403 To facilitate the responsible drinking of alcohol by both adults and young people, the Green Party would encourage the option of serving alcohol in smaller measures and require suppliers to provide accurate information about the unit alcohol content.

DU404 Penalties for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or other drugs likely to adversely affect the ability to drive would be increased and the permitted alcohol to blood ratio of drivers would be reduced. (see TR302)

DU405 Cannabis would be removed from the 1971 Misuse of drugs act. The possession, trade and cultivation of cannabis would be immediately decriminalised, roughly following the Dutch model. The trade in Cannabis would be the subject of a Royal Commission (see below), with a view to establishing a fully legalised, controlled and regulated trade. Small-scale possession of drugs for personal use would be decriminalised. The starting point would be advice to policing authorities to caution rather than prosecute for offences of drug possession for personal use and to refer offenders to the health-care services (see DU411). Subsequently, regulations would be brought forward removing criminal sanctions for simple possession of controlled drugs for personal use. The recommended sentences for small-scale supply would be non-custodial options. The possession of pipes made for the use in connection with smoking of opium would no longer be a criminal offence. A Royal Commission or similar body would be established to review currently controlled drug classifications, within a legalised environment of drug use. This commission would, after wide consultation, consider and recommend frameworks of social, economic and health conditions for drug use and supply.

DU406 With the exception of cannabis, Policing Authorities would be encouraged to focus detection resources on major drug trafficking operations. Unauthorised production, importation and marketing of all drugs controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) would remain criminal offences. Fines, confiscation of assets and prison sentences would continue to be imposed for serious drugs trafficking offences.

DU407 A proportion of the fines and assets of convicted drug traffickers would be used to fund research into drug use and reducing drug related harm, to supplement the additional health services budget referred to below in 410-413 and resource the substitution of water-based glues, etc. in place of solvent-based products currently on the market.

DU408 The Green Party would seek to establish independent committees to oversee the structure of regulation for raves / pay parties / free festivals. These committees would ideally be made up of representatives of the promoters and attendees themselves, the local authority, the Police Authority and the Local Health Authority (LHA). The local authority would be responsible for ensuring that such events meet the necessary regulations and for issuing licenses. The Police Authority would have the responsibility for ensuring adequate coverage by emergency services and for training and regulation of 'bouncers' or others policing the event. The Local Health Authority would provide unbiased information and guidance on health and drug use in connection with such events. The Green party calls for the repeal of the Public Entertainment (drugs misuse) Act (The "Barry Legg act"), which is making outreach harm reduction measures impossible.

DU409 The Green Party would facilitate the establishment of a licensed non-statutory service providing analysis of any drug regardless of source. The service would be available for a small fee both to organisations and to members of the public and would be confidential, although statistical information from results would be published periodically.

DU410 General information and health education relating to all drugs, both legal and illegal, would be improved with separate approaches to three target groups: young people, those who use drugs and the general public. The Green Party would encourage counselling and advice on drugs to be available to everyone and especially to children and young people by the provision of non-statutory services in schools, youth projects, and via street outreach. These services would be free and confidential. (see H308)

DU411 The Green Party would provide an additional health service budget to fund an increase in the range and number of facilities, both residential and non-residential, for people with drug-related problems. Such facilities would be available on the NHS to all who needed them. Local government support for individually-inspired enterprises such as self-help groups would be encouraged.

DU412 In particular, each Local Health Authority would be provided with sufficient resources to establish appropriate drug-use clinics and needle exchange schemes and to ensure the provision of needle sterilisation facilities for use by prisoners. Related health programmes would also be resourced.

DU413 Resources, including greater support and training, would be made available to LHAs for certain medical practitioners to provide long-term (maintenance) prescriptions of drugs to people, including those in prison, who are unable or unwilling to stop, with the aim of reducing harmful consequences - including health and social problems (especially the spread of HIV and other blood-borne infections), pyramid selling and acquisitive crime. For this purpose, regulations would be brought forward ending, where appropriate, the prohibition on the prescribing and dispensing of certain drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Evaluation would be a built-in component of this harm-minimisation strategy.

DU420 The Green Party would publicise the fact that as long as there are wide differences in living standards between the nations of the world, there will always be an incentive for the poorer countries to produce drug crops if a ready market exists for them in richer countries.

DU421 Support for international drug-crop eradication and substitution programmes would be ended.

DU422 Poor countries for whose economic survival the cultivation of drug crops (legal or illegal) is critical will be identified. The Green Party would launch a series of initiatives which would offer realistic alternative trading arrangements in more ecologically and socially benign commodities with the communities that are directly involved. Such 'Trade Substitution Initiatives' would be small-scale in nature, with the minimal bureaucratic intervention and would aim to provide genuine opportunities for the individual farming communities to move away from drug-centred economic activities.

 

Drugs chapter last updated Autumn 2006

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The following additional policy statement can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) for Drugs available on the Members webiste:

• Random Drug Testing in Schools (Spring 2004)

 

Economy

Major revision January 1990

Details

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ECONOMY

This chapter is presented in the following sections:

1. Background
2. Objectives
3. Indicators
4. The 'Personal' and 'Informal' Economy
5. The Local Economy
6. The National Economy
7. Monetary policy
8. Private Financing of Public Services
9. Taxation Principles
10. Direct Taxation
11. Indirect Taxation
12. Pensions
13. The European Dimension
14. The Global Economy
15. Intellectual Property
16. E-Commerce

Background

EC100 All human economic activity and social and cultural wellbeing are dependent upon the integrity of self-sustaining, self-managing natural systems. Continually increasing resource extraction, industrial throughput and waste production is entirely incompatible with ecological sustainability. Green economic policy must therefore promote the emergence of an economic system which recognises the limits of, and is compatible with, both the natural systems of the planet and the aspirations of the whole of humanity.

EC101 To achieve global ecological sustainability, with equity and social justice, the industrialised countries must actively reduce the physical burden they place on the planet and must, by example, encourage and support the less industrialised countries in adopting appropriate development strategies.

EC110 The objectives outlined below are valid at all levels of human activity - personal, household, local, regional, national, and global.

EC111 The policies given below are stated in general terms only. They are not sufficient in themselves to achieve a green society. Major changes are required in other policy areas to dismantle the political, cultural and economic power structures which presently work against the green objectives stated above.

Objectives

Ecological sustainability

EC200 To conserve natural planetary resources and to maintain the integrity of natural life-sustaining cycles; to regenerate areas made waste and take steps to avoid further ecological disaster; to reduce demand for energy and raw materials; to favour low energy non-polluting processes based on renewable resources.

EC201 To this end, the Citizens' Income (see EC730) will allow the current dependence on economic growth to cease, and allow zero or negative growth to be feasible without individual hardship should this be necessary on the grounds of sustainability. (see PB104-106)

Equity & social justice

EC202 To achieve an equitable distribution of resources, wealth, opportunity and power which ensures access for all to the means of sustenance and of personal and social development.

Decentralisation & devolution

EC203 To devolve economic power to the lowest appropriate level, thereby rendering participants in the economy at all levels less vulnerable to the damaging effects of economic decisions made elsewhere and over which they have no control; to support the 'informal' sector (notably by provision of a Citizens' Income for all) thus reducing the impact of the formal economy.

Self-reliance with interdependence

EC204 To liberate and empower all sections of society to meet their needs as far as possible from their own resources through activities which are socially enhancing; to encourage all to contribute to society according to their abilities, recognising as they do so, responsibility for themselves, for others, for future generations and for the planet.

Indicators

Background

EC310 Conventional economic policy uses economic growth, inflation, balance of payments and unemployment as 'economic indicators', the normal criteria against which progress is measured. Although it is the most usually quoted indicator, gross national product (GNP) is a poor indicator of true progress and does not adequately measure people's sense of well-being. It measures only the activity in the formal sector, regardless of what that activity is. In consequence, current economic theory fails adequately to reflect the real effects of human activity within a finite ecosystem, and is used to 'validate' economic activities which are ecologically unsustainable and/or socially unjust.

Policy

EC311 The Green Party would therefore replace the conventional indicators with those that measure progress towards sustainability, equity and devolution.

The 'Personal' and 'Informal' Economy

Background

EC400 A great deal of economic activity worldwide is unaccounted for (and is largely performed by women), e.g. work in the home and community voluntary work. This work is essential to the survival of the wider economy, yet is unacknowledged by conventional economic theory and practice. Individual consumer choice can be exercised positively, in favour of environmentally and ethically sound products, and investment, including promotion of low-interest loans; negatively, as in consumer boycotts; or actively in favour of ethical investment and reduced overall consumption. (see EC731)

Objectives

EC401 The objective of EC402 is to shift the balance of economic power in favour of individuals and households, and away from large scale, remote private companies and central government. It will make full-time paid employment less necessary, and will encourage home-based and part-time employment, and work in the 'third sector'. People will be able to choose their own working lifestyles. The objective of EC403 is to enable people to meet their needs at the level most personal to them (the household sector being the smallest unit in any community) and to contribute more effectively through the informal economy to the wider community. A strong household sector, both informal and formal, will be resilient to fluctuations in the wider economy.

Policies

EC402 Introducing the Citizens' Income scheme. (see EC730)

EC403 Policies will be established to support the household as an important centre of economic activity.

EC404 Policies which support and encourage the personal and informal economies include initiating research and development into products and technologies specifically appropriate for use in the home-based economy; changing planning and building regulations to encourage home based enterprises; providing grants for re-skilling, and for the necessary tools and technology necessary for home-based enterprises.

The Local Economy

Background and Objectives

EC500 In the development of a sustainable world economic system, the local economy is the arena in which many of the key decisions must be made.

EC501 In accordance with the Green Party objectives of bringing decision making to the most appropriate level, and promoting self reliance within communities and regions, revival and support of the local economy is of the greatest importance. Policies are necessary to enable more local needs to be met by local work using local resources.

Policies

EC510 Policies to promote reduced consumption and assist in appropriate consumer choices include ensuring openness in the workings of all public and private institutions; establishing a Green product labelling scheme; commissioning a register of ethical and Green companies.

EC511 Policies to promote local economic management and planning include creating Partnership Bodies to enable a wide range of local people to participate in the development of policy, strategy, projects and enterprise; undertaking a wide ranging audit of local social, economic and environmental affairs and concerns; drafting appropriate sustainable economic development strategies for the locality.

EC512 Policies to increase local investment and the circulation of local finance within the community, include the development of democratically accountable Community Banks, designed to encourage local people to invest in local economic activity and empowered to create credit at interest rates sufficient only to cover administration when channelling local savings into economically and environmentally sound community enterprises. They should include removal, where necessary, of national restrictions. We will promote Credit Unions and skills exchange schemes, along with researching the best use of local currencies and encouraging their adoption. (see EC668)

EC513 Policies to promote ecologically sustainable local economic development include developing the legal basis for private and public sector organisations to have an annual social and environmental audit of their operations. They will then be required to submit accurate social and environmental accounts together with their annual financial accounts. These will be audited by independent experts and made publicly available: the penalties for misrepresentation would, as with annual accounts, be severe. (see EC650ff)

Post Office

EC520 The privatisation of the post office in part or full is against the interests of people living in rural and urban communities, and that furthermore the protection of the existing network of post offices and mail delivery arrangements should be strengthened by giving added commercial freedom to Royal Mail, Parcelforce, and Post Office Counters Limited.

Local Government Finance

EC550 As the economy becomes more decentralised, and inequalities in wealth between different districts are reduced, a greater proportion of taxation will be levied locally, and more expenditure decisions will be made and public services provided at local level by local government. Each local government must be free to decide its revenue and spending priorities, within the limits of regionally, nationally and internationally agreed resource and environmental needs, and subject to the need to meet basic standards and requirements set by national government.

EC551 As much as is practical, the revenue required to fund such expenditure should be raised through local taxation. However, the inherent inequalities between different areas of the country will require a redistribution of wealth and resources between districts and regions in order to ensure that public services can be fairly and adequately paid for across the whole country. This redistribution should be overseen by a commission, independent of central government (see PA403), to ensure that it is sufficient and that it is not squeezed in order to minimise either general tax rates of the local taxes in more affluent areas. The redistribution should take account of criteria such as net migration, poverty and social deprivation, industrial base, natural resources, and environmental damage as experienced by different districts and regions.

The National Economy

Background

EC600 National government is currently the major force in economic management largely through its receipts from taxation and its high expenditure.

Objectives

EC601 The long term aim is for economic power to be exercised by all sections of society. Consequently the most important levels for development will be those most neglected hitherto - the personal, household, community and regional levels.

EC602 That in the long term national government intervention will reduce to a 'safety-net' in support of local services.

Policy

EC603 The transitional stages will require judicious use of national public expenditure to guide and support the development of a Green society

Supply-side and infrastructure

EC610 Appropriate national public expenditure will be necessary for the regeneration of the supply side of the economy to achieve the green objectives. Extensive investment is required to repair the damaged natural environment; to restore infrastructure; and to develop re-skilling and retraining in socially- and environmentally-friendly production and services.

EC611 Restructuring of the supply-side will be achieved through precise targeting of pump-priming and development funding, not through long term commitment of large-scale public finance. Comprehensive environmental accounting procedures will play a significant role in this development (see EC513). Particular emphasis will be laid on local community involvement in the decision-making process.

EC612 Priority will be given to those industries which have minimum environmental impact and production methods that are consistent with ecological sustainability. The conversion programme for the defence, energy and chemical industries will be tackled as a matter of urgency; excessive production of short-life, throwaway products will be strongly discouraged.

The 'third sector'

EC620 Special attention will be paid to development of the third sector of the economy, which combines the discipline and flexibility of the private sector, the accountability and the community-responsiveness of the public sector, the social concern of the voluntary sector and the activities of the informal economy.

EC621 Selective subsidy and support for the third sector will help to produce many socially and environmentally benign local enterprises. Development funding will channel local savings into local economically and environmentally sound community initiatives (EC512). The Citizens' Income scheme (EC730) will further enhance opportunities for individual participation in the third sector.

Companies, ownership & the stakeholder principle

EC650 The unaccountable exercise of economic power by large corporations has done much to destroy the environment and convivial social structures. Green policies will establish greater community and environmental accountability.

EC651 Smaller and more democratically structured enterprises are more open to community regulation, ensuring that greater care is taken both of the people who work in them, and of the concerns and needs of the local community and the environment. These forms of organisation will be promoted and encouraged by economic legislation. Changes in Company Law, taxation, and in monopolies and mergers legislation, will reduce the size of inappropriately large companies.

EC652 The right of the shareholders to dividends must not be the single most important criterion for company policy making. Those with a stake in the company's decisions must have the right to make informed input into those decisions. These 'stakeholders' include the share holders, the workers, consumers, the local community and advocates for the local environment. New legal and institutional structures will be created to enable these stakeholders to have a voice in the running of companies and other relevant organisations.

Co-operatives

EC653 We favour the development of more cooperative and mutual economic enterprises, whether worker cooperatives owned and controlled by their workers, or consumer cooperatives, owned and controlled by their customers, including mutual financial institutions like building societies and mutual insurers, and sporting clubs owned by their supporters.

EC654 We will repeal the laws that enable building societies and other existing mutual organisations to be changed into public limited companies.

EC655 We would introduce a cooperative development fund operating mainly through local authorities to provide initial capital on a matched funding basis for new cooperatives in the financial and other sectors.

EC656 We will gradually establish legal ways for companies to be transformed into mutual organisations, such as consumer or worker cooperatives in specified circumstances if a sufficient majority of the relevant workers or customers agree. Existing shares will be converted into non-voting equity or loan stock. One important initial circumstance when this might be done is upon the sale of a small business or upon the death or retirement of the owner. Another initial application might be to football or other sporting clubs where a majority of the season ticket holders, supported by the wider local community, might want to bring a local club into mutual ownership. In the longer run we would envisage some process of this kind applying, with appropriate safeguards, to all companies.

Monetary policy

EC660 In a Green society the informal sector will eventually gain in significance so that formal transactions and money generally will have a lesser role than at present. There is however no reason why a financial system cannot be made to work in the interests of the community. Practical decentralisation of banking and monetary policy will therefore be linked with a programme of political devolution.

EC661 The world money supply has increased over the medium to long term. Almost all is created by commercial lending institutions. The resultant debts are an important promoter of economic growth and consumption, as well as instability. The emphasis in monetary policy will be to control and redirect the creation of money towards socially and environmentally sound areas of the economy, and away from unsustainable and consumption-driven areas.

EC662 Greed?driven lending and financial engineering lead to the accumulation of debts, derivatives and other securities based on debt, and so to financial crises. In particular we aim to avoid:

1. Excessive economic dependence on private debt;
2. The reliance of banks on inter?bank lending rather than customer deposits;
3. Excessive lending on mortgages and for consumption;
4. Complex and opaque financial instruments, which managers of financial institutions and regulators themselves do not understand;
5. Lack of transparency on financial markets, and lax and inadequate official regulation.

EC663 The current economic system enables commercial banks and other financial institutions to exert an unacceptably large influence on the economy. Their lending power should be reined in, enabling the emphasis of lending to be transferred to sustainable production.

EC664 We will introduce strict controls on the financial sector to ensure that it serves the purposes of a sustainable economy. To ensure stability, we will regulate all financial instruments firmly and permit only those that are transparent, that offer limited risk of financial destabilisation and are clearly beneficial. We will ensure there is stricter regulation of the banks, limiting them principally to the on?lending of customer deposits and enforcing fractional reserve ratios. We will require transparency in all financial trading, including that undertaken by private investment funds.

EC665 Variable reserves and other macro-prudential controls should be reintroduced as instruments of monetary policy, permitting greater flexibility than the present reliance on interest rates alone. A Green government would work in Europe and globally to re-establish controls on international capital movements, in order to restore financial stability and regain control over the macro- economy.

EC666 Banks should be required to limit their role to taking deposits and making loans that facilitate economic activity. We would immediately legislate to separate retail and investment banking. Institutions would not be permitted to operate in both markets simultaneously. Retail banks should be required to limit their role to taking deposits and making loans that facilitate economic activity. Investment banks should take the form of partnerships rather than limited companies.

EC667 A Green government would restore strict divisions between different kinds of financial activity, such as banking, brokerage, commodities trading, and futures and derivatives transactions. No bank will be permitted, either directly or indirectly through affiliates and subsidiaries, to engage in brokerage, to trade on their own account, create or own hedge funds or undertake private equity transactions. In all fields we would subject the ‘shadow’ banking sector, such as hedge funds and money market funds, to similar regulations to those affecting the banks.

EC668 We would introduce limits on the sizes of banks: no bank operating in the UK would be permitted to have access to more than 10% of the domestic market or 5% of the global market. Since the worst failures in the banking crisis of 2007-08 were associated with ‘wholesale’ interbank funding, while mutual banks and others that mainly rely on customer deposits were relatively unharmed, we would tightly reduce the permitted scope of interbank transactions, both in lending and financial derivatives.

EC669 A Green government would create a permanent and genuinely national bank out of one or more of the currently ‘nationalised’ banks. This People’s Bank would form an exception to the percentage-based size-restriction specified in EC668: it would be available as a guaranteed safe-haven to deposit money in for any and all citizens. Most citizens seek safety for their money, not a risky high rate of return, and the People’s Bank would offer this in perpetuity. The People’s Bank would offer current accounts and all other basic banking services, thus complementing National Savings and Investments. In terms of its lending and other policies, it would act as a non-profit, seeking where necessary to restrict or to relax credit in the national interest. It would in effect be a high street branch of the Bank of England. Its raison d’etre above all would be to act prudently in the interests of all its depositors, to ensure that there was no risk of a bank-run ever endangering their money. This would be achieved by the People’s Bank being constitutionally limited to low-risk activities, and by the fact that it would be owned and guaranteed by the state.

EC670 Mutual financial institutions are preferable to those owned by shareholders, since they are more likely to serve customer interests. The Green Party would provide financial incentives for governments at all levels to use mutually owned banks and financial intermediaries for their own business, and to encourage citizens to do the same.

EC671 In the interests of economic and financial stability, strict controls should be placed on lending by all banks, including lending to individuals. For example, mortgage loans should be at fixed rates throughout their terms (as is required in certain European countries), in order to place interest- rate risks on the lender, not the borrower; there should be ceilings on the percentages of a property’s value and borrower’s income that may be lent on mortgage; and strict limits on the issue and use of credit cards, such as already apply in numerous European countries.

EC672 The derivatives markets should be strictly controlled, with specific approval required for each derivative product. The onus will lie on the product’s originator to demonstrate that it is beneficial and there is no alternative way of achieving the same purpose. All derivatives must be transparently traded on public exchanges with approved clearing arrangements. Banks and shadow banks will not be permitted to engage in any futures trades except as clients of approved brokers on a public exchange. Swaps and securitisation instruments will have to be specifically approved, as just described. They must be included in the bank’s or shadow bank’s balance sheet.

EC673 All banks will be required to observe a fiduciary duty towards their clients, which can only be varied for specific ethical reasons agreed with a client. All banks will have to take direct responsibility for their own credit assessments rather than relying on fallible external rating agencies.

EC674 All banks and shadow banks that are found to be in breach of these market restrictions should be liable to lose their licences and not be permitted to reapply for them for a period of up to ten years.

EC675 In the longer term the banking system should be largely brought under democratic control, preferably at a local level. This will allow the process to work in the best interests of the community as a whole, rather than principally in the interests of commercial banks and their shareholders.

EC676 Since these restrictions on bank lending will severely restrict the money supply, the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England will be instructed to monitor the need for increase (or decrease) in the money supply, based initially on maintaining the amount of money existing at the time of implementation of these measures. Criteria will be developed in the light of experience, aiming to avoid both inflation and deflation. It will accordingly instruct the Bank of England to create any supplement needed, on a monthly basis, and credit it to the Treasury to be spent by the government on projects that help society and environment. If the occasion arises that a surplus is threatening to cause inflation, the Bank of England will receive back and cancel an appropriate amount of money.

EC677 The Bank of England will continue to be the institution for the regulation of the national currency and the setting of base interest rates. However, it will not focus on narrow economic indicators such as the rate of inflation, but instead will take a broader view on the impact of its decisions on the economy as a whole. Final decisions on the setting of base interest rates will be made by a democratically accountable committee made up of representatives selected from the different regions of the country.

EC678 In order to help bring about the democratisation of the banking system, and in pursuit of our policies to support the growth of local economies, a network of local Community Banks will be established. These will be democratically accountable non-profit-making trusts, which will be able to provide low-cost finance both at district and regional levels. Any operating surplus arising from these Community Banks will be reinvested in their local communities. Community Banks will be empowered to create credit in the same way that commercial banks currently do, and will be given favourable conditions for doing so by the central bank. They will also be able to create their own local currencies, to operate alongside the national currency, where this is supported by the local community.

EC679 In order to bring about a more socially equitable society, it is important that poorer citizens have access to affordable credit, which can give them an opportunity to increase their basic living standards. Alongside Community Banks, measures to help facilitate this will include the promotion and support of credit unions and micro-credit schemes in which small groups of people cooperate to provide guaranteed small loans to each other.

Private Financing of Public Services

EC680 Using private finance to fund public services (through schemes such as the "Private Finance Initiative [PFI]" or the "Public Private Partnership [PPP]") is flawed. It is primarily aimed at providing services without large costs to taxpayers in the short-term. However, in the long-term this makes no financial sense as facilities remain in private hands, rather than being publicly owned assets, and government funds have to be paid over to private operators indefinitely. The requirement to provide a profit to private shareholders also adds to the overall cost to society.

EC681 The Green Party is concerned about the effects of such schemes on the delivery of public services, and on the pay and conditions of those working within them. Private investment is not a desirable solution to years of underinvestment in health, education etc. We believe that public services should be publicly owned in order to guarantee the level of service required by society, and that other public social budgets are not left to compensate for the inadequate treatment of the workforce.

EC682 We therefore oppose such private financing schemes, and call for public funds (either through taxation or, where necessary, public borrowing) to be used to build all new hospitals, schools and other public service infrastructure. If the renegotiation of existing privatised contracts is impossible, the government should at least aim to bring all affected facilities back into public ownership as soon as possible.

EC683 Our opposition does not extend to the buying of goods and services from suppliers outside the public service organisation itself, so long as control (i.e. finance, ownership and management) of the public services themselves remains in the hands of the community rather than those serving the profit motive

Taxation

Principles

EC700 Taxation is needed in order to fund government expenditure. However the raising of funds is not the only purpose of taxation. The way that taxes are levied also has a vital role in bringing about a green society based on social equity and ecological sustainability.

EC701 Direct taxation, in conjunction with benefits payments, can be used to create greater social equity and justice. Indirect taxation can be used to try to alter consumption patterns and create ecological sustainability. The purpose of a green taxation policy should not be to shift the overall relative burden of taxation either towards direct or towards indirect taxation. Instead, the aim is to alter our approaches to both direct and indirect taxation so that it is better suited to help bring about a green society.

EC702 In general, indirect taxation is regressive, i.e. it impacts relatively more heavily on the poorer members of society than those who are more wealthy. In this way, indirect taxation works against the creation of social equity and, therefore, against the aims of a green society. For this reason such taxes should not be levied unless their intention is to help bring about ecological sustainability or to address concerns about other social issues such as public health.

Direct Taxation

Income Tax

EC710 Income Tax is the instrument by which all citizens who are able to are required to contribute a proportion of their labours to the running of public services. It is also, when combined with benefits payments, the primary way in which wealth can be redistributed in order to create a fairer society.

EC711 Personal tax-free allowances will be abolished, having effectively been replaced by the Citizen's Income (see EC730). Income Tax will be levied on all income above the Citizen's Income. Tax rates will be banded and will increase progressively so that those on higher incomes are paying higher marginal rates of tax. In particular, rates higher than 40% will be introduced for those on the highest incomes.

EC712 In order that people are not penalised by paying high rates of tax in one year, whilst their income dramatically drops in the next (either through personal choice or for reasons beyond their control) income will be averaged over five years and the tax calculated on the rolling average figure.)

National Insurance

EC720 National Insurance is a form of income tax in disguise. As it is only levied on "earnings" (i.e. wages and self-employment income), it means that "unearned" investment income is currently taxed at a lower rate than "earned" income.

EC721 Under a green taxation system, National Insurance will be abolished as a separate entity and merged into general Income Tax. The distinction between "earned" and "unearned" income will no longer be used to determine different methods of taxation.

Citizens' Income

EC730 A Citizen's Income sufficient to cover an individual's basic needs will be introduced, which will replace tax-free allowances and most social security benefits (see EC711). A Citizen's Income is an unconditional, non-withdrawable income payable to each individual as a right of citizenship. It will not be subject to means testing and there will be no requirement to be either working or actively seeking work.

EC731 The Citizens' Income will eliminate the unemployment and poverty traps, as well as acting as a safety net to enable people to choose their own types and patterns of work (See EC400). The Citizens' Income scheme will thus enable the welfare state to develop towards a welfare community, engaging people in personally satisfying and socially useful work.

EC732 When the Citizens' Income is introduced it is intended that nobody will be in a position that they will receive less through the scheme than they were entitled to under the previous benefits system. Children will be entitled to a reduced amount which will be payable to a parent or legal guardian. People with disabilities or special needs, and single parents will receive a supplement.

EC733 Initially, the housing benefit system will remain in place alongside the Citizens' Income and will be extended to cover contributions towards mortgage repayments (see HO602). This will subsequently be reviewed to establish how housing benefit could be incorporated into the Citizen's Income, taking into account the differences in housing costs between different parts of the country and different types of housing.

Capital Gains Tax

EC740 With the introduction of the Citizens' Income and the removal of personal tax-free allowances, Capital Gains Tax exemptions/thresholds will also be removed with the exception of a person's only or main home which will continue to be exempt. Tax would then be paid on all profits made on the sale of investment assets, but not on the sale of ordinary household items which would remain exempt.

EC741 Capital gains will be added into a person's income for a tax year and be subject to Income Tax in the normal way. Similarly capital losses will be used to reduce a person's taxable income.

EC742 The Green Party would tax all capital gains made on investment assets on the death of the owner, Capital Gains Tax will be levied on the unrealised Capital Gain on any investments which are still held as if they had been sold at the date of death. Similarly, tax will be levied on any unrealised gain on assets which are given during a donor's lifetime.

EC743 We support the principle of a wealth tax, either as an occasional tax at a time of specific need or as a continuous periodic levy.

EC744 Short-term speculative trading in stocks, shares and currencies has a de-stabilising effect on the economy as a whole. In order to discourage such trading, a small tax will be levied on the value of all stocks, shares, gilts, bonds, commodities and currency transactions.

Inheritance/Accessions Tax

EC750 The principal purpose of Inheritance Tax is to reverse and prevent the accumulation of wealth and power by a privileged class. With the taxing of unrealised Capital Gains at the point of death (see EC742), the size of inherited estates will already be reduced. Further taxes, in the form of Inheritance Tax, should be designed to re-distribute wealth without being so wide in scope that they become a financial and bureaucratic burden on most ordinary people.

EC751 Inheritance Tax will be reformed so that it is calculated on a "recipient basis" (i.e. with reference to the circumstances of the person receiving the inheritance rather than the donor). It will also be extended to include gifts made during a donor's lifetime, rather than just those given as inheritances on death, therefore becoming an accessions tax.

EC752 There will be an annual exemption/threshold for amounts received as gifts or inheritances. As with Income Tax, receipts of this kind will be averaged over a five year period. Any taxable amounts which remain above the tax-free threshold will then be assessed for Inheritance Tax.

EC753 Inheritance Tax rates will be progressively banded, with rates of tax increasing according to a recipient's total income/wealth. Recipients who only pay Income Tax at lower rates will not be subject to Inheritance Tax.

EC754 The tax-free threshold will be sufficient to ensure that most ordinary gifts between members of families with moderate incomes will not be taxed, and, as gifts will be averaged over a five year period, it will also allow for larger "one-off" gifts (such as those received on marriage, or given by parents to their offspring to help them buy a house).

EC755 Private trusts will be taxed at a single uniform rate on all assets transferred into them and profits made by them. There will be no annual exemption/threshold for trusts. Distributions from trusts to beneficiaries will be taxed according to the recipient's circumstances, in accordance with the policies laid out above.

EC756 As with Capital Gains Tax, a person's only or main home will be exempt from Inheritance Tax. If a person inherits a property which is already their principal private residence there will be no Inheritance Tax to pay.

Corporation Tax

EC760 Corporation Tax will continue to be levied on the net profits earned by companies. These will be banded, with higher rates payable by larger companies in order to encourage smaller businesses.

EC761 The Corporation Tax rules should not encourage businesses to become incorporated in order to take advantage of favourable tax conditions. Therefore Corporations Tax rates, particularly the starting rates, should not give smaller companies an advantage over their unincorporated competitors.

EC762 Some businesses operating within the UK do not currently pay UK taxes because they are able to transfer their profits abroad to have them taxed there. The Green Party would close any existing loopholes so that company profits earned in the UK were taxed here, even where this would mean that profits of trans-national corporations may be taxed twice - once in the UK and again in a foreign country.

Indirect Taxation

VAT

EC770 VAT is the largest revenue provider of all the current indirect taxes. It is often referred to as a tax on "consumption", whereas it is more accurately described as a tax on the spending of money. In conventional economic terms these might be seen to be the same thing, but to greens the word "consumption" implies the using up of the world's valuable resources and this is the type of consumption that we would wish to tax in order to encourage resource conservation.

EC771 The current system of VAT is regressive and is not intended to bring about any ecological benefits. It therefore does not fit with the principles of green taxation laid out in EC702. It is also highly bureaucratic and a severe burden on many small businesses. For these reasons, the Green Party would phase out VAT over a period of time and replace it with a system of environmental taxation measures ("eco-taxes"). These will target specific products, production methods, resources used and pollutants produced in order to discourage ecologically unsustainable consumption. (see EC780, LP511 and EU414)

Alcohol and Tobacco Duties

EC775 In order to address concerns over public health, taxes will continue to be levied on alcohol and tobacco products. New taxes would also be levied on any other drugs which may be legalised by a Green government (see DU402). As with other indirect taxes, these taxes will be regressive in nature and will therefore be designed to encourage changes in behaviour rather than to provide increased government revenue.

EC776 The effect of these taxes on the consumption levels of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs will be regularly reviewed. The effects of other regulatory and health promotion measures would also be reviewed, along with regular assessments of the harm done by such drugs in society. In this way, tax levels can be adjusted to the most appropriate levels to help reduce harm caused by drugs.

EC777 When reviewing the effects of these duties on the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, particular attention will be given to the issue of the smuggling of these products from other countries in which duty levels are lower. Amounts which people are allowed to bring into the UK for their own personal use will also be reviewed to ensure that they are not providing a loophole for a significant trade in black-market goods. Regulations should not allow different tax rates in other countries to undermine UK public health policy. (see EC786)

Eco-Taxes

EC780 A system of environmental tax measures ("eco-taxes") will be introduced alongside the phasing out of VAT (see EC771). Such taxation is designed to encourage movement towards a sustainable economy, by increasing the prices of items or services produced using unsustainable or polluting practises. It will therefore be calculated to achieve the desired environmental effects, not to maximise revenue. It is acknowledged that environmental taxation can only be successful when integrated with a great many other policy measures, including regulation where necessary.

EC781 Eco-taxes can be expected to decrease in their revenue raising power as their purpose takes effect. However, as much of the revenue from these taxes will be spent on measures to combat pollution and its effects, the need for such revenue can also be expected to decrease as we move towards a more sustainable society. Therefore, although the operation of all related policies will be continuously reviewed, it should not be assumed from the outset that a reduction in eco-tax revenues will result in a funding shortage.

EC782 Eco-taxes will be levied as close to the point of production as is practical. Resource taxation will be charged on the use of raw materials, and will reflect their relative scarcity and the environmental disruption caused by their extraction. The raw materials which would be subjected to such resource taxes include fossil fuels, hardwoods, metals, minerals and aggregates.

EC783 The principal way of reducing UK carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels will be through a system of tradable quotas (see CC290). A resource tax on fossil fuels may be levied to reflect other environmental impacts of their production and use.

EC784 Road fuel duties are important in encouraging drivers to become mileage conscious. As far as is practical the costs of motoring should rise in line with increased car usage, to make increase car use less attractive and encourage the use of public transport. Fuel taxes should therefore be increased to incorporate Road Fund Licence ("tax disc").

EC785 As well as taxing the use of resources which are input into a production process, taxes will also be levied on the outputs of those processes, depending on their ecological impact. This will include taxes levied on the desired products of manufacture if they are considered to be pollutants (e.g. pesticides or plastic packaging products) as well as taxes on waste products and emissions (e.g. toxic gases) which are discharged into the surrounding environment.

EC786 Import duties will be levied on both raw materials and finished products which will reflect the ecological impact of the production, extraction and transportation of such goods where sufficient eco-taxes are not considered to have been levied in their country of origin. This system will include a re-introduction of duties on goods imported from other European Union countries where considered necessary (see EU443 and EC777). Enforcement procedures exercised by Customs and Excise must be sufficient to prevent a rise in the levels of organised crime in relation to smuggling and evasion of duties. Energy-intensive products imported from countries which have not entered an international contraction and convergence agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (see 'Climate Change' policy), or which are not meeting their obligations under such an agreement, will be taxed on import to reflect the greenhouse gas emissions produced during their manufacture and transport.

Land Value Tax

EC791 A system of Land Value Taxation (LVT) will be introduced to replace the Council Tax and the National Non-Domestic Business Rates. LVT rates will be set at a local level, and will be based on the annual rental value of the land.

EC792 Rates will vary according to the permitted use of the land, as determined by planning consents which have been granted. Agricultural land will be taxed at a low rate so that intensive farming is not encouraged or basic food prices forced to rise.

EC793 There will be no reduction of or exemption from LVT for buildings which are left vacant or which have been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. In this way, the policy will encourage full use of existing properties and discourage the practice of people speculating on the price of sites whilst keeping the properties empty or derelict.

Pensions

Basic State Pension Provision

EC800 Pensioners deserve a state pension which is sufficient to cover their basic needs and to enable them to live with dignity as of right, without the need for additional means-tested benefits. The Green Party will immediately introduce a Citizens' Pension to replace the current basic state pension and any additional top-up benefits. The Citizens' Pension will initially be set at a level no lower than the official poverty line.

EC801 The Citizen's Pension will replace an individual's Citizen's Income once they reach the specified pension age. This will not restrict an individual's right to continue working, and any additional earnings will be taxed just as they would for those below the pension age. Unlike the current system these payments will be unconditional, given as a right of citizenship and not subject to means testing. They will not be restricted to those people who have paid National Insurance contributions, which, for example currently leaves many women without a proper state pension due to having an incomplete payment record.

EC802. The Citizen's Pension will be set at a higher level than the Citizen's Income. It will be up-rated annually in line with the increase in either a) the price of basic goods and services, or b) average earnings, whichever is greater. There will be a supplement paid to pensioners living alone as well as for those with disabilities and special needs. This will include payments to cover the costs of residential care, should this become necessary. Elderly residents will no longer be forced to sell their homes in order to pay for such care, as these supplements will not be subject to means-testing.

EC803. As with the Citizen's Income, housing benefit will initially continue to be paid. The situation will subsequently be reviewed to see how a housing cost element could be incorporated into Citizen's Pension payments. (see EC733)

Additional Voluntary Public Pension Provision

EC804. The Green Party recognises that people in paid employment may wish additionally to defer some of their income until the time that they retire, in order to ensure that their standard of living does not dramatically reduce when their employment ends. The usual method of doing this at present is to make contributions to privately administered pension schemes, which then invest those contributions in shares on the Stock Exchange.

EC805. Although we do not envisage an end to the Stock Exchange, its future role in a green society will be significantly reduced as legislation is brought in to reduce the size of inappropriately large companies whose stocks are currently listed (see EC651). Concern that company decisions are made by those stakeholders most affected by them, rather than by distant shareholders who only hold a speculative financial interest, also means that it is inappropriate for the Government to promote or encourage such investment in private pension schemes. Moreover, there have been significant problems with private sector schemes in recent years, including mis-selling and fraud, and this is coupled with the inherent uncertainty of returns from funds invested on the Stock Exchange to leave those who have contributed to additional pension schemes with far less financial security than they had hoped for.

EC806. It is therefore necessary to introduce publicly administered pension schemes which will enable people voluntarily to provide for their retirement without recourse to the current private pension providers. People will be able to contribute to a national additional scheme in which they will get fixed rate pension investment bonds in return for their contributions. They will also be able to invest in Local Community Pension Schemes, which would be administered by local authorities/community banks and would re-invest the money paid into them within the local community. These could offer the options of either fixed rate local bonds, or an equity-based scheme which would give variable returns from investment in appropriate local businesses which satisfied various criteria concerning environmental and social standards. Those who have contributed to such publicly administered pension schemes should receive an annual statement detailing the current value of their pension fund, and an estimate of the future level of an annuity purchased by that fund on retirement.

EC807. Stakeholder pension legislation will be amended so that employers need only offer entry into such publicly administered schemes. There will no longer be any tax relief for contributions to additional pension schemes, whether privately or publicly administered. It would still be possible to use the accumulated pension fund to buy an annuity, but no longer compulsory to do so. A publicly run annuity scheme would be set up to offer a secure alternative to those which are privately run. Income received from annuities, whether public or private, would no longer be taxed on receipt.

Occupational Pension Schemes

EC808. Where companies run an occupational pension scheme, the scheme must only be run for the benefit of workers, former workers and pensioners whose representatives must form a majority on the Board of Trustees. We would immediately ensure that changes to existing occupational pension arrangements could only take place with the agreement of the affected workers, former workers, existing pensioners and their representatives.

The European Dimension

(see also Europe policy)

EC850 Many of the national level policies outlined here would be difficult if not impossible to pursue while the European Union pursues unsustainable and corporatist economic policies. In particular the Single Market is in direct conflict with the encouragement of self-reliant and diverse local economies; the movement towards a single currency is in conflict with the need to retain, and devolve to lower levels, independence in monetary policy; the EU requirement for common external tariffs conflicts with the proposed imposition of equivalent resource taxation for imported goods.

EC851 Equally many of the national level policies outlined here could be delegated to a reconstituted 'European Confederation of Regions'. Only trans-national institutions are able to implement the regulatory and fiscal measures which can confront those seeking to gain from unsustainable and inequitable activities. The potential significance of a reformed European Union for Green objectives must be acknowledged.

EC852 While the UK remains a member of the currently constituted EU, we will work to reverse the trends of economic centralisation in the EU and seek to replace them with economic devolution. At the same time, we will maintain the maximum possible freedom for unilateral action to implement Green economic policies.

The Global Economy

Background and Principles

EC900 National economic systems operating in isolation cannot resolve the problems of trans-boundary pollution, exploitation of global resources and inequitable relation ships between rich and poor countries. Resolution of the global economic and ecological crises requires a new order of cooperation between nations with the development of new international institutions and agreements, in which a green European Confederation could play an important role.

EC901 Economic globalisation is integrating national economies and labour markets more tightly together as the flow of goods, services, and investment across borders expands. This is locking producers, both North and South, into an increasingly competitive system, while lower social and environmental standards are increasingly being used to facilitate trade expansion. But competitiveness is a zero-sum game: one country can become more competitive only at the expense of another. For poor countries, and for poorer people in the industrialised countries, globalisation has meant marginalisation; and for the environment, it has meant increasing destruction.

EC902 Formidably powerful and publicly unaccountable trans-national companies are becoming ever more footloose, their strength and mobility facilitated both by technological advances, and by the progressive withdrawal of investment controls by governments and by multilateral institutions such as WTO. TNCs are now increasingly able to exploit differences in social and environmental standards between countries in order to maximise profits.

EC903 The rush towards globalisation is neither inevitable nor desirable. It is leading to the sharp reduction in powers of local and indigenous communities, states, and even nations, to control their futures, as economic power is transferred to global institutions. A worldwide homogenization of diverse, local, and indigenous cultures, social and economic forms, as well as values and living patterns increasingly reflect the new global monoculture

EC904 New global agreements are urgently needed to regulate international trade and investment in the interests of equity and sustainable development. Green policies are based on the principle that we need to reduce to a minimum the overall volume of international trade, and to revitalise local communities by promoting maximum self-reliance, economic, social, and political control, and environmental sustainability. These policies will also greatly increase employment opportunities.

Objectives and Policies

Strategies for self-reliance

EC910 Increased economic cooperation must be accompanied by much greater economic self-reliance for regions and nations. Self- reliance provides an alternative to the present level of unsustainable and inequitable international relationships. Strategies for self-reliance must be pursued at all levels of national and international economies.

EC911 Green policies will be adopted which increase small-scale, local community import substitution, rather than export promotion, support local food growing in place of cash crops for the international market, and encourage forms of economic development which are consistent with the culture and aspirations of the people concerned - involving their effective participation in all areas of development and at all stages of the decision- making process.

International economic management

EC920 Both taxation and public expenditure are currently necessary at the global level. Taxation levied by global institutions, derived from present agencies, may be revenue-raising, redistributive or regulatory in purpose. Tax revenue is required by the international community both to fund transfer payments to poorer countries, to replace 'Aid', and to finance the necessary international resources and pollution inspectorates.

EC921 Possible taxes include taxes on the exploitation of the global environment (e.g. sea-bed mining, unsustainable management of all forests, including tropical rain forests); taxes on activities which pollute the global environment, including transboundary pollution, international transport and release of gases that cause global warming; international trade tariffs; a uniform tax on currency exchanges. The last two could provide national economies with a degree of protection against domination by external economic forces and against economic perturbations caused by decisions made elsewhere.

Global agencies

EC930 Current international bodies (e.g. the IMF and World Bank) have been dominated by the Western bloc. They are fundamentally undemocratic and outmoded in economic practice. They are more often arenas for international conflict than cooperation. To create the necessary ecological and accountable institutions, an urgent programme of reform and innovation based on existing bodies must be undertaken.

EC931 Policies can include seeking commitment from the World Bank in the short term to end environmentally damaging projects and in the longer term to a complete overhaul of international financial institutions; providing creative alternatives to IMF austerity measures imposed on the world's already most impoverished peoples; legislating to make the decision-making processes of the financial institutions more open and accessible; establishing a World Environmental Agency to administer a Global Environmental Agreement.

Trade

EC940 In the short to medium term, strategies to reduce the volume of international trade could have severe impacts on developing countries, many of which have become dependent on exports. We will work with them to design and finance transitional strategies to minimise these effects. Other Green policies, including debt cancellation, will also help to ease the transition to more self-reliant economies.

Long term aims

EC941 To redesign trade policy so that it is based on less, not more, international trade, and founded on the principles of equity and sustainable development.

EC942 To replace the WTO with a more accountable, decentralised body, which aims to protect and enhance social and environmental conditions, and to develop strong self-reliant regions where individual communities meet more of their own needs.

EC943 To increase local democracy and control over economic decision-making.

Short term aims

EC944 To undertake urgent research into developing transitional strategies to move trade into new regional patterns.

EC945 To introduce import and export controls on a national and/or regional bloc level, with the aim of allowing localities and countries to produce as much of their food, goods, and services as they can themselves.

EC946 To introduce into the WTO a social clause, based on ILO standards, establishing minimum labour rights and conditions for participation in the multilateral trading system, together with new rules to prohibit countries from weakening existing social and environmental regulations to attract, or retain, foreign investment.

EC947 To establish new international trade rules to reconcile conflicts at national and international levels between free trade and sustainable resource management, which would place environmental protection and sustainable development above the pursuit of profit. These would include rules to enable countries to internalise the full environmental costs of international trade, including the true costs of transport. Trade rules would permit legitimate border tax adjustment to compensate for energy or pollution taxes imposed on domestic industries, and enable countries to discriminate between products on the basis of the way they are processed/produced. Obligations on developing countries to comply with higher standards should be linked to the provision of transitional technical and financial support.

EC948 To incorporate into trade policy making the commitment given at the UN Beijing Women's Conference (1995) to mainstream gender analysis into all levels of policy making, and in particular to incorporate a gender impact assessment into all trade policy making and policy reviews.

EC949 To integrate the WTO more closely into the UN system. The WTO should be answerable to the UN through regular reports to the Secretary-General, the General Assembly, and the Economic and Social Council.

EC950 To ensure expanded and timely public access to all WTO documents, and access for representatives of civil society to WTO meetings.

EC951 To introduce into the WTO a food security clause, which would allow developing countries to protect their food systems up to the point of self-sufficiency for social, ecological, and economic reasons

EC952 To prohibit subsidised agricultural export dumping, and to redesign the agricultural policies of the industrialised countries to encourage less intensive production, and to redistribute income support from the largest producers to the small-holders.

EC953 To introduce an international tax on currency speculation, both to raise revenue for development, and to deter a form of financial activity which is deeply, destabilising for all countries.

International finance

EC960 The present international financial system provides disproportionate benefits to banks, trans-national corporations and currency speculators. It must be replaced by a system in which money returns to its proper role as a medium of exchange, not a commodity in its own right. This requires international negotiation. The result could be a reformed World Bank and International Monetary Fund at the centre of a global economic system with commercial institutions playing a much diminished role. (see also IP350-371)

EC961 The tripartite global system regulating international finance should be replaced by three new bodies: an International Reserve Bank to administer the neutral international exchange currency (EBCU); an International Clearing Union to oversee goods and carbon trading; a General Agreement on Sustainable Trade.

EC962 All countries belonging to the tripartite system should make their currencies convertible but according to internationally negotiated and fixed exchange rates. Domestically countries would be expected to administer exchange controls.

EC963 The global trading system would aim to achieve balance trade between countries; those which operated extended surpluses or deficits would be fined.

EC964 The US dollar should no longer be accepted as equivalent to gold in international transactions and other national or supra?national (i.e. the euro) currencies should no longer be used as international reserve currencies.

EC965 Their role should be taken on by a neutral international currency ? the EBCU ? linked to the right to produce carbon dioxide.

Debt

EC970 To make progress towards a global economy which resolves inequitable relationships between rich and poor nations, and which eliminates the exploitation of global resources, the international debt crisis must be tackled. A programme to eliminate international debt must be accepted which adopts wholesale writing-off and writing-down together with the selective use of 'creative redemption' and limitation of the banks' right to create credit at high interest rates.

EC971 In advance of such agreements, we propose cooperation with other like-minded countries in bilateral arrangements; an audit of the debt world-wide and its implications for the debtor countries; effective local management of any debt-environment swaps.

Trans-national corporations (see also IP400-431)

EC980 Many TNCs possess resources greater than nation states. Freer trade has meant greater freedom for TNCs to operate to their own advantage for short-term gain and to the disadvantage of the global environment and at significant human cost.

EC981 The damage caused by TNCs can be tackled through both economic and legal sanctions such as initiating research on TNC activities throughout the world; setting up national and international capital controls to ensure profits made by TNCs are reinvested in the countries of origin; legislating against transfer-pricing activities; banning the export of environmentally damaging technologies and products; the acquisition of patents from TNCs to enable smaller companies to take over some of their activities.

Aid

EC990 In the short term, policies to reduce the damaging effect of 'self-serving' "Aid" must be adopted. These could include the abolishing of tied Aid, including the aid/trade provision; permitting Aid project formulation to be under the control of local communities; giving priority to small scale sustainable projects based on local self-reliance and low environmental impact technologies; encouraging international community linking projects to develop a greater sense of global responsibility; replacing interest-bearing loans by grants (gifts) and interest- free loans. (see also IP250-261)

Intellectual Property

Background

EC1000 The term intellectual property covers a number of different areas, such as cultural products (see EC1011 below), software, physical inventions, drugs and natural entities protected by different means such as copyright, patents and trademarks. There are differences within and between these areas, and there can be no single intellectual property policy. The crucial balance in policy is between ensuring that there is adequate funding and incentive for innovation for socially and environmentally valuable activity and encouraging the widest possible sharing of these rights, which are public goods.

Policy

EC1010 Our general presumption is to encourage the Green value of greater sharing and to make it more difficult to obtain patents and similar forms of protection than at present. Specific policies are below.

EC1011 On cultural products (literature, music, film, paintings etc), our general policy is to expand the area of cultural activity, that is ways that culture can be consumed, produced, and shared, reduce the role of the market and encourage smaller and more local cultural enterprise (see CMS200 onwards). Specifically we will

1. introduce a Citizen’s Income (see EC730), which will allow many more people to participate in cultural creation;
2. introduce generally shorter copyright terms, with a usual maximum of 14 years;
3. legalise peer to peer copying where it is not done as a business;
4. liberalise ‘fair use’ policies to operate outside the academic environment, and allow greater development from existing copyright material; and
5. make it impossible to patent broad software and cultural ideas.

 

EC1012 So far as concepts embodied in physical objects are concerned, we would generally shorten patent terms and relate them to the timescale of innovation in the industry concerned. We believe too that specific measures are needed to spread already patented ideas needed by many people who may not be able to afford them and to promote research in socially useful areas where the poverty of the potential customers makes rewards unlikely (eg drugs for tropical diseases):

1. in the long term we would promote international funding (perhaps from a Tobin Tax (see EU445)) to buy out the owners of certain patents, based entirely on global social and environmental usefulness, with the patent becoming available to all once the payment had been made;
2. in the absence of such an international regime, we would enable the government effectively to nationalise a patent where it was in the public interest to do so. Such a patent would be publicly available and the creators of the patent compensated;
3. we would fund a programme of government research in socially and environmentally useful areas where the prospect of inadequate rewards is inhibiting research activity.

 

EC1013 We would encourage and make easier the voluntary use of the open source model, not just for software.

EC1014 All published material created in the public sector (eg maps, government publications, university research) would be available to all free of financial restrictions, distributed in open standard formats, and Crown Copyright would cease to exist.

EC1015 We would impose a national ban and seek an international ban on the patenting of living material (see ST360, AG613, AR410).

EC1016 As part of the proposed dissolution and replacement of the WTO (see IP122), the GP would seek to abolish the TRIPS Agreement and transform WIPO into a body that would help poor countries to acquire the knowledge required to develop on an ecologically sustainable basis. The requirements of the Convention on Bio?diversity must take precedence over trade rules for all aspects of IP that are ecologically sensitive, including seeds, genes and other life forms.

EC1017 We would restrict the value of claims for intellectual property violations to a proportion of the monetary gain made by the commercial exploitation by the user, and not allow damages.

E-Commerce

Introduction

EC1020 Green Party economic policies are founded on the principles of social equity and ecological sustainability. Our attitude and policies regarding e-commerce therefore reflect this (see PB206 and PB431). The Green Party believes the development and application of E Commerce technology and E-Business practices has some positive aspects, for example by opening up possibilities for people to work from home, thus reducing the need for travel, and preventing social exclusion, by helping to ensure that individuals and communities have access to businesses and services even if otherwise hampered by disability or remoteness of location and by helping to develop links between communities and businesses and building a vibrant local economy, and our policies seek to ensure that any positives are not outweighed by the possible negatives.

Environmental Impacts

EC1030 E commerce facilitates an increased ability to purchase goods from anywhere in the world. This will lead to major changes in freight transport and distribution, which may lead to a net increase in the movement of goods to and around the UK.

EC1031 The manufacture of digital hardware involves many highly toxic processes.

Environmental Impacts Policies

EC1032 The Green Party's policies on Transport and Taxation, in particular our policies on fuel taxation, import duties and transport planning address these issues (see TR030 to TR038 and TR040 to TR049, EC786).

EC1033 The Green Party would make manufacturers of equipment responsible for its reuse, recycling or safe disposal. Any disposal should be done according to principles of responsible disposal. (see NR411 and NR412). The Green Party would encourage partnerships between manufacturers and charities to enable equipment to be reused by, for example, reconditioning it for people on low incomes.

Social Inclusion

EC1040 E-commerce and the provision of on-line services has potential benefits for social inclusion. It is able to provide access to services which some people may have previously been denied due to physical disability or the remoteness of their geographical location. However, e-commerce also has the ability to exclude large numbers of people due to the "digital divide". The 'digital divide' is defined as the divide between those who have and who do not have access to the physical technology and know-how to use it.

EC1041 The Green Party recognises that there are three aspects to tackling the 'digital divide':

1.Improving connectivity across the UK so that people have access to the physical hardware and software resources to enable them to participate in a digital economy;

2.Improving IT skills training in the community so that people can use new technology effectively;

3.Ensuring that all possible services (and particularly Government services) should be available either face to face, by post, or over the telephone, to ensure that those who cannot use the Internet do not suffer discrimination.

Social Inclusion Policies

EC1042 The Green Party supports the provision of communal IT equipment in libraries, community centres, post offices etc. to make sure more people are able to use the technology. Where usage charges are levied, these should be minimal to ensure that those on low incomes feel able to use it. The Green Party would also actively promote free educational courses in IT skills to all parts of the community.

EC1043 Wherever government, at whatever level, introduces on-line versions of its services this must be to increase the public's choice of such services, rather than reduce it. More traditional forms of access to services should therefore always be kept open in order to ensure that nobody is excluded from benefiting from them.

Financial Issues

EC1050 When money circulates within the UK economy, it becomes subject to taxation here every time it is spent or earned. However, with financial transactions now carried out electronically more frequently, due to the expansion of e-commerce, there is an increasing amount of money being spent across national barriers. This therefore escapes taxation in its country of origin and transfers wealth across the world from one nation to another. The Green Party notes that this problem coupled with the tendency of governments to reduce corporation taxes and income taxes in order to attract investment from TNCs could mean a reduction in the monies available to finance public services.

EC1051 The Green Party also notes that the costs/benefit ratio of E Commerce needs to operate favourably for small businesses, such that this technology does not make life easier for big business at the expense of small local businesses.

Financial Issues Policies

EC1052 The Green Party promotes the idea of self-reliant economies. This means that, whenever possible, profits made are re-invested within the country of origin. Where this is not entirely practical, taxation should be used to both raise public finance in the country of origin and discourage the transfer of business outside it. To this end, all international funds transfers should be taxed, with the tax revenue being retained in the country of origin of the funds. (see EC743)

EC1053 The Green Party requires the Government to assist and enable Local Authorities (by appropriate provision of funds and expertise) to develop localised 'e markets' so that local traders and providers of services locally can be linked up, and that local communities have full access to this information.

Employment Issues

EC1060 The Green Party recognises that the move towards a digital economy will have impacts for employment patterns and people's conditions and terms of employment.

Employment Issues Policies

EC1061 There will be a need for people to be trained to fix 'the whole object' and to learn how things work together rather than simply learning 'parts replacement'. The Green Party calls for a change to the way maintenance skills are taught in schools and further/higher education. The Green Party also believes that the Government should encourage companies to provide multi skills training for employees, either in house or by releasing them from their employment to study.

EC1062 The Green Party notes that that a digital economy is a more fluid economy and therefore the potential for shifting operations quickly thus resulting in redundancies could be greatly increased. We call for a strengthening of legislation on protection from redundancy. (see WR330-333)

Consumer Protection

EC1070 E-commerce can raise particular issues for consumer protection, since it makes it far more likely that the purchaser and supplier are in different jurisdictions. While the supplier can usually be sure that they get their money through electronic funds transfer using credit cards, the buyer faces both potential fraud through the misuse of credit card details by the supplier or others, and the possibility that the goods will not be supplied or are unsatisfactory, and that the supplier is outside the UK, and in practice very difficult legally to pursue.

Consumer Protection Policies

EC1071 All credit, debit or charge card companies issuing cards to UK resident consumers may only do so on the condition that suppliers accepting their card on the internet may only do so if they adopt appropriate security procedures.

EC1072 E-banking web sites should always have registered address prominently posted on the home page. Customers should expect & get the same protection and levels of service as consumers using bank branches or postal accounts.

 

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Economy chapter updates:

Spring 2012 EC743 Wealth Tax added
Spring 2010 amended wording para EC800 on State Pension
Autumn 2009 inserted paras EC653-656 on Co-operatives
Spring 2009 inserted paras EC961-965 on International Finance
Spring 2009 added and amendments to Monetary Policy section EC660-669
Spring 2008 inserted section on Intellectual Property EC1000-EC1017 and renumbered to end.
Autumn 2006

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The following additional policy statements can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS)for Economy available on the Members webiste:

• REC91.1 Community Development Finance (1991)
• REC95.1 Greening Economic Development (Spring 1995)
• REC96.1 Restriction of Advertising Aimed at Children (Spring 1996)
• REC97.1 LETSchemes and Benefits (Spring 1997. Amended October 2001)
• REC98.1 Initial Form and Costing of the Citizen’s Income (Autumn 1998)
• REC98.2 Offering a Model of a £50pw Citizens Income (Autumn 1998)
• REC98.3 Multinational Agreement on Investment (November 1998)
• REC02.1 Barcelona European Summit (Spring 2002)
• REC04.1 Post Office Savings Accounts (Spring 2004)
• REC05.2 Free/Open Source Software (Autumn 2005)
• REC06.1 Trade Union Mass Strike for Pensions (Spring 2006)
• REC08.1 Green New Deal (Autumn 2008)
• REC09.1 Alternative Economic Strategy (Spring 2009)

 

Education

Major revision September 2009

Details

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EDUCATION

ED001 This education policy is structured into the following sections. Sections 3-18 inclusive focus on learning for school-aged children. As outlined in the Introduction the Green Party believes that education is important throughout life. There is less need for specific policies on life-long learning as there will be as much autonomy as possible and most issues can be addressed through general principles; this is in no way intending to reflect the lack of importance we feel should be attached to it. We hope by setting out an appropriate system for compulsory learning that this will nurture in everyone a desire to continue learning throughout life.

ED002 Where necessary we have included a preamble to the policies to help to explain them

1. Introduction
2. Early Years
3. School starting and leaving age
4. Youth Schools
5. Curriculum
6. Assessment
7. Structure and Accountability of Schools
8. Size of Schools
9. Admissions
10. Different types of Schools
11. Academies
12. Grammar Schools and mixed ability learning
13. Home-based Education
14. Inclusion and Special Educational Needs
15. Faith Schools
16. Health in Schools
17. Food in Schools
18. Environmental Education
19. Teacher Education
20. Post-16 and Further Education
21. Higher Education
22. Life-long Learning

ED003 In accordance with general Green Party principles, decisions about education will be devolved to the most local level that is possible. However in order to ensure equal opportunities, accessibility and standardisation of qualifications there will be a need for monitoring by Local Authorities regarding issues such as the quality of education, the range of options offered and consistency of internal assessment. This will in turn be monitored centrally both for consistency and to share best practice.

ED004 It is important to preserve both diversity of opportunity and equality of opportunity for students (of all ages) in an education system which encourages social cohesion.

Introduction

ED010 The Green Party believes that education should provide everyone of all ages with the knowledge and skills they require to be able to participate fully and contribute to the society in which they live. This is not just academic knowledge, but social skills, life skills, and respect for other people’s rights and lifestyles.

ED011 We want to develop an education system that will nurture a desire to learn throughout life. We will do this through a child-centred approach to learning which builds on the skills and interests of each individual child.

ED012 Education should be at the heart of communities and for communities, and should promote equality, inclusivity, social and emotional well-being and responsibility.

ED013 Education is a right and an entitlement and should be free at the point of delivery to people of all ages.

Early Years education

ED020 The Green Party acknowledges that in many countries academic learning is not introduced before the age of 7.

ED021 Many teachers believe that it is more appropriate to start academic learning at least one year later

ED022 In accordance with the values outlined in the Introduction there will be an emphasis on social cohesion, play, relatedness and character building as well as knowledge and skills particularly in the early years.

Policy

ED023 We will move towards a system in which early years education extends until the age of 6. This will mean that academic learning is not introduced until the age of 6. That does not preclude those who wish to enter their children into school earlier from doing so.

ED024 Free and subsidised nurseries and early years education combined with Citizens’ Income would help to create structures that encourage and support parental involvement and nurture in these important years. We would build upon and continue successful schemes such as Sure Start.

ED025 All early years establishments must enable regular outdoor access for children.

ED026 As with our policies on schools, early years establishments will be small enough to provide community units with continuity and consistency of staff for all children and small enough to provide a safe and secure environment as a base for children’s exploration of the environment and social relationships. They will be within walking distance of children’s homes in urban areas.

ED027 There will be greater health involvement in these important years and health visitors will make regular visits to all early years establishments.

School starting and leaving age

Policy

ED030 We will conduct pilot projects and create all-through schools such as those in Scandinavia, which can alleviate the challenges of transition between schools and strengthen community cohesion and relations between staff, parents and pupils. This would be in the context of smaller schools (see Size of Schools). This may include a change at the age of 14 where social and emotional development suggests this is a good time for a new start in a more adult atmosphere and when aptitudes and likely career paths are easier to diagnose. From this age education may be provided in co-operation with workplace learning/training.

ED031 It will continue to be compulsory for all young people to be educated between the years of 7-16. From the age of 14 this may be provided through a variety of contexts including through skills and practical training, vocational placements and at Youth Schools.

Youth Schools

Policy

ED030 In addition to compulsory education there will be Youth Schools in every town as in other European countries such as Denmark for young people to opt to attend from the age of 14. This will provide somewhere safe for young people to socialise in the evenings, and structured learning will take place as it does in adult education, including a wide variety of courses, life skills, practical and vocational training. This will complement the Extended Schools programme which is primarily for activities immediately after school.

Curriculum for school-aged children

ED040 According to Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children's opinions on what and how they are taught should be taken into account. Children and young people's own interests and enthusiasms are the natural starting-point for productive learning, the roots from which a broad curriculum can grow.

Policy

ED041 Therefore the National School Curriculum will be replaced with a set of learning entitlements (listed below), in the context of which learners and teachers together will develop curriculum content to suit their needs and interests. Children and young people will be entitled to experience of:

1. How to engage with learning, and how to develop speaking, listening and thinking skills.
2. Emotional literacy and well-being, social skills and physical well-being including education in sex and relationships which will build on existing good practice. This will be achieved through a broad learning environment (see below) and through more rigorous teacher training which focuses on these issues. A greater emphasis on the arts will facilitate greater self-expression and help to deliver this. (see Culture Media and Sport )
3. The development of essential numeracy and literacy skills and the existing core subjects including scientific literacy, technical understanding and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills.
4. The environment, through academic work and on a practical level, including children and young people’s understanding of their own physical environment and enabling them to be actively involved in improving their local environment.
5. Practical life skills such as basic cooking, Do It Yourself (DIY) skills, First Aid and managing of bank accounts.
6. Citizenship. The agenda for Citizenship will not be determined by central government but instead by an independent body (such as the Politics Association). This would include, above all, experience of the democratic process through being involved in the running of their own school community as well as understanding the history of and the politics and political structures of the local area and country.
7. g. Learning at least one language from the age of 7 in addition to English (and Welsh within schools in Wales)
   
   and a learning environment:
   
   
8. Which is free from fear and the sense of failure
9. Which provides education in social skills and relationships through cooperative and participative learning including group work in all areas of the curriculum and which encourages responsibility in young people, for example by enabling them to organise trips and activities.
10. Which caters for and encourages a variety of interests, intelligences, skills and talents
11. Which, through pupil-centred learning, will cater for and encourages different learning styles, appropriate to the individual and, if applicable, their Special Educational Needs
12. Which enables children and young people to become self-directed learners, who will be equipped to take advantage of learning opportunities throughout their lives.
13. Which promotes outdoor and physical activity and learning about the environment at first hand

See also AG612 on education in Agriculture

ED042 Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) should be age-appropriate, start at a sufficiently early age and continue throughout young people’s education. As part of the SRE curriculum, children should be fully aware of puberty before it happens, relationships should be taught as well as the physical aspects of sex and the potential consequences of sex before sexual activity begins. As part of SRE access to sexual health services should be made available in secondary schools, either on site or integrated with local young people's sexual health services.

 

Assessment

ED050 A healthy education system would include a broad range of cumulative, formative and summative assessment, including self-assessment. Assessment should be unobtrusive and in the interests of enhancing the learning of the individual child.

ED051 There is currently too much emphasis on national tests and fulfilling marking schemes, which can oppress teaching and learning and create a great deal of unnecessary pressure on children as young as 7. Teaching and learning are too often dominated by meeting targets and ticking boxes both for teachers and for pupils.

ED052 Currently many people specialise in their subject choice at a very early age. Achievement in practical and vocational subjects is still held in lower esteem than academic achievement.

Policy

ED053 In order to promote the aims of education outlined in the Introduction and encourage and give importance to the broad range of subjects and learning styles outlined in Curriculum (ED041), assessment of social, creative and emotional skills should be developed.

ED054 The Green Party will abolish external SATS exams.

ED055 The Green Party will abolish league tables in their current form as they give an over-inflated impression of schools with a higher ability intake which can contribute towards problems with admissions.

ED056 Ofsted Inspections will be revised with quality teaching inspections similar to those in Wales, combined with spot check inspections and staff and student evaluations.

ED057 Where school standards are reported this will be through value-added results and through the results of school inspections which will include school self-evaluation.

ED058 Outcomes of different types of assessment will feed into local and national strategies for educating the individual child.

ED059 School leaving qualifications will encourage a broad curriculum that gives equal value to academic, vocational, creative and practical subjects.

Structure and Accountability of Schools

ED070 In order to maximise engagement and good communication between parents, students, teachers and other staff and the wider community, there will be considerable efforts to ensure that all parties are democratically involved in the running of the school through School Councils and Governing Bodies.

ED071 Being a governor is a great responsibility yet there is often little training and no remuneration for the role, thus making it inaccessible to some.

Policy

ED072 The relationship between and responsibilities of the Head and the Chair of the Governing Body must be clearly outlined.

ED073 There must be clear systems in place for the Head and the Governing Body to report back to the rest of the school.

ED074 Schools will provide training appropriate to the role of being a governor.

ED075 Governing Bodies will be properly funded to acknowledge the high level of responsibility granted to people and to remunerate people for their time where necessary so that the role is equally accessible to everyone who wants to do it.

ED076 Students will have a right to attend meetings of the Governing Body and members of the School Council will have voting rights.

ED077 In accordance with Green Party philosophy the running of the school will be devolved as much as possible to the school within the above guidelines.

ED078 The Local Authority and Inspectorate will be involved in monitoring the structures to ensure there is consistency of standards and level of involvement and to help to share best practice.

Year-round Opening of Schools

ED080 ED080 Well-equipped school buildings represent a key community resource, which should be used to the full. In parts of the USA, schools/learning centres are open every day throughout the year, from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Families, pupils and teachers select their own periods of attendance, what they study or teach, and when they take holiday breaks. School capacity can go up 30% or more, meaning (a) no rationing of places, or (b) less need to establish new schools, or (c) smaller classes, or some combination of all three of these features.

Policy

ED081 We will conduct pilot projects to explore the benefits of all-year- round opening of schools; at the same time, we will also encourage greater community use of school buildings and equipment.

Size of Schools

Policy

ED100 In the long run we would work towards class sizes of 20 at both secondary and primary level.

ED101 We would also work towards having smaller schools with a maximum size of 700 for secondary schools. There is evidence that smaller schools have a more positive ethos which can reduce behavioural problems. It would also enhance a sense of community and encourage a greater proportion of people to be involved so that they are more democratically run as well as reducing the need for transport to school.

ED102 Existing large schools will be supported to reorganise internally into smaller communities ('mini-schools').

ED103 Existing small schools will be protected, and developed as community resources rather than closed. They will be encouraged to become partners with nearby schools where possible, to share resources and specialist staff. Small schools threatened with closure, particularly in rural areas, will be encouraged to merge with one or more other schools within the Local Authority area. Each school would remain in their individual locations and retain their own identities but be managed by a single Headteacher working within one overall budget.

Admissions

ED110 Our underlying vision is that every child and young person will be entitled to attend their  ocal community school and for needs to be met on an inclusive basis.

ED111 Currently vast sums of government money are spent on Specialist Schools and Academies, both of which restrict how a school chooses to spend its money. In practice, schools often decide on a specialism just to get extra funding, regardless of whether that specialism is needed in the area. Children rarely choose their school on the basis of their specialisms as they are likely to attend their local school. Even if this weren’t the case, it would still not be appropriate for children as young as 10 to decide on their specialism and could discourage attendance at local community schools.

Policy

ED112 Therefore the Green Party will redistribute all available money to all schools according to their needs rather than their status.

ED113 Many of the existing problems in our admissions system stem from the emphasis on SATS and League Tables, both of which the Green Party will abolish (see Assessment).

ED114 Admissions structures will continue to be determined at a local level, which will encourage placing young people at the local school. In the longer term Faith Schools, Academies and private schools will conform to the same admissions criteria as Local Authority schools.

Different types of schools

ED120 Many different types of schools currently exist, including comprehensive schools, boarding schools, public schools, specialist schools and ‘alternative’ schools such as Steiner schools. In the state sector there are also specialist schools and schools for young people with special needs. All young people have a right to receive a high standard of education at their local school, regardless of their background, where they live and what their financial background or level of ability is.

ED121 The Green Party acknowledges that there is a need to embrace a diverse range of educational approaches. Ultimately this diversity will be available to all young people without discrimination of any factors such as financial background.

ED122 The state currently subsidises independent schools, for example through paying for places for children of parents working in jobs such as diplomats, the British Council, and the military sector. This highlights the need for the state to fully represent the diversity in our education system, for example by increasing the number of state-funded boarding schools.

ED123 There is a need to address why people choose to send their children to private schools. All comprehensive schools need to reach higher standards, with smaller classes and a diverse choice of subjects.

ED124 Children with a high level of ability or who are from a background where education is highly valued are likely to have a positive influence on the learning experience of their peers. Many of these young people are learning in the independent sector. This creates additional challenges to schools in the state sector and is to some extent causing social divisions in society. Overall standards are shown to be higher in mixed ability environments therefore the Green Party wants to create a system which facilitates and encourages greater integration.

ED125 We will continue to aim for all community schools to provide everyone with an education which will fit everyone’s individual needs through a diverse curriculum which offers choice and is appropriate for everyone’s needs and ability. (See Curriculum) However, we recognise that some people will still want to be educated outside mainstream schools.

Policy

ED126 The Green Party will offer a programme of voluntary assimilation of private schools into the state sector. Key to this is the provision of more funding to state schools to facilitate a higher standard, for example through enabling smaller class sizes and more individual learning. This will make state schools more attractive both to pupils, parents and teachers.

ED127 Schools which remain in the private sector would be classed as a business and have all charitable status removed; they would pay all relevant taxes such as VAT and Corporation Tax. All state sponsored scholarships would be directed to Local Authorities and remaining private schools would be asked to contribute to a national initial teacher training levy.

Academies

ED130 Academies are often introduced to deprived areas as the only chance the school has to attract funding. Buildings and land which belong to the state are leased to a private sponsor or outside body. In the case of an Academy this private sponsor decides what the school’s specialism will be, what the curriculum will be and what wages individual teachers receive. The sponsor does not have to know anything about education yet has the power to make these crucial decisions.

ED131 The sponsor has the power to appoint the Board which appoints the Principal and the Governors. In some academies the parents have the right to vote for as little as one parent governor. This also removes the democratic control by local authorities of institutions that are financed by national and local taxation.

ED132 Academies can often take power away from parents, teachers and pupils regarding how the school is run. As with Specialist Schools the funding being offered can only be spent on certain things, for example in the case of an Academy the money is released for a new building so the school cannot choose to have a cheaper building or retro-fit existing buildings instead and spend the remaining money on, for example, more teachers.

Policy

ED133 For these reasons the Green Party is opposed to creating more Academies

ED134 In the short term, where Academies are in operation, we would instigate a maximum 25% voting rights for sponsor appointees to ensure proper democratic and community representation on Academy boards.

Grammar Schools and mixed ability learning

ED140 The grammar school system decides which young people are likely to succeed academically when they are only 11 years old with a single test which many consider to be a poor indicator of ability and skills. For those who fail this can take opportunities away from them and cause them to lose confidence in their abilities at an age when they are only just beginning to explore learning. The system can also cause social divisions. Evidence shows that the overall standard of achievement is higher where people are educated in mixed ability environments.

Policy

ED141 For these reasons the Green Party will allow no new grammar schools and gradually integrate grammar and secondary modern schools into the comprehensive system.

ED142 We will encourage mixed ability learning in all schools as far as possible.

Home-based Education

ED150 We support parents’ rights to educate their children in settings other than at school.

ED151 Too often parents exercise this choice as a result of negative experiences such as children experiencing bullying, feeling restricted by the curriculum or intimidated by large schools and class sizes. The Green Party’s reform of the education system would alleviate many of these issues.

Policy

ED152 Where parents still choose to educate their children at home this would be supported by Local Authorities which would work to ensure that all young people have a broad and diverse education of a high quality.

ED153 All schools will be obliged to offer home-based pupils part-time school attendance agreements if requested.

Inclusion and Special Needs

ED160 There are many positive benefits for everyone in being educated alongside people with a variety of needs and abilities and this will lead to a more integrated society. The Green Party supports the principle of offering all people the opportunity to be educated in a mainstream school, and meeting everyone’s needs, whatever the level of need may be, in accordance with the UK Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

ED161 In exceptional cases it is not appropriate to be fully integrated into mainstream education for all subjects, for example where there are multiple learning difficulties. There are children with behavioural difficulties and emotional difficulties who need to be protected by temporary separation. In the longer term the Green Party hopes to address this through having special resource units in mainstream schools.

Policy

ED162 Every disabled learner will have an entitlement to an assessment of his / her learning needs. This will identify equipment and facilities required, curriculum differentiation and learning styles, and any educational professional and personal assistance that is needed

ED163 In addition to Special Needs Coordinators, schools will employ appropriate professionals such as counsellors. They will provide support and, if appropriate, early diagnosis for young people with mental health needs or behavioural problems. Where behaviour is preventing someone from learning they will be supported with an Individual Learning Plan which may include activities outside the school environment whilst still remaining on the school roll, including working with their families and within their local communities.

ED164 Local Authorities may explore ways of meeting particular needs, for example, one school in an area can cater for people with visual impairment and another school for hearing impairment.

ED165 There will be a programme to increase the capacity of all mainstream schools to include disabled children which underpins the UN Convention for Persons with Disabilities. Ultimately some special schools may continue to exist. This will include schools for extremely gifted and talented students, for example specialist music schools, dance schools and sports colleges. Whether to attend a mainstream or a special needs school is a very sensitive decision and will be taken by the parent and young person together with the advice of a special needs coordinator.

Faith Schools

ED170 Education should include a celebration and recognition of religious and cultural diversity and spirituality. Education should encourage critical engagement with, and non-dogmatic exposure to, diverse, sometimes competing, worldviews and beliefs - whether based on culture, religion or spirituality.

ED171 Within that framework the Green Party recognises the right of parents to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

ED172 We recognise the importance of human values and the moral dimension in learning, and the role they play in different belief systems.

Policy

ED173 We will seek to cater for these rights and needs through ensuring that children and young people can practise their faith in schools, for example by providing prayer space for those who need or wish to practise their religion regularly.

ED174 At the same time we will abolish the requirement for a compulsory daily act of worship. Schools which choose to continue to hold acts of worship will provide an alternative activity for learners who choose not to take part. Pupils who do not participate in worship will not suffer any form of discrimination.

ED175 Religious instruction, as distinct from religious education in understanding different religions may only take place outside of school curriculum time.

ED176 No publicly-funded school shall be run by a religious organisation. Schools may teach about religions, comparing examples which originated in each continent, but are prohibited from delivering religious instruction in any form or encouraging adherence to any particular religious belief.

ED177 Privately-funded schools run by religious organisations must reflect the inclusive nature of British society and become part of the Local authority admissions system. This non-discriminatory approach will be extended to staff who must not be discriminated against in faith schools due to their own faith either in seeking employment or during employment.

ED178 Opt-outs from equality and diversity legislation will not be allowed for faith schools and they will not be permitted to promote homophobia or transphobia on the grounds of religion.

Health in Schools

ED180 Schools and teachers will continue to have a duty of care towards young people. Whilst we recognise that parents are likely to have a significant influence on their child‘s personal development, it is very important to promote this through the school, as outlined in the Curriculum section.

Policy

ED181 There will be regular health checks in schools and a return to school nurses with health personnel trained to work alongside teachers in schools.

ED182 As part of their duty of care schools will have strong and effective anti-bullying policies which will recognise the vulnerabilities of children from different backgrounds to the majority of pupils or who are LGBTI or have learning disabilities.

Food

Policy

ED190 It will be a minimum requirement that all children are provided free of charge with a balanced nutritious lunch including local and organic non-GM food, free from additives. Vegetarian, vegan, religious and other dietary requirements will be catered for. Vending machines will only supply healthy snacks and not crisps, carbonated drinks and sweets. Schools will be encouraged to involve children in growing, preparing and cooking food. Not only will this provide invaluable and essential education in the importance of a good diet, but evidence shows it will greatly improve behaviour, quality of life and learning.

Environmental Education

Policy

ED200 Schools will undertake an energy audit of the school and demonstrate, annually, how they are reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to sustainability locally. They will provide environmental education through academic and practical work. This will include encouraging children to attend their local community school so they are within walking distance in urban areas. Schools will be required to provide their own recycling and compost facilities. In this time of rising energy prices schools will be provided with grants to retro-fit their buildings with insulation and install solar panels, solar water heating, be well insulated and where appropriate have wind turbines. They will also have rainwater and grey-water flushing systems. This is particularly important in schools so that young people accept and expect these as part of normal daily life.

ED201 For more information on School Transport see the Transport chapter TR100-103 inclusive

Teachers

ED210 Teachers are the key resource within the education system. They need first class initial preparation, continuing professional development and appropriate salaries.

Policy

ED211 A Green government will work with the teaching unions to reverse the process by which teachers have gradually been deskilled and their professional autonomy eroded.

ED212 Teacher Education and professional development including ongoing training will be revised in order to facilitate the provision of the above stated compulsory education system.

ED213 Provide comprehensive education for teachers, educational staff and others who work in schools including volunteers on all diversity and inclusion issues.

ED214 Equality and diversity will be monitored in recruitment and staff development for teaching and other educational staff.

Post-16 and Further Education

ED220 Currently Further Education colleges are run independently from Local Authorities. They receive a much lower unit cost per pupil than schools and the teaching salaries are lower.

Policy

ED221 The Green Party believes that Further Education colleges should be publicly owned by Local Authorities and funded at the same rate as secondary schools and be subject to the same requirements as schools regarding sustainability, environmental education and health.

ED222 Further Education will be accessible to people of all ages and offer a wide range of practical, vocational and academic courses and qualifications. In Wales, where demand is clear this will include proper provision of Welsh-medium courses within further education colleges.

Higher Education

ED230 As a Green government will be working towards sustainable living and not consumption-led growth, Higher Education, like schools and colleges, will need to change to reflect the kinds of knowledge, skills and vision that are needed. Our society will need people to be educated to the highest level of which they are capable.

ED231 Evidence suggests that the best results are achieved by people who have an active desire to study at this level when they feel ready, rather than be an automatic extension of Further Education.

ED232 Higher Education is essential in developing a civilized society. Education should continue to be treated as a process and not a product. It should enable a democratisation of knowledge and skills which are available to anyone who wants to study for a degree regardless of their age or background.

ED233 Higher Education is facing a funding crisis. Departments are closing, students are being forced to pay increasing fees for their education, lecturers are working longer hours and receiving worsening pay and conditions and the student to tutor ratio is increasing.

Policy

ED234 Under a Green government there would be no student loans as there would be no tuition fees and living costs would be met by Citizen’s Income. In the short term we will reintroduce student grants to meet living costs.

ED235 Due to the nature of the economic growth we have been experiencing there has been a shift in recent years away from manufacture and industry-related subjects. Whilst trends in the subjects students choose to study will continue to evolve there will be sufficient funding to protect minority subjects and to cater for potential swings back.

ED236 The Green Party will support a properly funded, accessible Higher Education system which would reverse these trends.

ED237 Currently the standard of achievement of students with comparable degrees and results from different institutions is inconsistent.

ED238 There will be much more rigour applied to ensure consistency through external accreditation systems.

ED239 Higher Education will offer real support to mature students and students with families. There will be a minimum requirement for Universities and Higher Education Institutions to offer a free crèche to students and staff, nappy changing and breast-feeding facilities as well as religious facilities such as prayer spaces to cater for people from a wide range of ages, religions and ethnic backgrounds.

ED240 Accessibility will be addressed through a combination of these institutions offering Widening Participation Programmes and creating a series of firm targets which will ensure increased social diversity.

ED241 It is essential that there is not a commercial bias in research undertaken in Higher Education Institutions.

ED242 There will be sufficient funding to encourage independent and ethical research.

ED243 The Green Party recognises that under the current system the ability of students transferring from school or Further Education to Higher Education is extremely diverse, sometimes depending on their social background or the school / college they attended.

ED244 Until this is no longer the case, in order to ensure full accessibility and high standards, institutions will be funded to offer an externally accredited Access Courses to students they consider to have the potential to study at a Higher Level but who are not yet ready for it.

ED245 Currently many Higher Education Institutions are dependent on international students due to the inflated fees they pay. In some cases this can lead them to accept international students who are less able than EU students who they reject.

ED246 Under a Green Government Higher Education Institutions will be properly funded by the state so that where international students are fee-paying the amount the institution charges will more accurately reflect the true cost.

ED247 At the same time schemes would be set up to provide funding both for places for less wealthy students from developing countries and at the same time to develop Higher Education in developing countries through partnership projects so that in the longer term they will not need to travel. Subject areas where there is a shortage of skills in that particular country (for example Medicine and Engineering) will be prioritised.

ED248 Currently some institutions have some of the worst records for their environmental footprint.

ED249 Under a Green government Higher Education will adhere to the same stringent regulations as large businesses and other institutions.

Lifelong Learning (including Learning in the workplace and Retraining)

ED260 As stated in the Introduction the Green Party believes that life-long learning will help to create a healthy society.

ED261 As adult education is constantly evolving it demands a flexible approach to new courses whilst ensuring core aspects of education are preserved even where enrolment is low.

Policy

 

ED262 There should be funded opportunities to study at any level at any stage of life. This is essential for the 21st century; it may be done increasingly on-line, but with local centres for study support groups and face-to-face meetings with tutors.

ED263 To promote accessibility it will be provided in town centres rather than in out of town universities where possible.

ED264 There will be a minimum requirement to provide free education for adults to learn essential literacy, numeracy and life skills including Parenting programmes, and to acquire skills and qualifications which will help them directly gain employment. This will include provision for distance and e-learning, following models such as that of the Open University.

ED265 Adult education should embrace and encourage learning for learning’s sake and as such funding for additional courses will be decided at a local level, without it having to be target-driven and focused only on qualifications.

 

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Education chapter updates:

Autumn 2011 ED222 & ED041g
Autumn 2009 - major revision as a Conference Voting Paper

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Energy

Major revision January 1990

Details

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ENERGY

Background

EN100 Energy is fundamental to life and to the economy. Energy is neither created nor destroyed, but flows from "higher" to "lower" forms irreversibly. All living things, including people, survive by exploiting this flow.

EN101 Our world is bathed in energy radiated from the sun, but is also provided with stocks of fossil fuels in which energy is locked up. Our economic development has taken us away from using sun, wind and water power to a technology dependent on dwindling supplies of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels represent natural capital. Industrialism has been committing the fundamental economic error of using capital as income. As E.F. Schumacher has pointed out, the wealth generated from the use of capital energy resources must be directed towards making ourselves independent of that type of resource. (See EN500)

EN102 Our use of fossil fuels increases atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases, leading to forest damage from acid rain, impacting on health and causing Climate Change.

EN103 An important step in addressing this problem is for us to reduce our consumption of energy and, in the long run, to reorganise our economy and built environment.

EN104 There will nevertheless continue to be a need for energy supply.

EN105 The Green Party is fundamentally opposed to nuclear energy, which we consider to be expensive and dangerous. The technology is not carbon neutral, and being reliant on uranium it is not renewable. We consider its use, moreover, to be elitist and undemocratic. There is so far no safe way of disposing of nuclear waste. To a degree unequalled by even the worst of other dangerous industries, the costs and dangers of nuclear energy and its waste will be passed on to future generations long after any benefits have been exhausted.

EN106 "Peak Oil"

[1] Fossil fuels are finite resources and their global rate of production will inevitably reach a peak and then decline (as suggested in NR310).

[2] In the case of oil and natural gas, the UK rate of production has peaked and the global rate of production will peak soon.

[3] The consequences of the declining rate of production of fossil fuels, or 'Peak Oil' and 'Peak Gas' as it is also known, will fundamentally affect the nation's economy and society:

a.International competition for increasingly scarce resources will lead to increased conflict and deteriorating cooperation between nations.

b.Increasing prices in the domestic market will lead to increasing levels of transport fuel poverty, heating fuel poverty, and food poverty in our society.

c.Declining availability of petrol and diesel fuel will have a serious effect on large swathes of domestic economic activity.

d.Declining natural gas supplies will lead to electricity shortages unless a vigorous programme of diverse alternative sources of electricity generation is implemented.

[4] To minimise the worst effects of Peak Oil on our economy and society, it is crucial that immediate steps are taken to reduce our dependence on oil and natural gas, through reducing our energy consumption, improved energy efficiency and development of renewable sources of energy.

Long-term Objectives

EN200 A Green economy would reduce its demand for energy to a sustainable minimum, and obtain that energy from renewable sources.

EN201 Energy would be generated, stored and distributed as close to the point of use as practicable, with maximum local control.

Short-term Objectives

EN300 To reduce demand for fossil fuels as rapidly as possible by inducing industry, householders and the public sector to invest in energy conservation.

EN301 To reduce drastically and, if possible, eliminate the pollution caused by burning coal and oil.

EN302 To promote full use of currently available renewable energy sources for heat, electricity and transport and provide the necessary support for the relevant markets and industries to grow.

Policies

Organisation and Accountability

EN400 The distribution mains for electricity and gas will be brought into a fully accountable public sector. Energy production would be a mixture of public and private enterprises.

EN401 The Government will provide free professional advisory services to advise on appropriate energy sources, efficiency and conservation measures.

EN402 The Government will provide public advisory services, responsible for maintaining and publicising authoritative information on all aspects of energy sources, efficiency and conservation measures.

EN403 A National Energy Index will be introduced to show per capita consumption from renewable and non-renewable sources.

EN404 Dynamic pricing of electricity tariffs will help balance demand with renewable energy supply. To enable this we will introduce a system of electronic communication through the electricity grid to supply pricing data to 'intelligent meters'.

Conservation

EN500 The Green Party's system of tradable carbon quotas (see CC280) will be the main driver for individuals and businesses to reduce their consumption of energy from fossil fuels.

EN501 The Resources Tax (see EC780-86 and NR423) would be applied to fossil fuels, making them relatively more expensive. The funds so raised would be used to subsidise energy conservation and renewable energy programmes.

EN502 To protect low-income householders from the worst effects of higher fuel prices, standing charges would be abolished, and tariffs would be tilted in favour of smaller consumers.

EN503 Building Regulations will be set to require excellent energy standards on a points-based system which will cover embodied energy of building materials, energy used in construction, energy consumption in use, on-site energy generation and use of heat distribution networks.

EN504 Heat distribution networks to be planned and facilitated by Local Authorities, enabling Combined Heat and Power stations (CHP) to under-cut electricity generated at "power-only" thermal stations, and to facilitate the use of waste heat from industry and sewage and the efficient exploitation of solar and other thermal energy sources.

EN505 Building Regulations for energy standards to be applied to existing as well as new buildings, except where this would compromise listed buildings; Landlords will have a responsibility to ensure that their dwellings be brought into line with prevailing energy standards at their own expense.

EN506 All sellers of buildings to provide a statement of the energy performance data for those buildings. Publication of energy and water use performance data on all appliances and machines to be made mandatory.

EN507 Energy efficiency standards to be enforced for all domestic and industrial appliances. Electrical appliances such as refrigerators will be required to incorporate dynamic demand technology where appropriate.

EN508 The Government to define best energy practice for all industrial processes and implement the necessary measures to encourage or enforce minimum energy use per unit of industrial output in all sectors.

EN509 The Government to define best energy practice in agriculture, including the energy input of agro-chemicals, and to implement measures to encourage or enforce minimum energy use per unit of agricultural output.

EN510 The Government to encourage reduction in energy consumption in transport, in liaison with relevant regional and local agencies. Action to include: measures to penalise the use of large engines in cars; measures to discourage private and encourage public transport; measures to encourage non-motorised means of movement; measures to institute land-use planning arrangements that favour public over private modes and reduce the total need for motorised transport. (see TR300s)

EN511 We encourage the teaching of energy conservation in schools. We should enable teachers to attend courses in the principles of energy conservation on an 'in service' basis.

Nuclear Power

EN600 A deadline for phasing out nuclear power would be set when we come to office and all UK nuclear power plants phased out within this date.

EN601 All nuclear power stations and associated facilities for the production and reprocessing of nuclear fuel and the storage and disposal of radioactive waste shall be in public ownership to ensure the safest possible closure, decommissioning and long-term management of waste. Any such facilities found to be in private ownership will be returned to the public sector without compensation. Reprocessing at Sellafield and other installations will be ended as soon as possible.

EN602 No more uranium would be imported into the UK and no licences would be granted for the mining of uranium in the UK.

EN603 The unpredictable effects of climate change demand that the safety of UK nuclear power stations and other sites handling and processing radioactive materials require urgent review. Many nuclear plants are in vulnerable coastal locations which face flooding by a combination of severe weather, rising sea levels and spring tides. An action plan to protect these sites would be implemented and the most vulnerable nuclear sites would be closed down and decommissioned at the earliest practicable date.

EN604 It appears unlikely that research into nuclear fusion will bear fruit in the timescales needed to address Climate Change and Peak Oil, so in the short to medium term all research funding will be redirected for more immediate benefit (see EN805)

Existing Energy Sources

EN700 Any new fossil-fuelled power stations to be built in urban areas, where the waste heat could be used in a Combined Heat and Power system.

EN701 All major fuel users to be required to fit equipment which reduces pollution.

EN702 Coal and oil supplies to be graded for polluting effect, the cleanest being routed to small users not controlled under EN701.

EN703 Incentives to be given for running vehicles on fuels producing little or no harmful emissions such as LPG.

EN704 If sufficient supplies are available, an increased role to be sought for fuels producing less carbon dioxide, particularly natural gas.

EN705 The Green party seeks to put a moratorium on all onshore and offshore exploration, development, and production of Coal Bed methane, Oil shale and Shale Gas, and calls for UK licences to be withdrawn in a way that is environmentally responsible. A stronger scientific insight into the safety and environmental impact of these techniques is needed. The Green Party is opposed to hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") methods of extracting oil and gas from conventional and unconventional wells. Whilst these practices continue, the Green Party will strive to minimise their potential impacts, particularly those  on human and animal health, the environment (including Greenhouse gas emissions), and the countryside. As part of this committment, the Green party will strive to ensure that there are UK regulations governing the industry's activities, and that these are the most appropriate to cover all the potential risks that have been raised with similar operations

Renewables

EN800 To support and develop the renewables industry we will adopt a simple framework of guaranteed prices for exported renewable energy: renewable energy feed-in tariffs (REFITs) paying premium rates for large and small producers of renewable electricity, with different rates for technologies at different levels of maturity. Onshore wind will continue to be supported with a tariff that matches or exceeds any pre-existing Government subsidy.

EN801 An ambitious programme of Government and Local Authority investment in publicly-owned renewable energy projects to be introduced immediately, with an initial focus on onshore and offshore wind projects.

EN802 Bureaucratic interference with people seeking to use renewable sources of energy to be reduced to a minimum.

EN803 Support will be given to the relevant industries and markets to meet the rapidly growing demand for renewable energy systems.

EN804 We will rapidly expand vocational training courses aimed at creating a work force for the emerging energy-related industries.

EN805 Research and development funding will be made available for the development of renewable energy technologies. High priority will be given to tidal and wave power, concentrated solar power, bio-energy carbon capture and storage, electric transport, energy storage and dynamic demand technologies.

EN806 In order to utilize renewable energy peaks and manage constantly varying electricity demand, dynamic demand and load balancing technologies will be developed, including the charging of battery-powered vehicles; charging large scale flow batteries; electric heating of district heating water; Combined Heat and Power and heat pumps.

EN807 Renewable electricity generators that can viably adjust their output on demand and are less than 50MWe in capacity, such as Combined Heat and Power stations, will receive a higher rate of REFIT tariff for electricity they generate during peak demand periods.

EN808 Additional emphasis will be placed on the benefits of renewable energy projects that demonstrate significant new innovation towards achieving greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness, particularly those pioneering under-utilised energy sources such as biomass, wave power, tidal power and solar power.

EN809 Support will be given to Europe-wide renewable energy initiatives such as the provision of large scale concentrating solar power plants in Southern Europe and the North African Deserts and the building of highly efficient long-distance High Voltage DC power lines. Such initiatives would need to operate within new international arrangements involving both the producer and consumer countries, and which gave the producer countries in particular a fair return for the use of their resources and an appropriate level of control over the entire system.

EN810 We will expand our grid interconnections with neighbouring countries to help smooth out the variability of renewable electricity generation and electricity demand, as variability is less pronounced over wider geographic areas.

EN811 Planning guidance will be strengthened with a presumption in favour of renewable energy projects and made more specific, to ensure better consistency in local decision making. Comprehensive training and support will be provided for local councillors and planning officers to better assess renewable energy projects. The number of government planning inspectors will be increased to ensure planning appeals can be held promptly. Planning permission will no longer be required for solar panels on buildings, except for listed buildings.

EN812 Biogas generation from modern anaerobic digestion plants (incorporating first stage hydrolysis steps where appropriate to optimise efficiency) to be utilised as widely as possible, with heat recovery where possible. (see NR413)

EN813 The Green Party opposes the mass incineration of municipal, commercial and industrial waste. (see NR414-NR416)

EN814 Energy will be produced by recovering methane from existing landfill sites. Encouragement will be given to energy recovery from the burning of energy crops, appropriate grades of agricultural waste and untreated waste timber in small scale plants on farms, industrial sites or in district heating networks. Energy recovery plants will be required to operate to high levels of efficiency, which will usually entail matching the plants with a suitable heat load.

EN815 We will significantly increase the amount of land used for forestry (see FY200-203) and timber will become an important energy crop.

EN816 We believe it is appropriate to use the tidal energy potential from estuaries such as the Severn estuary, subject to satisfactory sustainability and environmental impact assessments. In particular we support the development of tidal lagoons and tidal stream turbines as a means of generating clean renewable energy, but reject any proposal for a single continuous barrage across the Severn estuary.

EN817 There should be a presumption that wind energy schemes, whether small or large, and whether onshore or offshore, should go ahead unless there are overriding and substantial dangers to public health or safety or to wildlife, or it is in a nationally designated scenic area. Local ownership of wind power, by farmers and cooperatives should be encouraged..

EN818 Renewable energy developers to provide a fund for the local community. The fund would primarily subsidise the energy bills of local residents and businesses, on a sliding scale according to proximity, and any excess would go into community projects of the local Councilsâ?? choosing. The Government to be responsible for setting the levels of the funds and Local Authorities will be responsible for managing the distribution.

 

Energy chapter updates:
Spring 2009 inserted new EN809-810 on CSP and HVDC. Renumbered 809-end
Spring 2008

EN705 Autumn 2011

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The following additional policy statements can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) for Energy available on the Members webiste:

• Phasing Out Nuclear Power (April 1990)
• Against Energy from Waste Incineration Plants (Autumn 2001)
• Nuclear Bankruptcy (Autumn 2002)
• Bankrupt Nuclear Industry (Autumn 2002)
• Liabilities Management Agency (Autumn 2002)
• Bankruptcy of Government’s Renewable Energy Pro-gramme (Autumn 2003)
• Councillors and Sustainable Energy Strategies (Autumn 2003)
• Tidal Lagoon in Swansea Bay (Spring 2007)
• Underground Natural Gas Storage (Spring 2009)
• Ending Fuel Poverty (Spring 2009)

 

Europe

Major revision January 1990

Details

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EUROPE

Part 1: The Green Vision for Europe

EU100 In our Green vision for Europe we seek to replace the unsustainable economics of free trade and growth with the ecological alternative of local self reliance and resource conservation, within a context of wider diversity. We want to foster co-operation on issues of common interest, not establish international institutions for their own sake.

EU101 We recognise the value of the original goal of the founders of the European Communities, who sought to remove the threat of another war between European states. This has been distorted by vested political and economic interests into a union dominated by economic interests, which lacks democratic control, and promotes the goals of multinational corporations, not of people.

Structures

EU110 To achieve the Green vision, Europe will need very different structures from those currently in existence. Europe should be made up of overlapping, co-operative, democratic, decentralised groupings of nations and regions.

EU111 European institutions must be designed with care and with mechanisms for correction, to prevent the drift towards centralism that has repeatedly been seen in history.

EU112 Part of the way to do this is to have a multiplicity of independent bodies with clearly defined areas of responsibility, and with the possibility of membership by different groups of nations and regions. An example is the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe for conflict resolution. (See Part 5)

EU113 Europe must not become a super-state or global power bloc.

Aims

EU120 Following the principle of subsidiarity, many issues currently decided at the EU level should be dealt with at a more appropriate level for effective action, which might be local, national or global.

EU121 Our aims for the European level are to:

a)safeguard basic rights;

b)bring peace and security to Europe, by promoting greater understanding and friendship between its peoples;

c)solve and prevent environmental problems, such as air pollution, which can best be resolved at the European level;

d)promote sustainable, non exploitative, self reliant local and regional economies;

e)reduce inequalities of wealth and disparities in quality of life between the regions of Europe, and between Europe and the rest of the world;

f)support a rich diversity of cultures;

g)facilitate the exchange of ideas, technology and sustainable practices;

h)promote global co-operation where appropriate.

Europe in the World

EU130 Greens recognize that ecological sustainability, if it is to work, must apply at a global level. We believe also that all people, regardless of race or nationality, are entitled to social justice. We therefore seek global co-operation on issues of global concern, and with this in mind will strive to ensure that European structures work towards this end, and do not build walls or sow the seeds of future conflicts.

EU131 Europe is a major contributor to global environmental problems, because of its high population and the extravagant consumption patterns of many of its people. Europe must take responsibility for this disproportionate contribution, and adopt a co-ordinated continent wide strategy to reduce pollution and consumption of resources.

EU132 At the same time, we must recognise that some of the nations of Europe have contributed more than others to these problems, and within each nation, some groups bear a greater share of the blame. Any solutions must reduce the disparity between the advantaged and the disadvantaged.

Part 2: EU Competencies

EU200 If the Green vision for Europe is to be achieved, many of the existing European institutions will need to change very profoundly. We believe that decisions are best made by those who are directly affected by them. The competencies of the EU must therefore change to include only those which benefit from European co-operation. We envisage fundamental transformation in the role of the EU as it becomes more "task oriented".

EU210 The competencies of the EU should be as set out in EU211-5:

EU211 (environment)

a. ecological issues which can best be dealt with on an international basis.

EU212 (rights)

b. basic standards of human and civil rights;

c. basic standards of animal rights.

EU213 (economic)

d. regulation of multi- and trans-national trade and investment, where this does not conflict with more local regulation;

e. European co-operation to regionalise the industrial base, services and resources;

f. more equitable sharing of resources between richer and poorer parts of Europe and between Europe and the rest of the world;

g. economic co-operation at European level against predatory competitiveness.

EU214 (diplomatic)

h. peaceful resolution of political disputes between members;

i. representation of member countries in global fora within the competencies of the EU specified in EU211-5.

EU215 (cultural)

j. support for cultural activities, especially where these aim to promote greater understanding and friendship between people.

EU220 The Green Party's concern is to ensure that decisions are taken at the appropriate level. We wish to strengthen the EU's ability to deal with issues within the competencies set out in EU211-4 which can only be addressed properly at the European level. We wish to return other issues appropriated by the EU to the appropriate lower levels. The EU should be prohibited from taking any powers which could be better exercised at lower levels.

EU221 Decisions appropriately made at the EU level should provide agreed minimum standards which lower levels would implement and would be free to exceed. This should not prevent the creation of higher standards at a national or regional level.

Part 3: EU Institutions & Decision Making

EU300 The Green Party is committed to the fundamental reconstitution of the current European Union, including its present institutions, in accordance with our Green vision for Europe (see Part 1).

EU301 The present EU structures are fundamentally flawed. Their remoteness has resulted in a lack of accountability which is working against the interests of people and the environment.

EU302 Our aim is to reconstitute the EU as a democratically accountable and controlled European Confederation of Regions, based on Green principles. Its organisation would follow the Green principle of subsidiarity, that decisions are made at the lowest appropriate level, not impose the "harmonisation" of the current EU. Proposals for developing the position of Regions are at EU390-3.

EU303 Meanwhile, we support lesser reforms which move in that direction, and oppose those which move counter to it. In particular, we oppose proposals which seek to tighten the grip of "ever closer union" on member countries and regions, except in those areas of competence outlined in EU211-214.

Reforming the Central Institutions of the EU

The Commission

EU310 The Green Party believes that the excessive influence of the Commission and its associated bodies compared to the Council and Parliament is both undemocratic and unaccountable. We shall support proposals to reduce that influence, and to render the Commission the servant of the Council and Parliament.

EU311 The role of the Commission shall be:

i)to act as the civil service for the EU, which shall include suggesting necessary legislation;

ii)to provide factual information on the activities and policies of the EU, including the provision of base data;

iii)to draw up the EU budget for approval by the Council and Parliament and to implement the agreed budget;

iv)to implement decision on the direction of expenditure, tackling inefficiency and eliminating fraud;

v)to implement other decisions of the Council and Parliament as directed.

EU312 Whilst the Commission should actively promote approved legislation, it should not influence in any way decisions still to be taken and ratified in member states.

The Council of Ministers

EU320 The Council should seek to make decisions by consensus. This requires recognition by all member countries that proposals must take into account the diversity of Europe and the particular situation of each country, and recognition by each member country that after such account has been taken consent should not be unreasonably withheld.

EU321 We support the use of Qualified Majority Voting in respect of issues which we believe are proper for the EU to decide at a European level, but not beyond them. In other matters we support the requirement of consensus to protect the interests of individual and especially smaller countries.

EU322 The issues for which we support Qualified Majority Voting are:

i)environmental issues covered by EU211;

ii)standards of rights covered by EU212;

iii)economic and trade issues covered by EU213;

iv)diplomatic activities covered by EU214, but not including the Common Foreign and Security policy (see EU600-647).

Co-Decision of the Council and the Parliament

EU325 The Council and the Parliament should agree the Budget of the EU by co-decision.

EU326 We support the extension of co-decision with the European Parliament, which decides by majority vote, to all issues where the Council decides by Qualified Majority Voting. In other matters we support decision making by the Council to require consensus to protect the interests of individual and especially smaller countries.

The Parliament

EU330 Elections to the European Parliament should be by proportional representation (PR) in all member countries. We welcomed the de Gucht report which identified proportional representation as the key issue but did not seek to impose any particular system of PR throughout the EU.

EU331 The de Gucht report recognised the need to allow each member country to take account of its own experience in choosing a system to meet the criterion of PR for the European Parliament. The Single Transferable Vote, the Additional Member System and List systems can meet that criterion. As well as providing for diversity, this removes the prospect of disagreement over a common system becoming an obstacle to the introduction of better voting systems in particular countries.

EU332 As part of the development of a regional focus in the EU, we favour electoral systems with a regional basis.

EU333 The powers of the European Parliament should be extended to give its members greater oversight of the work of the EU. Parliamentary committees must be adequately empowered to investigate, and to demand papers and testimony from the Council and the Commission. A Budget Committee of the Parliament shall scrutinise the budget and expenditure of the EU.

EU334 Nominations to the Commission, the Court and of the High Representative (see EU614) should require the consent of the Parliament. Proposed treaties and subordinate decisions and legislation at the European level to extend the role of the EU and to raise revenue for it should require the consent of the Parliament.

The European Court of Justice

EU340 The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has wide ranging powers and is currently accepted by the UK courts as a superior court. The ECJ should be given a statute which defines and limits its powers, preferably as part of a European Treaty (see EU350-6).

EU341 The Green Party believes the primacy of political decision making must be maintained. The role of the ECJ should be to apply the democratic decisions of political representatives and citizens. It should not go beyond necessary interpretation into making its own legislation. The ECJ should no longer be allowed to promote European integration in its judgements where that is not specified in the statutes it is interpreting.

EU342 The role of the ECJ should extend as appropriate within the competencies of the EU listed in EU200-221. Care should be taken not to duplicate the roles of existing courts in member countries.

EU343 The ECJ should have a particular power throughout the operations of the bodies of the EU to require them to meet agreed standards of openness and accessibility (see EU380-4).

EU344 Within these principles, arrangements need to be made to ensure that justice is available more expeditiously to litigants.

EU345 It should be possible for an individual to initiate a direct appeal on a point of law. The ECJ should have a "gatekeeper" to decide which cases merit being put before it. The criterion should be whether there is a valid case under EU law.

EU346 At present judges of the ECJ are appointed by national governments. Instead the European Parliament should lay down criteria for candidates such as length of court experience and knowledge of European law. Candidates should be nominated by the Committee of Regions, with consideration given to geographical spread and equal opportunities. Appointments shall be made by the European Parliament.

EU347 The European Commiss-ion should initiate a plan to encourage suitably qualified women judges to come forward as candidates.

New Rights For Citizens In The EU

European Constitution and Referenda

EU350 A major weakness of the present European Union is the lack of mechanisms to ensure that the powers and structures of the EU have the consent of the citizens of member countries, and that changes in these require similar consent. Some member countries' constitutions require referenda in some cases, others have no such requirement at all.

EU351 The Green Party believes that a European Constitution should define the values, objectives, powers, decision-making procedures and institutions of the EU. The Constitution should also set out the basic rights and freedoms of citizens.

EU352 The values and objectives of the EU should be based on social justice and sustainability and should not include those economic and military objectives of previous treaties that are contrary to Green principles. The powers should be based on the principle of subsidiarity, with decisions being taken at European level only when that is the most appropriate level. Decision-making must be democratic and transparent, with institutions and decision-making processes accessible to citizens.

EU353 A European Constitution should not include specific polices, which may need greater flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and development of the EU. For instance, further reform of the Common Agriculture Policy could be seriously hampered by incorporating it in a constitution or constitutional treaty. The Green Party rejects many existing EU policies and likewise opposes inclusion of them in a constitution or constitutional treaty.

EU354 The European Constitution would come into effect when a majority of those voting in each member country of the EU have approved it in a referendum.

EU355 Any change to the European Constitution would require a similar referendum. To pass it would require support of the majority of those voting across the EU, and a majority as well in each of at least three quarters of the member countries.

EU356 The rules and procedures for such referenda, and the drafting of the question to be put on the proposal concerned, should be the responsibility of the European Parliament. The rules and procedures should allow for the diversity of democratic practice and traditions in member countries, but in each country the question put should be the same and the referendum should be held in the same week, and the counting of the referendum should take place on the same day in every country.

The Right of Legislative Initiative

EU360 Proposals for legislative decisions by the EU should not contravene basic rights, and should be limited to matters within the competencies we propose for the EU in EU200-221.

EU361 The Green Party believes the right of legislative initiative should not be limited to the European Commission. Member countries, the Parliament, the Committee of Regions, and sufficient numbers of citizens (see EU363) should also have this right.

EU362 A decision by an individual or group of member countries should be sufficient for the initiative to be considered. A majority decision by the European Parliament on the proposal of MEPs should be sufficient for the initiative to be considered. Committees of the Parliament would be appropriate fora in which to develop such proposals. A majority decision by the Committee of Regions should be sufficient for the initiative to be considered.

EU363 Within the competencies we propose for the EU in EU200-221, the Green Party is committed to enabling decisions to stem directly from citizens' initiatives. Support must be expressed by a minimum number of citizens and residents of at least 5 member states.

EU364 Such petitions from citizens should be treated as equivalent to a proposal by MEPs, and considered by the Parliament as under the preceding paragraph. The citizens' proposals must then be publicly debated by the European Parliament.

Openness and Accessibility

EU380 The Green Party supports proposals to increase the openness of decision making in all bodies of the European Union. All EU institutions should be subject to the requirements of openness and accessibility. We believe the immediate priorities to be the Council of Ministers, the Committees of Permanent Representatives which prepare for it, and the Commission.

EU381 The present structure of EU committees gives too much power to particular interests at the expense of citizens of member countries generally. The nature, membership and competencies of these committees should be reviewed to increase their openness to citizens generally.

EU382 Citizens of member countries should have the right to examine any EU documents, source materials and decisions proceeding at any time, without further justification. Exceptions to this rule should be specially decided upon and explained publicly, including the types of documents being withheld and the reasons for that.

EU383 EU bodies should be obliged to promote through various means accessibility and closeness to the citizens of member countries.

EU384 Citizens of member countries should have the right to assemble and deliberate on EU matters. The EU should provide facilities and funding for this, within a limited budget.

New Roles and Structures

Regions

EU390 The Green Party seeks a Europe of co-operation and diversity where regions are sustainable and self reliant. Power would rest with local communities and regions, rather than the reality of "subsidiarity" in the European Union at present, a top down distribution of a fraction of the power accumulated at the centre.

EU391 In any structure adopted for the European Union there should be a greater role for the regions and small nations. As a short-term measure, we wish to strengthen the Committee of the Regions.

EU392 Here and elsewhere in these policies are a number of measures which would give roles and competencies currently exercised at European or national level to regions. We believe that the UK Government and Green MEPs should promote comprehensive regional policies with the EU.

EU393 Regions should also have the right to define themselves, where appropriate across current national frontiers. There should be regular opportunities to revise boundaries through referenda to allow for population movement and changed preferences.

Part 4: EU Pillar 1

Single Market

EU400 The idea of a single market is to create an economic power that can compete with the USA and Japan. It is intended to remove national differences by harmonising taxation, technical standards, health and safety rules, financial institutions, transport policies, and so on.

EU401 The single market may be summarised as a massive restructuring of capital around a small number of large corporations and financial institutions. It is not primarily concerned with environmental questions, or social issues.

The Single Market and Internal Affairs

EU410 The present methods of funding the EU should be replaced by contributions from the lower tiers of government in member states and regions, from locally raised taxes, in proportion to regional per capita income. Each member state and region would have the right to choose the method(s) by which its agreed contribution would be raised. These should be set at a level sufficient to meet agreed revenue targets.

EU411 All European institutions should consistently promote economic self reliance rather than free trade, supporting sustainable, ecological development in European regions in a determined effort to move away from the current concentration of capital in transnational corporations or in state controlled monopolies.

EU412 The Green Party is opposed to the EU's creation of a European social market in goods and services, which means, in practice, increasing privatisation. The Green Party is opposed in principle to a common system of public procurement within the EU. Contracts from local government bodies, health authorities or government departments, for example, should not have to be open to tender to large companies outside the country in which they are based. Regional, local and national governments should remain free to award contracts in line with legal and fair policies. (see also WR681)

EU413 The Green Party recognises that subsidies are sometimes necessary to protect local, regional and national economies and the environment, and we will support them in these instances.

EU414 The Green Party believes that EU VAT regulations should be removed. This would allow member states to introduce a series of eco-taxation measures without creating a more regressive tax system. (see EC771)

EMU: The Single Currency

Background

EU420 Economic and Monetary Union is the central element of the economic project of European integration, defined in the Maastricht Treaty. The single currency, the Euro, was launched in 2002.

EU421 To qualify to join that currency member countries must meet economic convergence criteria; the effect of these is to reduce public spending and increase social problems. The single currency is controlled by the European Central Bank (ECB), able to fine member countries of the EMU under a Stability Pact if they do not meet the bankers' criteria.

Policy

EU422 The Green Party is opposed to EMU and the single currency. We believe it will undermine local and regional economies away from the centre of the EU and the metropolitan network connected to that. It will encourage capital flight, and increase social and economic inequality. EMU takes no account of environmental or social criteria. It is run by the ECB, a collection of bankers subject to no effective democratic control, but able to override the democratic decisions made by member countries.

EU423 The Green Party is opposed to the UK joining EMU. We are committed to a referendum on any such decision and will join the campaign for a "No" vote in any such referendum. Prior to a referendum being called, the Green Party will join whichever campaign against the single currency it feels has most in common with its principles.

EU424 In the event of a decision that the UK join the single currency having been taken, we will assess its impact before making a decision on the principle and timing of withdrawal.

Short-term Policy

EU425 Within the EU we should press for improvements to mitigate the effects of the single currency on countries within EMU and others. In particular we should seek agreement that:

i)EMU should be linked to social and environmental criteria (e.g. unemployment rates, inequality, CO2 emissions).

ii)The ECB should be made democratically accountable, with at least regular meetings between the ECB, ECOFIN, ECOSOC, and the Employment Committee. The European Parliament should have a say in nominating the Board of the ECB. The ECB should report formally to the Council and Parliament not less than every six months.

iii)Each member state government should be entirely free to set its own levels and methods of taxation, public spending and public borrowing. Similarly, public investment priorities may be pursued with or without private sector involvement. We also believe that the central bank in each member state should be under government control.

iv)The stability pact should be changed to a solidarity pact, aiming to help those countries in need, not penalise them.

v)Direct taxation should not be levied more heavily on employment income than on investment income. Indirect taxation should be raised from environmental tax measures, such as resource and pollution taxes, rather than simply from taxes on the spending of money by consumers.

vi)Tax evasion should be halted, and tax havens closed, putting an end to one of the major factors in public deficits and social cutbacks.

EU426 EMU is leading to greater economic centralisation in the EU. Given the lack of parallel policies for social protection, the Green Party believes that common minimum standards to protect employment conditions are desirable in the short-term. Member States should be encouraged to exceed these minimum standards. In particular, we would seek agreement that:

i)Equal access for women and men to dignified voluntary and decently paid work must become an aim in its own right for all EU members.

ii)The social value of unpaid activity, voluntarily undertaken, should be recognised and supported by the EU (see WR660).

iii)EU members should initiate programmes to support local economies against market centralisation, with the aim of guaranteeing a greater diversity of economic activity, enhancing social and environmental responsibility, and creating more useful work in each local area.

iv)EU members should initiate programmes to negotiate shorter working hours which also involve the equitable redistribution of paid and unpaid work. They should establish legal frameworks and fiscal incentives to facilitate the transition towards an immediate reduction of overtime, fewer hours per day and per week, parental leave, sabbaticals and retraining. Common minimum standards should be agreed.

v)All member countries should be encouraged to initiate incentive schemes for the reduction of working time through collective agreements, in accordance with our policy in WR343. EU rules must be amended to permit subsidies by national, regional and local governments for this purpose, which can be recovered through reductions in social costs through consequent reductions in unemployment.

vi)The EU should mobilise the vast savings of the European Investment Bank and the European Steel and Coal Community in order to encourage investments in ecological innovation, education, health and urban environment especially in regions with high unemployment.

The Single Market and External Relations

Trade

Background

EU440 The European Union represents a view of trade which the Green Party does not share. We do not believe that trade and the so called "free market" are inherently valuable. On the contrary, there are cases where they are appropriate and cases where they are not.

Objectives

EU441 In the long-term, we seek the balancing of trade between all industrialised states and a cooperative planned decline in resource intensive and unnecessary forms of trade.

Short-term Policy

EU442 In the meantime, we believe that the EU could play a useful role in reforming the current global trading regime. While remaining opposed in principle to the Single Market as currently envisaged, the Green Party believes that Greens in Europe must attempt to mitigate its effects. Social provision and environmental initiatives introduced by the EU should, at least, be consistent with the highest standards prevailing in any member state. Health and safety standards must similarly be raised to at least the highest standard prevailing in any member state.

EU443 Controls such as tariff barriers and quotas should be gradually introduced on a national and/or regional bloc level, with the aim of allowing localities and countries to produce as much of their food, goods and services as they can themselves. Anything that cannot be provided nationally should be obtained from neighbouring countries, with long distance trade the very last resort. Whilst controls such as tariff barriers and quotas cannot be introduced within a single currency area, appropriate taxes should nevertheless be levied on fuel so as to discourage the wasteful and unnecessary transportation of goods and to provide a reflection of the social and environmental damage caused by unsustainable trade patterns.

EU444 Rather than promoting transnational corporations, instead TNC activities need to be brought back under government control. Market access should be dependent on compliance with a "site here to sell here" policy. For some sectors that would relate to a region within a country, for others to a whole country, and for very large industries such as aerospace, Europe itself. TNCs should be broken up and subject to greater transparency and shareholder power. Company and accounting law should control transfer pricing and the siphoning off of company profits and individual earnings off shore.

EU445 Rather than promoting the mobility of capital, keeping it local should be preferred. Democratic control over capital is the key to providing the money for governments and communities to improve environmental and social conditions and job opportunities. There should be:

i)A Europe wide Tobin Tax on international capital transactions to curb currency speculators.

ii)Broader re regulation of finance capital Europe wide, including controls on capital flows, taxes on short-term speculative transactions, tightening of easy credit that allows speculators to multiply the size of their "bets" well beyond the cash required to cover them.

iii)A Europe wide and co-ordinated attack on corporate tax evasion, including offshore banking centres, and the regulation of corporate investments in a manner involving the wishes of the affected community.

iv)A limiting of corporation size, plus community reinvestment legislation.

v)Community Banks and Credit Unions will be vigorously promoted.

EU446 Green policies with respect to company law, taxation and monopolies and mergers legislation will reduce the size of inappropriately large companies and prevent a single company gaining an unhealthy dominance of the market. This guarantees the local competition needed to maintain the impetus for improved products, more efficient resource use and the provision of choice. The transfer of information and technology globally would be encouraged to improve the efficiency of local competitiveness.

EU447 The EU should promote the use of resource taxes to help pay for the radical economic transition needed. These are both environmentally advantageous and politically feasible. Where such taxes are introduced at a European level, the revenue from them should be kept by member countries and returned to the community in ways which overcome the potentially regressive impact of such taxes.

EU448 Competition from countries without such taxes should be held at bay by re introduced tariffs and controls.

EU449 The European Union should not promote the General Agreement on Trade in Services or any equivalent measures, but should actively campaign against them.

EU450 Nothing shall be exported from the EU which cannot be legally sold within it, on account of health or environmental hazards.

External Relations

Cotonou Agreement

Background

EU460 The Cotonou Agreement is an aid and trade package agreed in June 2000 between the EU and 77 countries known as the African, Caribbean and Pacific states (ACP states). By the end of May 2002 a sufficient number of the ACP states had ratified it, bringing it into force, but only six of the 15 EU member states had done so (one of them was the UK). The Cotonou Agreement replaces the former Lome Convention. It widens Lome's scope by bringing the accord into line both with existing deleterious provisions of the World Trade Organisation (for example, on intellectual property rights) and with the EU's controversial negotiating agenda for the 'Doha' Round of trade talks (for example, on competition policy). While important limitations within the Lome Convention meant that it did not significantly assist poor countries, there are grounds for fear that the Cotonou Agreement, by subscribing to the prevailing ideology of market opening at all costs, will make the situation substantially worse.

Long-term Objective

EU461 Phased replacement of trade competition by co-operation, and targeted support to secure greater self sufficiency of poor countries in food and energy, and an end to their dependence on environmentally costly commodities. This change to be effected by substantial revision of the Cotonou Agreement, to be open to all low income countries, granting financial and technical assistance for sustainable development.

Medium- and Short-term Measures

EU462 The European Development Fund for ACP countries should be financed directly from the EU budget, rather than depending on contributions from EU member states as at present. This would bring signatories of the Cotonou Agreement into line with other recipients of EU aid such as the countries of the former Soviet Union. The Fund should be applied to all low-income countries, including those to the east of the EU.

EU463 The EU should develop and strengthen fair trade relations with low-income countries and where possible strengthen mechanisms which give preferential access to EU markets, especially for goods produced which meet or exceed minimum social and environmental standards.

EU464 The EU should seek reform of the GATT rules at present administered by the WTO. They should be revised to become a General Agreement for Sustainable Trade policed by a Sustainable and Equitable World Trade Organisation. Aid policies and flows, technological transfer and the residual international trade should incorporate the rules of "fair trading" and so be geared to the building up of sustainable local economies. The goal should be to foster maximum employment through sustainable regional self reliance. The EU must press for the introduction of a social clause into the WTO in order to ensure compliance with core labour standards.

EU465 The EU must press the IMF and World Bank for fundamental changes to adjustment policies, prioritising poverty alleviation and environmental protection.

Environment

Background

EU480 The EU's overriding objective of the Single Market always ensures that short-term profits are put before environmental protection. Within the Single Market, the removal of perceived 'barriers to trade' have often resulted in the lowering of environmental standards. Just as mergers and the internationalisation of companies undermine trade union efforts, so the Single Market tends to weaken the ties between companies and the communities they serve. In consequence, sustainable development will be best served by regionally based economies, regulated by local and regional governments, within a framework of responsible international co-operation.

Objectives

EU481 The protection and enhancement of the natural environment, equitable distribution and conservation of scarce resources and the transfer of the benefits of the environment to future generations both in the EU and elsewhere.

Policies

EU482 Immediate action shall be taken to reduce carbon dioxide, methane, ozone and other greenhouse gas emission, and to reduce industrial and car emissions which cause acid precipitation. The Green Party believes that an 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions, relative to 1990 levels, is necessary by 2050.

EU483 A comprehensive system of eco-taxation shall be introduced. Taxes shall be levied at the point of extraction wherever possible. Revenue raised will be used to:

1)offset the regressive effect of resource taxation; and

2)invest in energy conservation and the development of environmentally sustainable production processes.

EU484 Strict norms for fuel efficiency of, and emissions from new cars and lorries should be established, and a tax on existing cars implemented, designed to encourage the use of emission reducing devices.

EU485 Immediate action shall be taken to limit industrial processes which generate toxic or hazardous wastes; recycling or monitored storage shall be used where such wastes are generated. EU toxic waste exports are forbidden under the Basel Ban. PVC should be added to this ban. An environmental Protection Directive should create local environmental protection agencies in all areas of the EU.

EU486 Hazardous waste production should be reaching zero levels by 2020. Closed systems for processes which use hazardous chemicals should be introduced, with the long-term aim of a chemical industry which uses only bio degradable chemicals.

EU487 We recommend new European Environmental Directives to rapidly phase out the use of endocrine system damaging chemicals in common use, namely APEs, Pthalates and Bisphenyl A. These substances are believed to be responsible for an observed "feminisation" of bird, fish and mammalian species (including humans).

EU488 Surface, sea and river dumping of waste from manufacturing or primary industry processes will be banned. Adequate waste recycling and disposal facilities should be provided on site where practicable.

EU489 There should be a permanent European Union ban on genetically modified plants and animals, and on genetically modified ingredients in food and animal feed. The EU must negotiate for this and all comparable environmental protections to be permissible under WTO rules.

EU490 Energy conservation standards in buildings shall be raised throughout the EU and collaboration in research and development of alternative energy sources will be promoted by EU policies.

EU491 The EU will promote regulations and directives aimed at the elimination of marine, estuarine, groundwater, river and air pollution and soil contamination.

EU492 The Green Party calls for more resources for the enforcement of the section of the Single European Act which provides for preventive action for environmental protection, the rectification of environmental damage at source and that the polluter should pay. We believe the EU must steadily increase the resources it devotes to ensuring that commonly agreed environmental standards are achieved and maintained. In particular, help should be given to the poorer member countries and poor countries in other parts of the world.

EU493 The Green Party calls for the abandonment of the Integrated Mediterranean Programmes which conflict with both existing EU environmental policies and principles, and with the Green objective of sustainable use of the biosphere.

EU494 The Green Party calls for comprehensive regulations and directives protecting birds, animals and all other species throughout the EU, including a general ban on all killing for sport, including bullfighting; the ending of vivisection with an immediate ban of the use of animals in testing cosmetics and drugs; the ending of intensive forms of animal husbandry and battery hen production, and of the export of live animals.

EU495 The EU Habitats Directive will be strengthened and strictly enforced to protect bio-diversity.

EU496 The use of undesirable additives and food irradiation should be banned.

Energy and Natural Resources

The Euratom Treaty

Background

EU500 The Euratom Treaty, for the expansion of nuclear power, was signed the same day as the Treaty of Rome which created the EC.

Objective

EU501 The Green Party supports the closure of all nuclear programmes in the EU and elsewhere as soon as technically feasible.

Policies

EU502 The Euratom Treaty should be rapidly brought to an end. In the meantime, the Treaty should become subject to oversight by the European Parliament, and to the co-decision procedure. A new Energy Chapter in the Treaty of European Union should promote the use of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy sources. The Chapter should deal with all matters relating to energy generation in a coherent , comprehensive and balanced fashion.

EU503 The International Atomic Energy Agency, the Nuclear Agency and the European Atomic Energy Agency should be fused into one body responsible for decommissioning nuclear installations. That body should become part of the International Alternative Energy Agency responsible for the promotion and development of alternative energy sources.

EU504 In the meantime, the Euratom Treaty should be revised so its objective no longer remains the promotion of nuclear power. It should be limited to matters of safety of installations and protection of health of workers in the industry and affected populations.

EU505 The Euratom Treaty should include: a legal right for neighbouring countries to participate in the procedures concerning the construction, operation and decommissioning of nuclear plants; "same for all" safety standards at the highest level for nuclear plants; tighter radiation protection standards (following the ALAP as low as possible principle instead of ALARA as low as reasonably achievable); full legal liability for damages for the manufacturers and operators of nuclear installations, and a requirement for full and open access to data and provision of information.

EU506 The transfer of employees within the energy industry from nuclear to other energy sectors is a European priority. Within the EU regional economic policies must take into account the possibility of structural unemployment resulting from the closure in the short-term in some countries. Co-operation should continue on safest possible nuclear waste storage and disposal, and involve any state with a nuclear industry.

EU507 Research, which is currently subsidising big industries such as biotechnology, nuclear and aeronautics, should be redirected into ecologically sustainable projects.

Transport within the EU

Background

EU520 The EU's policies of conventional economic growth, concentrated industrial development and enhanced trade have been developed with scant regard for environmental consequences. Consequently, massively increased road freight has been an environmental disaster.

Objectives

EU521 To encourage combined transport, which includes all movement of freight involving more than one mode of transport whether across international borders or not. This is rational in energy use terms. Whatever goods we may want to trade in the long-term, Combined Transport will remain the sensible option.

EU522 To transfer remaining international trade and travel within the EU from road to rail, canal and airships (where particular requirements and energy and resource efficiency justify the use of the last).

Policies

EU523 To reduce maximum permissible lorry weights to 38 tonnes and adopt increasing taxation on vehicles of more than 20 tonnes. Lorry movements on Sundays should be prohibited throughout the EU as a first step to cutting long distance road freight.

EU524 To encourage enhancement of rail services through subsidies and full electrification of the European rail network.

EU525 To foster the use of canals for transport and leisure.

Trans-European Networks

Objective

EU530 To review the Trans-European Networks and support only those which contribute to our aims for Europe as outlined in EU121.

Policies

EU531 Information networks: The completion of networks which allow video conferencing, a reliable telephone service and teleworking throughout Europe and the industrialised world are welcome, since these measure should cut journeys and save energy. However, the proliferation of electronic equipment will lead to more use of electricity, so this programme must be accompanied by alternative energy development.

EU532 Energy networks: The connection of energy grids throughout Europe permits more export of energy, including nuclear generated electricity. It creates conditions for bidding down electricity prices and thus is a disincentive to energy conservation. By connecting the grids, the power companies have become a very powerful industrial group throughout Europe and have helped to defeat plans to introduce a carbon tax. The connection of grids also conceals the source of electricity thus obscuring concerns about nuclear and fossil fuel generation.

EU533 We would scrap these energy networks in favour of giving local and regional government the power to develop alternative, renewable energy projects.

Agriculture and Fisheries

EU540 The Green Party has consistently opposed the EC/ EU Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policy. Neither meets the criteria of sustainability and subsidiarity, and both have proved expensive failures in practice. The CFP in particular has led to over exploitation and even destruction of fisheries following the removal of national control. We wish to see both the CAP and CFP abolished.

EU541 However, we recognise the need for a framework of European legislation on appropriate environmental issues affecting agriculture and fisheries. Examples would be the protection of transnational marine ecosystems and the prevention of genetic pollution by artificial genetically manufactured organisms. The EU has failed in both those areas, and its policies on such issues and their enforcement need to be strengthened.

EU542 We support measures which encourage sustainable agriculture and fisheries. All subsidies which would encourage intensive farming, the use of chemical inputs, pollution, over production, over harvesting, large land holdings, genetic engineering and habitat damage should be phased out.

EU543 We support measures which return agricultural and fisheries policies to decision at national and regional levels subject to the constraints imposed by European-level policies designed to protect transnational marine ecosystems. Any subsidies which might be necessary to encourage the change over to sustainable agriculture and fisheries should be determined by national or regional government.

EU544 We support measures which promote sustainable regional and local self reliance in food and other natural crops. Such should be grown and harvested as near to the consumer as possible.

EU545 The production of safe, nutritious food should be a prime objective, but diversification to traditional non food crops and use of land for productive forest should be encouraged. Use of normal farmland to grow biofuels is discouraged.

Short-term Policies

EU546 In the short-term we should:

i)Phase out export subsidies.

ii)Add complementary programmes to protect particular habitats.

iii)Transfer direct payments to environmentally friendly and ethical goods.

iv)Support incomes rather than prices, give support to small farmers and give support to communities dependent on declining fisheries.

v)Enforce restrictions on fishing within the Common Fisheries Policy, and where necessary take appropriate action to prevent the destruction of fisheries by over exploitation.

Regional Policy and Structural Funds

EU550 The Green Party advocates that the British Government and Green MEPs should promote comprehensive regional policies within the UK and EU. Specific provision should be made to encourage regional co-operation across national borders.

EU551 Regions should be given greater input to decision making on economic issues, for example through the EU Committee of the Regions. Policy should support sustainable development initiatives, and seek to build self reliant regional economies. We need to reverse the pressures of conventional EU economic development, which draw towards the centre of the EU and the metropolitan network and away from the periphery.

EU552 Our policy emphasises a regional focus of decision in the use of structural funds. Decision making should be decentralised, and decisions made in response to local needs, not imposed centrally by the EU.

EU553 The resources available to these structural funds are insufficient, and would be more so when the needs of Eastern Europe and transnational regions partly in and partly outside the EU were taken into account. We would press for their increase at the expense of other EU spending which we do not support, such as the CAP.

EU554 The European Regional Development Fund and community financial institutions should assist in the transfer of resources from wealthier regions to poorer ones, favouring sustainable economic initiatives directed at local and regional markets.

EU555 The European Social Fund should be expanded substantially and be directed to sustainable economic development in areas of structural unemployment, underemployment, poverty and other indicators of social deprivation.

EU556 The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development should have environmental protection, enhancement and restoration stated as fundamental and primary objectives in its governing statutes.

EU557 The Green Party supports the principle of a Social Charter and community wide social policies provided they improve the rights of people as employees, as self employed people, as members of disadvantaged groups or as members of groups subject to discrimination or other human rights abuses. Social entitlements, like the need for housing or maternity or paternity leave, are universal human rights and should be extended progressively throughout the community.

EU558 However we reject the idea that this should lead to an EU welfare state. We believe that basic rights should be established at the EU level, but the implementation of these must be decided more locally.

Part 5: EU Pillar 2

Foreign and Security Policy

EU600 Maintenance of peaceful external relations is a common concern of the countries of Europe. It should be an objective of working together in Europe.

EU601 The Green Party believes that common foreign policy with other European countries is appropriate in areas of consensus, but in other areas it should be neither required nor expected.

EU Common Foreign & Security Policy

EU610 The European Union has adopted arrangements for a "Common Foreign & Security Policy" (CFSP) as its "second pillar" under the Maastricht and Amsterdam Treaties.

EU611 These treaties contain arrangements for foreign policy and military co-operation by member states. They include limited EU decision making, increased in the Amsterdam Treaty, but remain essentially on a government to government basis.

EU612 The CFSP arrangements are opposed by The Green Party. We believe the EU is not the appropriate European body for such issues.

EU613 However, in areas where the member countries of the EU have a consensus our country should take a positive role in developing and implementing a consensual common foreign policy under the CFSP. Our country should engage in debate against non consensual proposals, and resist all proposals to develop and implement common foreign policy in areas where no consensus exists.

EU614 The Amsterdam Treaty provides for the appointment of a new "High Representative" with an embryo Department of Foreign Affairs for the CFSP. The Green Party believes this appointment should be subject to confirmation by the European Parliament, under similar arrangements to those proposed for Commissioners (see EU334).

Military Aspects

EU620 The Amsterdam Treaty extended the military dimension of the CFSP. The EU is now committed to the "progressive" framing of a common defence policy as part of the CFSP, and that this defence policy shall "be in accordance" with the involvement of the Western European Union (WEU). A Protocol promises "arrangements for enhanced co-operation" between the WEU and the EU. The Green Party is opposed to all of this.

EU621 Any CFSP should take the neutralist path rather than the great power approach. It should seek amity through co-operation and resource sharing rather than deterrence by force of arms, promote defensive defence rather than external military entanglements, practice peace keeping rather than power projection, and encourage disarmament rather than arms sales.

EU622 The Green Party does not wish the European Union to become a continental military power. The EU should neither adopt the WEU as its military arm nor become the European pillar of NATO. We seek the dissolution of both those military alliances.

EU623 In the long-term The Green Party wants to see the disbandment of NATO, and its replacement by a well resourced OSCE. (see PD500-515, EU640-7)

EU624 The Green Party is opposed to the expansion of NATO into central and eastern Europe.

EU625 The Green Party opposes the creation of a European Army and its precursors such as the Rapid Reaction Force, and the use of the EU to sustain military adventures. We are particularly opposed to suggestions that there should be "Eurobomb" nuclear capability.

EU626 We would prefer to see an emphasis on the development of European co-operation in a civilian peace corps aimed at non violent resolution of conflict and civilian response to natural and human made disasters.

EU627 Our policies on peace and defence generally appear in that section of the PSS.

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

EU640 The Green Party sees the OSCE as the most suitable existing forum for developing peace across Europe.

EU641 The OSCE is inclusive of all European countries; unlike the EU and NATO, it is not divisive. It uses consensus decision making, and is not dominated by the larger countries in the way of alliances such as NATO and the WEU/ EU. It refrains from unwanted interference in the internal affairs of member countries. It works in co-operation with Non Governmental Organisations.

EU642 We welcome the OSCE's broader view of the concept of common security, which in many ways is similar to the Green concept.

EU643 The aim of the OSCE is to prevent and solve conflicts, both in the short and the long run, by addressing the underlying causes (such as human rights abuses, economic inequalities, and ethnic tensions). The activities of the OSCE's predecessor the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe over human rights abuses encouraged the rise of human rights movements in Eastern Europe which contributed to the end of the Cold War.

EU644 The OSCE encourages governments and others to work together on problems within the area, as opposed to simply introducing military forces to repel or repress a perceived threat. The use of consensus decision making means that action takes time to agree and compromises have to be made, but the decisions made have strong support.

EU645 We support the OSCE's emphasis on arms control and disarmament and the provision of mutual rights of inspection into other countries' security affairs, demonstrating the value of openness and transparency in building mutual confidence.

EU646 The Green Party recognises the need to develop the OSCE to render it more effective in achieving the implementation of the Helsinki Accords. However, this must not be at the expense of the characteristics in EU641-5 which attract our support.

EU647 We believe that increased effectiveness and development of the OSCE require a transfer of resources to it from other security institutions such as NATO and the WEU.

Part 6: EU Pillar 3

Justice & Home Affairs

Human Rights

EU700 Basic human rights should be assured to all regardless of origin. There should be a global commitment to the principle, and a duty to ensure implementation at all levels having the power and responsibility to do so.

EU701 The best structure at the European level through which to pursue basic human rights is the European Convention on Human Rights, with its own Court and Commission. This offers not only a wider coverage than the present European Union but also a necessary separation of powers.

EU702 The EU should become a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights. Provision should be made in the appropriate EU document for a legal base to enable the process: the decision to be made on the basis of unanimity in Council and co-decision with the European Parliament.

EU703 The Charter of Fundamental Rights drawn up by the first Convention should be incorporated in to the appropriate EU document and become a legally binding text. This is subject to the understanding, set out in Article 51.2 of the Charter, that it does not of itself extend the competencies of the EU and respects the principle of subsidiarity set out in Article 51.1.

EU704 Within clear statements of fundamental human and civil rights, their implementation must reflect the social and cultural diversity of Europe. The methods of implementation should be for nations and regions to decide, not the European level.

Discrimination

EU710 It is essential to retain and strengthen the EU's commitment to the principle of equality and anti-discrimination on grounds of race, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sex or sexual orientation. It is similarly essential to maintain its commitment to combat racism and xenophobia and to support these commitments with appropriate legislation and action programmes.

EU711 We will work for the extension of Qualified Majority Voting to policy in this area, in accordance with our belief that basic standards of human rights should come within the competencies of the EU. (See Part 2)

Women

EU720 Article 2 of the Amsterdam Treaty states that the European Union has as a task "to promote throughout the EU equality between women and men..." Article 6a allows action to be taken to combat sex discrimination in any area of public life, not just employment.

EU721 However, all the commitments are vague, and lack specific policy. In particular, the Treaty omits the Council of Ministers' recommendation of December 1996 on the balanced participation of women and men in decision making, thus restricting equal opportunities developments to professional activity and vocational training.

EU722 Most of the more concrete provisions on equal opportunities in the treaty concern women and men as members of the labour market. They completely ignore unpaid work and caring responsibilities, to which contributions to the community Greens attach great importance.

EU723 The Green Party opposes this emphasis on paid employment alone. We will work to establish the right of all people throughout the EU, to equal access to education and to decision making processes, and to equal citizenship rights.

Citizenship

EU730 The Green Party believes the achievement of full local, regional and national citizen rights for all residents in Europe should be the priority.

EU731 We oppose the use of requirements that citizens be descended from citizens to exclude other residents from citizenship. We are particularly concerned that such requirements are used to discriminate against ethnic minorities. (see EU710)

EU732 Our comprehensive policies on extending citizenship in this country are in the Nationality and Migration sections of the PSS. They meet the objective set out in EU730.

EU733 Whilst the creation of an additional "European Union citizenship" is a welcome development, it is no substitute for full local, regional and national citizen rights for all residents. Nonetheless, its extension to non citizen residents such as "guest workers" would increase their rights, and would be useful in the short-term. At present it is given only to citizens of other EU countries.

Schengen Convention

EU740 In June 1985, France, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Benelux countries signed an agreement, in Schengen, to remove border controls between their countries. In 1990, this became the Schengen convention, separate from and parallel to the EU. With the Amsterdam treaty, the arrangements laid out in this convention have come under the aegis of the EU. All other EU states have or are about to join, with the exception of the UK and Ireland.

EU741 It is the declared aim of the EU that there shall be free movement of goods, capital, services and people. In practice it has emphasised cross border trade and investment rather than people's freedom to move. Ostensibly it is the aim of the Schengen convention to facilitate such freedom of movement. In fact the arrangements set up pose great threats to the freedom of both EU citizens and others, discriminate against ethnic minorities, and fail to take account of the diverse situations of different member countries.

EU742 The Green Party is committed in principle to freedom of movement for people. However we will oppose vigorously any moves for the UK to sign up to the inappropriate Schengen arrangements, to impose the Schengen arrangements on the EU as a whole.

EU743 The "compensatory measures" put in place by the Schengen arrangements to counteract their opening of internal borders include much stricter surveillance of people within borders, and much tougher policing of the external borders to create a "Fortress Europe". EU citizens may not need to show a passport to cross a border between Schengen states, but may instead be required at any time to produce proof that they are EU citizens. In practice these arrangements have been used to discriminate against ethnic minorities perceived as "non European".

EU744 We are completely opposed to this attack on civil liberties, and to any such proposal to require identity cards.

EU745 A database has been set up (SIS, or Schengen Information Service) of information on people, vehicles and artefacts. Its purpose is to prevent crime, and to "maintain order and public security, including the security of the state".

EU746 The SIRENE system supplements SIS. This allows police in a member state to request supplementary information about people, which the SIS is not allowed to hold, thus avoiding completely the already inadequate data protection measures relating to SIS.

EU747 We are completely opposed to these developments, which evade accountability for and scrutiny of information held on people, and undermine civil liberties thereby. The Green Party will work to make these arrangements better known, to mobilise public support for removing them.

EU748 The Schengen arrangements fail to recognise the distinction between land and sea borders, the different nature of traffic across each, the particular position of island states and those on the periphery of the Schengen area, on which the burden of external border control falls. It is notable that it is the two island members of the EU which have not joined the Convention, and that it has created major difficulties for countries on the periphery with much sea traffic, such as Sweden.

Europol

EU760 Policing must be open and controlled at the lowest appropriate level if there is to be public consent and democratic accountability. Co-operation at higher levels must not be allowed to undermine that democratic control.

EU761 The Green Party believes that Europol is too distant and too secretive to be accountable to citizens of member countries. If it is not abolished, we believe that its powers must be substantially reduced, and its operation and operatives subject to the national laws of member countries affected by their activities.

EU762 There is no effective control over Europol. It is accountable to no elected government. No court has any right to supervise. All that is required is a yearly report to The European Parliament. This is no substitute for proper democratic control of the police by elected bodies close enough to their citizens to be effective in the role.

EU763 In particular, agents of Europol have diplomatic immunity. This gives them immunity under national law, and from liability for criminal proceedings for abuse of their powers and any other misdeeds.

EU764 The Green Party opposes the granting of such supranational rights to such agencies and their agents. We demand that the immunity given to Europol and its agents be withdrawn.

EU765 Europol's original role consisted essentially of facilitating co-operation between national police forces and distribution of information. Here we are concerned about the lack of safeguards in respect of the information held and its use, and about the way this system is used to evade national laws on what information may be held on people and their access to it.

EU766 Under its extended powers Europol is able to hold data not just on known criminals and suspects but also victims and other persons. This type of data collection has additional risks for the civil rights of individuals.

EU767 Under the Europol Convention the organisation can extend from data handling and facilitating co-operation into taking action itself. The areas planned include the illegal trade in radioactive substances, trade in human beings and car crime. It is expected that in the next two years these areas will increase to cover most forms of terrorism.

EU768 The Green Party is not opposed to proper and accountable international co-operation by national police forces against such cross border organised crime. But we do not believe the Europol Convention offers any of the safeguards needed to protect individuals. Given that, we are opposed to any operational role for Europol.

Migration

EU780 The Green Party supports the principle of a Common Asylum Policy for the European Union (see RA404). We consider it essential that this policy include a standstill provision whereby more favourable positions in national law regarding asylum seekers and refugees cannot be abolished on the grounds of the common policy. Concerning partnership and co-operation with third countries for the purpose of managing inflows of people applying for asylum or subsidiary or temporary protection, we see potential problems. While co-operation with third countries in this field is desirable, in particular regarding the development of resettlement schemes and appropriate burden sharing measures, we are concerned that this provision is open to misuse if Member States seek to "sub-contract" their protection duties to third countries.

EU781 The Green Party supports the principle of a Common Immigration Policy for the European Union. We believe that shared obligations towards Asylum Seekers (see EU780) and immigrants provides the best available way to deal with future challenges arising from refugees displaced by climate change and other factors. The Green Party's liberal policies on migration to this country and the rights of migrants would meet such obligations. They are set out in the Nationality, Migration and Refugees & Asylum Seekers sections of the PSS.

EU782 One of the "compensatory measures" introduced under the Schengen Convention is far stricter control of the external borders of the Schengen area. This includes moves towards the development of a common and very restrictive policy towards refugees and asylum seekers. We are opposed to this development of a "fortress Europe".

EU783 In particular, The Green Party opposes rules such as the Dublin Convention preventing residents of member countries applying to other member countries for asylum and preventing refugees and asylum seekers applying to more than their country of entry to the European Union.

EU784 The Green Party believes that the greenhouse gas emissions of all European states have substantially contributed to Climate Change. This has already caused extreme weather events impacting most strongly upon the poorest states in the World. We envisage this situation may become worse until significant cuts in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are achieved. We therefore believe that European states have a general duty to alleviate the problems they have helped cause. They should relieve poverty in the poorest states and, whenever necessary, provide homes for refugees who may have been displaced as the result of European patterns of consumption and profligate use of fossil fuels.

Part 7: EU Enlargement

Introduction

EU800 The Green Party's vision for Europe is of different, overlapping groupings of countries and regions. A radically reconstituted EU would be amongst these. It is against this background that we must consider the question of the enlargement of the EU. We must ensure that any enlargement moves towards this different vision, not further away from it.

EU801 The EU is committed to enlargement, and several countries have applied to join. EU member states have recognised that enlargement cannot take place without substantial change, but they are divided as to what this change should be.

EU802 There are those who believe that there must first be a "deeper" Union; the process of integration must have gone much further before any new members are admitted. There are others who advocate a "wider", more inclusive Union, bringing in applicant states more quickly through flexibility. Given our vision for Europe, The Green Party would prefer the latter approach.

EU803 There are also difficulties caused by the perception that the national interests of some existing members would be damaged by the membership of some applicants.

Objective

EU810 To ensure that any enlargement of the EU brings about a Europe much closer to our Green vision of a peaceful, decentralised, democratic continent with high social and environmental standards. To avoid merely pushing the walls of "fortress Europe" further out.

Policies

EU820 The Green Party believes that any European country which wants to join the European Union should be able to do so if it meets the following requirements:

EU821 To become a member, a state must be a democracy, respect human rights, have a free press, an independent judiciary, a commitment to environmental standards at least equal to those demanded in the EU, civilian control of the military, and be at peace both outside and within its borders.

EU822 Applicant states should be assisted by the EU to raise their environmental standards. Similarly the EU shall prepare to receive new members by, amongst other things, reforming the Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policy. The EU shall also reform its institutions.

EU823 For each applicant country, a realistic time table shall be established, during which both the applicant country and the EU would make the mutually agreed necessary adjustments. No applicant country shall join until the EU has fulfilled its side of the agreement. This period should not exceed 10 years; any longer would remove the sense of urgency.

EU824 In each applicant country there shall be a referendum with equal funding for pro and anti groups, once the terms of admission have been negotiated. Only if a majority of those voting want to join, should the application go ahead.

EU825 Every member state may leave through the same process of referendum.

EU826 No new member should be required to reduce its environmental standards, human, animal or civil rights, such as freedom of information, if they are already higher than those operating within the EU.

The Periphery Of The EU

EU830 To avoid the danger of building a wall around "fortress Europe", those countries and regions immediately outside the EU should have special status, especially with regard to for example, movement of people across borders, and short distance trade. There should be no hard border between the EU and its non EU neighbours; as described in our Green vision, countries just inside the EU could also belong to other groupings with countries just outside, for example around the Baltic, or the Mediterranean.

Part 8: UK Membership of the EU

EU900 The Green Party supports European co-operation on Green lines, as set out in our Vision for Europe (see Part 1). However, the EU is founded on a commitment to economic growth which cannot be sustained.

EU901 Greens oppose many of the long-standing policies of the EU, such as the Common Agricultural Policy, the Common Fisheries Policy and the Single European Market. Current developments in the EU, such as EMU, Schengen and moves towards becoming a continental military power, are taking the EU further away from Green principles and objectives.

EU902 The Green Party's aim is a reconstitution of the EU as a European Confederation of Regions on Green lines pursuing ecological policies.

EU903 Whilst the Green Party is opposed to the objectives, structure and policies of the EU as currently constituted, as long as the U.K. remains a member of the EU the Green Party will stand in elections to the European Parliament and elected Green MEPs will work for fundamental reform of the EU from within.

EU904 So long as the UK remains a member of the EU, The Green Party will campaign and support negotiations to achieve any improvements in the EU which are possible.

EU905 Any UK decision to withdraw from the EU shall be subject to a referendum.

EU906 In the event that joining the single currency was seen to be a condition of continued membership of the EU, the Green Party will still campaign against the single currency.

 

Europe chapter updates
Spring 2009: edit migration policy EU781 and added new EU784
Autumn 2008: edit EU423 opposed to UK entry to EMU
deleted outdated references to Countries to East of EU
deleted outdate references to Steel & Coal Community
deleted optouts to social chapter
updated EU545 on biofuels

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The following additional policy statements can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) for Europe available on the Members webiste:

• European Monetary Union (Spring 1998)
• Resignation of the President and Members of the Euro-pean Commission (Spring 1999)
• Green Party position on an EU-wide Green Party (Au-tumn 2002)
• Support for Referendum on EU Constitution (Autumn 2003)
• The Proposed EU Constitu-tional Treaty (July 2004)
• The Proposed EU Constitu-tional Treaty (Autumn 2004)
• Kurdish Rights in Turkey (Autumn 2005)

 

Food and Agriculture

Major revision February 2012

Details

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FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Contents  

Introduction		FA100
	Principles	FA110
	Policy Instruments	FA120
Food Consumption: Healthy and Sustainable Food for All		FA200
	Promotion of Healthy and Sustainable Food	FA210
	Public Sector Procurement	FA220
	Children’s Diets	FA230
	Food Labelling	FA240
	Food Taxation	FA250
	Food Poverty and Food Access	FA260
	Restaurants and Takeaways	FA270
	Food Waste and Packaging	FA290
	Food Safety	FA310
Food Supply: Food Security and Food Markets		FA400
	Food Security and the Right to Food	FA410
	Localisation and Local Food	FA430
	The Agricultural Economy	FA450
	Supermarkets and Agribusiness	FA470
	International Trade	FA490
	Europe and the Common Agricultural Policy	FA510
Food Production: Agricultural Systems and Practices		FA600
	Sustainable Farming	FA610
	Farmed Animals	FA650
	Wildlife and Biodiversity	FA670
	Genetic Diversity	FA690
	Genetic Modification	FA710
	Biofuels and Non-Food Crops	FA730

Introduction

FA100 In richer countries, food prices are at an historically low level relative to average incomes, yet millions live in ‘food poverty’, access to healthy food is often limited and many chronic diseases are linked to over-consumption. In poorer countries, malnutrition and starvation are commonplace and increasing prices of staple foods can make the difference between life and death. Market pressures favour cash crops to supply affluent markets, while subsistence farmers are continually forced to give up their land and local food supplies on which large populations depend are diminished.

FA101 Market forces and government policies have favoured increasing industrialisation of agriculture, mass-produced food and dependence on fossil fuels. This comes with great ‘external costs’ to the environment, human health and animal welfare. Soil erosion, depletion of water resources, pollution, loss of biodiversity and animal suffering are commonplace. In addition, agriculture accounts for a significant proportion of greenhouse gas emissions and pressure on land resources is linked with deforestation in many parts of the world.

FA102 The Green Party believes that substantial changes are needed to ensure that food production is sustainable now and remains so for future generations. Changes in food markets and in patterns of production and consumption of food can achieve future food security locally and globally and ensure that everyone has access to a sufficient diet of nutritious and safe food. The Green Party believes that rather than creating problems, agriculture can be part of the solution to climate change, biodiversity loss and other contemporary challenges.

Principles

FA110 Everyone has the right to a sufficient supply of nutritious and safe food to lead a healthy life. Future food security must be ensured at the individual, local, national and global level.

FA111 Agricultural production, processing and distribution must: 

(a) be sustainable over the short and long term;

(b) provide nutritious and healthy food;

(c) support diversity and local food markets;

(d) be fair to farmer, distributor and consumer;

(e) respect animal welfare.

FA112 Our use of land and demand for food must not be detrimental or cause suffering to people elsewhere. Production for human need must be consistent with the wider need to protect and restore natural ecosystems and biological diversity.

Policy Instruments

FA120 We will use the following policy instruments as appropriate to specific areas of policy:

(a) Economic measures: we will support environmentally and socially beneficial practices through subsidies and financial incentives, balanced with taxation of practices that are environmentally or socially detrimental.

(b) Standards and regulation: we will set higher minimum environmental, ethical and safety standards than at present and will restrict or ban harmful practices.

(c) Education and information: we will promote sustainable food production and healthy eating through education at all levels, including public health campaigns, school curriculum activities and higher education programmes. We will provide better public information, for example through food labelling and government websites.

(d) Research and participation: we will base our policies – including economic measures, regulation and public education initiatives – on well-funded, evidence-based research. We will involve all stakeholders, including farmers, growers and consumer groups, in decision-making.

FA121 Our decisions on any specific foods and food production systems to encourage will be based on evidence of what constitutes healthy and sustainable diets and on ethical considerations such as social fairness and animal welfare.

Food Consumption: Healthy and Sustainable Food for All

Introduction

FA200 Everyone has the right to enjoy a sufficient diet of nutritious and safe food for a healthy life. A market-led approach has failed to provide this, so that there are now increasing levels of food poverty and diet-related ill health. Our current pattern of food consumption also causes significant environmental and social harm.

Government intervention and regulation are clearly required to correct these failures and to ensure that everyone has access to a healthy, balanced diet and the knowledge and means with which to make the best food choices.

Promotion of Healthy and Sustainable Food

FA210 The Green Party will ensure that there is a well-funded, strong, independent body with a wide-reaching mandate to commission research and act on food issues, taking a holistic view and working across all relevant government departments including Health, Education, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Communities and Local Government, Culture, Media and Sport, Transport and the Treasury.

FA211 The Green Party will support research into the factors which affect people's choices to eat in healthy and unhealthy ways and apply the findings to our policies. We will support research on programmes used to encourage healthy eating such as 5 a day, Sure Start, Change4Life and educational programmes in schools. We will ensure that the findings of such research are applied to improve existing successful programmes and to target funding. If necessary we will stop funding to programmes which are not successful in improving diet and health. High levels of funding would be available to programmes with a proven track record of improving diet and health. Successful programmes are likely to be a sound investment because they will lead to significant reductions in health and welfare spending.

Public Sector Procurement

FA220 The Government spends £2 billion each year providing food for the public sector. Decisions made by the Government can drive the food industry towards better practices and promotion of healthy, sustainable food.

FA221 The Green Party will introduce mandatory standards for food served in the public sector, set out in a Code for Sustainable Food.

This Code will be managed and developed by a committee of expert stakeholders including representation from consumer groups. They would be responsible for responding to emerging research on the health, social and environmental effects of food production and consumption, and developing, implementing and enforcing the Code. As a minimum the code would encompass the following:

(a) extensive use of local and regional produce to support rural communities and reduce food miles;

(b) clear, unambiguous nutrition standards, to ensure that food purchased and prepared by public organisations is healthier and suits the nutritional requirements of the people in their care;

(c) strict ethical criteria including animal welfare and the use of Fairtrade products.

FA222 Healthy vegetarian and vegan options and options for people on restricted diets and religious diets will be provided in all public sector establishments.

FA223 Public sector caterers will be provided with guidance on adopting the Code for Sustainable Food and on providing food for specific dietary needs. There would be a budget to allow caterers to be trained in these areas.

Children's Diets

FA230 The importance of promoting children’s health is widely recognised. Obesity and ill health caused by diet place large future burdens on the health service.

FA231 The Green Party will ban all advertising of processed food and drinks high in sugar, saturated fat or salt on television before the 9pm watershed.

FA232 The Green Party will prohibit all marketing targeted at children whose purpose or effect is to promote unhealthy food or drink. This would cover not only traditional advertising methods but anything that acts as advertising, such as promotional websites, text messages, in-store placements and cinema advertising.

FA233 All schools will be required to provide an area for children to learn how to grow food and education about food and farming will be part of the curriculum. (See also FA641)

FA234 Cookery classes and education on nutrition will be included in the curriculum for primary school and secondary school children.

FA235 There would be provision for adequate training in nutrition for health workers, nursery staff, child minders and other workers, as appropriate.

FA236 The Green Party will ensure that funding is available for all schools to have their own kitchens and trained kitchen staff where practicable and produce a fresh, tasty and nutritious lunch every day which will be free for all children.

FA237 Fresh fruit will be provided every day. Vegetarian, vegan, religious and other dietary requirements will be catered for. Meals will use fresh, organic and local produce wherever possible. Schools will be required to provide enough time and space for children to eat their meals in a relaxed and healthy way. (See also AR404, ED190, HE322)

FA238 Vending machines in schools will only supply healthy snacks. Where appropriate products should also be locally produced / sourced. (See also ED190, HE322)

Food Labelling

FA240 Clear and honest food labelling is important, as it allows consumers to make informed choices.

FA241 The Green Party will press for a single unified European Union scheme for labelling while retaining the right to set tighter national standards and restrictions.

FA242 The Green Party will work to ensure that a single system of nutritional profiling and labelling based on traffic-light colours is used on all packaged foods.

FA243 The Green Party will ensure that funding is available to develop a scheme of wider scoring for sustainability, to encompass water and land usage, greenhouse gas emissions, animal welfare, support for rural communities, encouragement of biodiversity, fair trade and other relevant criteria. This would then be incorporated into a labelling scheme. (See also IN717)

FA244 Producers will be required to label food clearly with the country or countries of origin (of the main ingredients). If food is processed in a different country this should be listed, but the initial country of origin will still have to be identified.

FA245 Producers will be required to include on labelling the origin and production method for all meat, eggs and dairy products used, and the source of all seafood.

FA246 Palm oil will have to be specifically declared as an ingredient where used, not just listed as vegetable oil, and whether or not it has been certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil.

FA247 Regulations and guidelines on claims about health, sustainability and ethics (such as ‘heart healthy’, ‘locally produced’ and ‘fairly traded’) will be developed to ensure that customers are not misled. The meaning of such terms would be protected so that consumers could exercise their choice to support sustainable food, unscrupulous companies could not apply ‘greenwash’ to products and practices and good companies with high standards could compete fairly against companies with low or no standards trying to undercut them.

FA248 The Green Party will ensure that there are adequate resources to fund proper enforcement of food law and proper monitoring and traceability. There would be appropriate and substantial fines for misleading labelling.

Food Taxation

FA250 The Green Party would reform the taxation of food which is outdated and confusing. While some foods and drinks are zero-rated for VAT others, for example fruit juices, are not. The Green Party would phase out VAT and replace it with alternative taxes, such as eco-taxes. (See EC771)

FA251 Changes made to the food production systems and supply chains will address the imbalances that make much unhealthy food artificially cheap and healthier food more costly. (See FA442-447, FA630-641)

FA252 The Green Party does not propose a 'fat tax' as there is evidence that this would be a regressive tax without other reforms. We believe that policies such as supporting healthy school meals, teaching children about nutrition and how to grow and cook food, and policies which encourage better overall physical and mental health would be more effective. We will only increase taxation on food if there is clear evidence that it is necessary in addition to our other policies.

Food Poverty and Food Access

FA260 Food poverty is the inability to afford, or to have access to, food required for a healthy diet. Food poverty results in a poor diet and leads to diet-related ill health and adverse personal and economic consequences. Green Party policies on the Economy and Workers' Rights and Employment would combat poverty and ensure that everyone can afford sufficient healthy food. 

FA261 Many of the problems of food poverty relate to structural inequalities such as living in ‘food deserts’ or having poor transport to retail outlets. Community food mapping will be carried out to identify where the most severe food poverty exists.

FA262 Priority support will be given to not-for-profit community-based projects to tackle food poverty including food co-ops, community cafes, community chefs, cooking and nutrition programmes and courses, local food markets, breakfast or lunch clubs and peer training in areas identified as suffering from food poverty.

FA263 The planning process will be altered such that it is a requirement to consider the provision of healthy food enterprises in any new development.

FA264 Grants will be available for enterprises selling healthy food in an area of food poverty.

Restaurants and Takeaways

FA270 The planning system will be used to ensure that there is a limit on the number of takeaway food establishments selling food high in saturated fat, salt and sugar in a given area.

FA271 There will be an exclusion area set around educational establishments within which planning permission would not be granted for takeaways and restaurants selling food high in saturated fat, salt and sugar.

FA272 Restaurants will be supported and encouraged to use seasonal produce.

FA273 Restaurants will be encouraged to meet sustainability and health criteria. These criteria would initially be voluntary, but would eventually become mandatory. Large restaurant chains would be required to meet these criteria before smaller restaurants.

FA274 Restaurants will be required to identify the origin of the main ingredients in each dish and encouraged to use more local ingredients.

FA275 Restaurant menus will be required to show the origin and production method for all meat, eggs and dairy products used and the source of all seafood.

FA276 Any food prepared and/or cooked off the premises will have to be labelled as such.

FA277 Restaurants will be required to label menus with a basic traffic-light type logo demonstrating the total fat, saturated fat, salt and sugar content within bands (high, medium and low). Training and support would be available for smaller restaurants. 

FA278 We will encourage restaurants, cafes and takeaways to offer a range of portion sizes, to help children to eat healthy food, to help customers to maintain a healthy weight and to minimise waste.

FA279 Restaurants will be encouraged to offer tap water (or filtered tap water) on all tables.

FA280 Restaurants will be required to pay all employees at least the minimum wage with 100% of tips added on top. Tips should be distributed to workers with no hidden charges or deductions. Where restaurants are paying a living wage, including regional variants, tips must again be given on top of this.

FA281 All restaurants and takeaways will be required to display the result of their latest food hygiene inspection in a prominent position.

Food Waste and Packaging

FA290 It is reported that in the UK we throw away up to one third of the food we buy each week. This has significant environmental implications as well as costing an average household several hundred pounds a year.

FA291 Rules on labelling will be changed to ensure that only date information relevant to health risks is presented.

FA292 Buy one get one free (BOGOF) offers, and similar, will discouraged on food that has a short shelf life. Instead retailers should concentrate on improving the marketing and promotion of healthy foods.

FA293 The Green Party will ensure that funding is available for public education campaigns to reduce food waste, including information and education about purchasing decisions, recipes and food safety.

FA294 We will ensure that food waste can be collected from all households, including those in flats and student halls of residence, who often don’t have space for composting.

FA295 Restaurants and takeaways will be required to have a plan in place to minimise the wastage of food due to it going out of date. They will be required to separate food waste for collection for composting, anaerobic digestion or swill feeding, according to what is considered most appropriate.

FA296 We will set strict targets for supermarkets and food processors to reduce all food packaging and to phase out particular packaging that cannot be composted or recycled. Supermarkets will be required to provide facilities on their premises for collecting all the types of recycled packaging they use. We will support and encourage restaurants, cafes and takeaways to work with their suppliers to reduce packaging and ensure that it is composted or recycled.

Food Safety

FA310 The Green Party will ensure there is a well-funded body with a remit to carry out research into food safety and ensure that foods are regularly sampled and monitored.

FA311 The food safety body will also be involved in research and monitoring of the components of animal feed stuffs.

FA312 Synthetic food colourings will be banned from foods marketed to children and no new synthetic additives will be allowed unless they demonstrate a significant benefit to health as well as being free from adverse effects. Existing synthetic food additives would be phased out over a defined period if they do not meet these criteria. (See also EU496)

FA313 Levels of pesticide and drug (including antibiotics) residues in food will be closely monitored and programmes put in place to eventually eliminate these residues. Food irradiation and sale of irradiated food and imports will be banned. (See also EU496)

FA314 The Green Party supports a moratorium on production and import of genetically modified (GM) foods, including food from animals fed on GM feed. Whilst such food is available, it must be labelled as including GM ingredients. (See FA720-721)

FA315 There will be substantial fines for breaches of the regulations on food safety.

Food Supply: Food Security and Food Markets

Introduction

FA400 Agriculture has made huge strides in recent decades in supporting a growing world population. Yet many people still go hungry, food is not distributed to the people who need it most, rural livelihoods are being lost and the prospects for future food security look bleak.

FA401 The Green Party believes that globalisation of the food supply has exacerbated many environmental and social problems and that answers lie in sustainable agriculture, re-localisation, shortening of food supply chains and self-reliance on a regional and local basis. We must reform markets to support farmers and rural livelihoods, to reduce any negative impacts of food production and distribution, and to ensure food security for future generations.

Food Security and the Right to Food

Background

FA410 The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) defines food security as follows: “Food security exists when all people, at all times, have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life”. The FAO says further that: “The right to food is a human right. It protects the right of all human beings to live in dignity, free from hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition.”

FA411 It is clear that many people, particularly in poorer countries, do not currently have food security and that their right to food is not met. Changes are needed both at the global economic level and in food supply chains to ensure that universal food security exists in future and that the right to food is protected.

FA412 The ability to produce a greater proportion of food within each country is a measure of national food security. Partly as a result of government policies, Britain has for many years imported more agricultural produce than it has exported, making it vulnerable to changes in global food markets. There are opportunities to increase self sufficiency in UK agricultural products and reduce vulnerability to international commodity markets. However, a narrow view of national food security can lead to decisions being made to the detriment of the environment, other (usually poorer) countries, farmers and animal welfare. 

FA413 The globalised ‘free market’ has failed to:

(a) make efficient and sustainable use of land and other resources, to conserve them for future generations;

(b) ensure equitable incomes for farmers and distribution of food to the people who need it most;

(c) minimise harmful outputs from agriculture, such as greenhouse gases and pollution, and minimise wider impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity.

Globalised food markets are often less resilient to changes in supply and demand than local food markets.

FA414 The Green Party believes that answers lie in sustainable agriculture, self-reliance and reform of markets and food supply chains. Our policies are designed to ensure that rather than adversely impacting on food security in other countries, we support food security globally and for future generations.

Policies

FA420 The Green Party has diverse policies on Food and Agriculture and in other areas that are aimed at increasing future food security both locally and globally. They are summarised and cross-referenced below:

(a) The Green Party supports the right to food as recognised by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Our policies on the economy, food supply and international trade aim to support this universal right. (See FA260-265, FA500-502)

(b) We will support sustainable agriculture and farming practices to help conserve and enhance land and other agricultural resources for future generations. Sustainable agriculture must be used to prevent loss of soil structure and nutrients and the soil erosion, desertification and salinisation that currently threaten the availability of agricultural land and future food security. (See FA630-641) 

(c) To reduce fossil fuel use and the vulnerability of global food supply to climate change and rises in the price of fossil fuel, we will support localisation, self-reliance and a shortening of the food chain, together with more equitable trade and distribution of food globally. (See CC022, EN106, FA440-448, FA500-502)

(d) High rates of consumption of meat and other animal products in richer countries, and rising demand elsewhere, means that the increasing requirement for animal feed competes with food production for direct human consumption. We will encourage healthy and sustainable consumption patterns, including a shift towards more plant-based foods. Such a shift would enable an increased world population to be fed sustainably and would help to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. (See FA211, FA222, FA237, FA662)

(e) World population is expected to reach about 9 billion by 2050, which means that more food will need to be produced from limited resources. Policies elsewhere, for instance those that foster greater equality and universal provision of health services and education, will contribute to stabilisation of world population levels and assist in achieving future food security. (See policies on Education, Health, Population and Workers’ Rights and Employment).

(f) High levels of food waste, especially in richer countries, waste scarce agricultural resources and reduce the ability to feed populations sustainably. We will use public information and education campaigns, and legislation on food labelling and marketing to reduce food waste. We will encourage appropriate recycling of food waste. (See FA290-6, FA632)

(g) We will support agricultural employment and thriving rural communities, helping to reverse the trend towards increased urbanisation which makes larger populations dependent on intensive food production. (See FA463-465, FA501, CY511)

(h) Our policies on the Common Agricultural Policy will foster food security in preference to global competitiveness. (See FA521)

(i) We will restrict the growth of biofuel production to reduce competition with food crops. (See FA741, CC250-CC253)

(j) Our policies to protect wildlife and biodiversity will help to conserve genetic resources, on which future agricultural diversity may depend. (See FA680-684, CY500-505)

(k) We support a moratorium on the use of genetically modified organisms in agricultural systems. The introduction of such novel technologies tends to move control of food production to a minority of mainly corporate interests. (See FA720-723)

(l) We will support research and development on small-scale and appropriate technologies and innovation to increase efficiency and to conserve resources. (See FA640)

(m) We will encourage greater agricultural diversity and aim to reduce reliance on intensification and globalised trade. This will increase resilience to climate change and market fluctuations and will reduce susceptibility to pandemics and pest and disease outbreaks. (See FA501-502, FA521, FA636, FA660-1, FA700)

(n) We will support stringent restrictions on commodity speculation and foreign ownership of land, which can destabilise markets and threaten food security. (See FA501-502)

(o) We will encourage the maintenance of adequate food reserves at local and regional level to offset ‘shocks’ and scarcity in food supply.

Localisation and Local Food

Background

FA430 Localisation implies local production and consumption, as well as local decision-making and preservation of local culture. In the context of food supply, the benefits of localisation can include:

(a) a reduction in ‘food miles’;

(b) provision of fresher, healthier and more seasonal food;

(c) promotion of a sense of community and local food culture;

(d) resilience to changes in global food supply;

(e) contribution to future food security;

(f) support for small-scale, more environmentally friendly farming and growing;

(g) support for the rural economy.

FA431 There is a diverse range of local food initiatives and their number and popularity are growing. Local food can be promoted through public sector procurement, partnerships between farmers and the local community (‘community supported agriculture’) and community food growing.

FA432 Small areas of land, including public gardens, parks and open spaces, private gardens, allotments and community orchards can make a significant contribution to food supply and food growing promotes health and general wellbeing. Much land which is currently unproductive could be used for small-scale production, for instance in schools, parks and unused urban areas.

Policies

FA440 The Green Party will minimise transportation of food and other agricultural products by supporting local food distribution and pressing for transport costs, especially air freight, to fully reflect environmental impact. (See also FA502, EC786, EU443, TR541, TR542)

FA441 We will press for local food procurement policies to be allowable under European Union and World Trade Organisation rules and will encourage local food policies in public services, institutions and government departments. (See FA221)

FA442 We will require local authorities to draw up Local Food Plans to safeguard and encourage the local processing, distribution and retailing of produce and will encourage initiatives promoting and marketing local produce. (See also LP417, TM022, TM042)

FA443 The Green Party will encourage community supported agriculture, including farm and community box schemes, local farmers' markets and other direct links between growers and local consumers. We will assist locally owned and controlled organic marketing cooperatives. (See also CY521)

FA444 The Green Party will promote a ‘local food culture’ and regional and local self-reliance in food and other crops, with the long-term aim of being able to fulfil most basic food needs locally. We support the ‘food sovereignty’ movement which promotes the right of peoples to define their own food and agriculture systems, in contrast to food supply being largely subject to international market forces. (See also EC911, EU544, IN302)

FA445 We will encourage non-commercial food production and community involvement in food growing, for instance, allotments, urban food growing, community orchards, community gardens and school gardens. In the long term, we will aim to enable all communities to have access to, and control of, land that can be used for growing for basic needs.

FA446 The planning process will be altered to encourage the inclusion of food growing space in all new developments, in particular in urban areas.

FA447 The Green Party will require local authorities to proactively provide allotments at affordable rents and to promote their benefits. New allotment sites will be created in areas where they are lacking and access to allotments and facilities will be improved.

FA448 The Green Party will discourage the sale or amalgamation of smallholdings owned by local authorities. We will encourage local authorities to increase the number, diversity and total area of their smallholdings. We will require local authorities to actively promote and publicise their smallholdings, to enable people who have no capital to become farmers and growers.  

The Agricultural Economy

Background

FA450 The Green Party recognises the fundamental importance of those who work on the land and the contribution that farming makes to the rural economy and to wider society. 

FA451 Sustainable farming can attract new entrants, contribute to job creation and support stable, thriving rural communities. Conversely, industrialised farming methods can destroy rural communities and have a devastating impact on the farming community through amalgamation of farms into single or corporate ownership, increased mechanisation and consequent loss of jobs. The number of people working in agriculture has fallen markedly in recent decades and fewer young people are taking up farming.

Policies

FA460 Substantive policies on the Rural Economy can be found in Green Party policies on the Countryside. (See CY511 and following)

FA461 Currently, many farmers do not receive fair reward for the food they produce or for the many ‘public services’ that they provide, such as conservation and protection of land, agricultural resources, wildlife habitats and wider ecosystems and biodiversity. The Green Party will support appropriate intervention in markets to help ensure stable and fair prices for both farmer and consumer. We support measures to recognise the diverse public services provided by farmers. (See also FA481, FA521, FA680)

FA462 Producer organisations can help to protect the interests of farmers and growers and help to stabilise markets. The Green Party will support appropriate producer organisations and involvement of producer organisations in supply-side management of production volumes, setting fair and stable farm-gate prices, public procurement and in shortening supply chains. 

FA463 The Green Party will discourage large land holdings, the amalgamation of farms and land speculation. We will support job creation in agriculture and secure farm incomes. (See also CY522, FA636, EC952, EU546iv))

FA464 We will improve access to land for new entrants to farming and horticulture, particularly local people, the young, women and ethnic minorities, for example through land trusts and community land access schemes. We will encourage co-operative ownership patterns. Through planning guidelines, we will favour the setting up of sustainable, small-scale and labour-intensive enterprises and their associated dwellings. (See also FA448, CY522)

FA465 Diversification of the rural economy to reflect wider demands can create a range of opportunities for young people.  The Green Party welcomes this diversification and will support non-agricultural jobs which strengthen rural communities. (See CY511)

Supermarkets and Agribusiness

Background

FA470 In the UK, the grocery market is increasingly controlled by a few very large food processors and retailers, making large profits. Their success is partly based on trading practices that are having serious consequences for suppliers, farmers and workers worldwide, local shops and the environment.

FA471 The dominance of large food processors and supermarkets:

(a) encourages unnecessary transportation of food;

(b) results in closure of small, local retailers and a net loss of jobs;

(c) makes farmers increasingly reliant on one or two large customers for their livelihood;

(d) forces down ‘farm gate’ prices through an unacceptable level of control over the prices paid to producers;

(e) often results in unfair contractual terms with farmers and rejection of food that fails to meet size, shape or cosmetic criteria; 

(f) prioritises ‘shelf life’ and favours mass-produced food of low nutritional value;

(g) favours larger farms and industrialised farming practices;

(h) can reduce resilience to ‘shocks’ in the supply chain, since food processors and supermarkets are less flexible than consumers to changes in supply. 

FA472 Multinational agribusiness companies increasingly control global supply chains, commodity markets and the supply of seeds and other agricultural resources, including land. This tends to disadvantage poorer countries and threatens the independence and livelihoods of farmers globally.

Policies

FA480 We will use competition legislation and other legislation to reduce the power of large food processors and retailers, strongly discourage mergers and prevent monopolies from emerging. (See also IP244)

FA481 A legally binding supermarket Code of Practice will be introduced to ensure that all farmers and suppliers, in the UK and elsewhere, are treated fairly, and that the grocery market also operates in the interests of small retailers and consumers. A fully independent supermarket Ombudsman will be introduced to monitor the compliance with and effectiveness of this code. (See also FA461)

FA482 Planning policies will be introduced to favour local shops and protect the high street. When dealing with a planning application for a new supermarket, local authorities will be required to take into consideration the full extent to which the supermarket would affect local shops, employment, transport links and the amount of local produce being sold in the area. Caps on retail floorspace may be imposed and smaller retailers supported with lower business rates. (See LP417). 

FA483 New rules will be introduced to protect workers' rights and the environment in both this country and overseas. It will be the responsibility of supermarkets and food processors to ensure that their suppliers meet these rules.

FA484 The Green Party will introduce new corporate accountability legislation making companies, including supermarkets and food producers, accountable for their impacts on communities and the environment. (See IN606)

FA485 The Green Party will work to reduce the hold of global agribusiness companies on food supply, commodity markets and on agricultural resources such as seeds. Our policies on Localisation and Local Food (FA440-448), the Agricultural Economy (FA460-465) and International Trade (FA500-502) would favour local and regional self-reliance, support smaller agricultural enterprises and producer organisations, reduce dependence on global supply chains and restrict speculation on commodity markets and land. (See also CC275)

International Trade 

Background

FA490 In global food markets, many factors put poorer countries at a disadvantage. Poor countries typically rely on a small number of ‘cash crops’ and are forced to compete with each other for access to markets. Historically, cash crops have been traded on terms unfavourable to poorer countries and commodity markets are now mainly controlled by transnational corporations and banks. In addition, ‘export dumping’ has undermined local production of staple foods.

FA491 Dependence on cash crops reduces availability of land for local food supply and often results in the loss of rural livelihoods and environmental destruction. However, local and regional self-reliance can help to ensure future food security. (See also IP202)

FA492 Increasingly, land in poorer countries is being acquired by overseas investors (‘land grabbing’) for speculation and production of cash crops and biofuels. 

Policies

FA500 Substantive policy on International Trade can be found in other Green Party policy as noted below.

FA501 The Green Party will encourage local and regional self-reliance by pressing at national, European Union and international levels for:

(a) An end to food dumping and the export of food at prices below the cost of production. (See also EC952, EU546i))

(b) Reform of World Trade Organisation rules to allow countries and regions (particularly poorer countries and regions) to use import and export controls to protect their domestic agriculture from foreign imports and to act cooperatively to encourage local and regional self-reliance. (See EC945, EC951, EU443, EU461, EU544, IP243, IP245)

(c) Support for small-scale, local import substitution (production rather than importation of staple foods) as a priority, rather than export promotion, and support for local food growing in preference to cash crops. (See DU422, EC911, IP242, IP243)

(d) Support for smallholders in poor countries to improve rural livelihoods and prevent excessive urbanisation.

(e) Restrictions at United Nations level on ‘land grabs’ and foreign ownership of agricultural land.

(f) An international forum to freely share and promote sustainable best practice with shared problems, such as crop pests and diseases, salinisation and soil depletion.

FA502 The Green Party seeks to reform international trade to respect the principles of equity, social justice and ecological sustainability by pressing at all levels for:

(a) Comprehensive restrictions on speculation and investment in food markets.

(b) Progressive reform of commodity markets to support fair prices for exports, including cash crops, from poorer countries and to reduce corporate control of markets. (See also IP244)

(c) Reform of World Trade Organisation rules to allow countries and regions to restrict imports on the basis of the same environmental and ethical criteria that are applied to their domestic agriculture (‘Qualified Market Access’).

(d) A ban on imports of food products produced using exploited labour.

(e) Support for fair trade partnerships.

(f) A ban on imports of crops linked to habitat destruction such as soya beans grown on cleared rainforest land and unsustainable palm oil. (See also CC260, CC271)

(g) Transport costs, especially air freight, to fully reflect environmental impact. (See EC786, EU443, TR541, TR542)

(h) Minimisation of import and export of identical foodstuffs.

Europe and the Common Agricultural Policy

Background

FA510 Despite some positive reforms, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has failed to support true sustainability in agriculture and to ensure long-term food security. The current aim to increase the ‘global competitiveness’ of European Union (EU) agriculture, the increasing industrialisation of farming and the large proportion of subsidies going to the largest farms conflict with the aim to make farming more sustainable. The accession of new EU members in Central and Eastern Europe has presented new challenges, particularly over levels of funding.

FA511 The Green Party supports greater subsidiarity (ie decision-making by nations and regions) in agricultural policy because Europe embraces diverse climates, geographical conditions, cultures and agricultural systems. However, we believe that protection of the environment and future food security should be prioritised at European level.

FA512 The current CAP structure does not adequately address the above challenges and the Green Party believes that it must be replaced. However, while the CAP exists, there are opportunities at a Europe-wide level to encourage a transition towards more sustainable agricultural practices and rural development, and to support farmers more equitably. 

Policies

FA520 Substantive policy on the Common Agricultural Policy can also be found in Green Party policies on Europe and Countryside. (See CY526-527, EU540-546)

FA521 The Green Party will work towards replacing the Common Agricultural Policy. While it still exists, we support a progressive reorientation of the CAP to:

(a) support global food security and regional self-reliance, rather than ‘global competitiveness’;

(b) support sustainable agricultural practices, farming livelihoods and the rural economy, and phase out subsidies which encourage highly intensified farming, pesticides, artificial fertilisers, pollution, large land holdings and habitat damage;

(c) support a restructuring of subsidies to encourage all farmers to make a transition towards sustainable practices and ‘best practice’, and to establish sustainability as the rule rather than the exception;

(d) protect soil and water resources;

(e) promote agricultural systems that sequester carbon in soils and have a low greenhouse gas footprint;  

(f) support habitats and biodiversity throughout farmland, and particularly in woods, orchards, hedges, ponds, headlands and designated areas of farms;

(g) respect animal welfare;

(h) support secure and fair farm incomes and farm gate prices, especially for smaller farms, and link payments to the labour force employed on farms; 

(i) ensure fair, non-discriminatory CAP payments for all Member States, particularly those that have joined the EU more recently;

(j) end export subsidies and dumping of exports on poor countries (See also FA501(a));

(k) support the ‘Qualified Market Access’ principle of restricting imports based on environmental and ethical criteria applied to domestic agricultural production (See also FA502(c));

(l) support innovation and diversity in agricultural systems;

(m) return decision making on agricultural policy to local and national level, while keeping a role at European level for coordination and regulation.

FA522 The Green Party will press for a European Union Directive on Soil to protect soils across Europe. We will press for greater protection of water, habitats and wildlife through the EU Water Framework Directive and the EU Habitats Directive. (See also CY505)

Food Production: Agricultural Systems and Practices

Introduction

FA600 Most of our food supply is totally dependent on a fragile layer of topsoil that has been formed over thousands of years. Soil is often depleted and lost at greater rates than it is replaced. We are custodians of the soil and must conserve it for future generations.

FA601 Sustainable farming techniques can improve soil structure and health, minimise pollution, support wildlife and biodiversity, and provide many other ‘public goods’ such as rural employment and aesthetic landscapes. At best, agricultural systems are a benign part of wider ecosystems, minimising non-renewable inputs, minimising external losses of nutrients and returning all organic wastes to the soil.

FA602 However, current industrialised agriculture, which is dependent on high inputs of fossil fuels, inorganic fertilisers, pesticides and water resources, results in depletion and loss of soil organic matter and nutrients, causes significant pollution and results in loss of wildlife and biodiversity. Cheap mass-produced food and pressure from large supermarkets and processors for low farm-gate prices can hide many of these ‘external costs’.

FA603 While agriculture currently contributes a significant proportion of greenhouse gases (over 30% globally according to the UK Foresight Report), there is potential for large-scale sequestration of carbon in agricultural land that could mitigate fossil fuel use while it continues.

Sustainable Farming

Background

FA610 Sustainable farming systems and practices:

(a) protect and enhance soil, including its structure, organic matter, fertility and soil life;

(b) return organic wastes and residues to the soil and use sustainable methods such as green manures and leguminous intercrops to maintain fertility;

(c) minimise greenhouse gas emissions and promote carbon sequestration;

(d) conserve water resources;

(e) minimise or eliminate use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides and pollution of soil, air and water;

(f) support wildlife and biodiversity;

(g) are diverse in their resources, methods and outputs, increasing resilience to environmental and market ‘shocks’; 

(h) supply healthy, safe and nutritious food;

(i) support farmers, rural employment and the rural economy;

(j) conserve and enhance farm landscapes and buildings and protect cultural and archaeological heritage;

(k) are appropriate to the local climate, soil, geography and food markets. 

FA611 In contrast, industrialised farming systems and practices are not sustainable in that they tend to:

(a) destroy soil structure and lead to soil depletion, compaction and erosion through use of synthetic fertilisers, heavy machinery, over-stocking and from lack of soil cover;

(b) contribute to climate change through the use of synthetic fertilisers, greater fossil fuel use and release of carbon in soils from continuous tillage;

(c) deplete groundwater resources;

(d) use arable crops rather than pasture for animal feed and risk pandemics through intensive animal rearing;

(e) risk pest and disease outbreaks and threaten food security through the use of large-scale monocultures;

(f) pollute soil, air and water and consequently threaten wildlife, water courses and groundwater through the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides and inappropriate disposal of organic wastes;

(g) cause harm to the health of farm workers, rural dwellers and consumers;

(h) operate in an unsustainable economic system as most of the environmental and social costs are ‘externalised’ and not included in current calculations of costs.

FA612 A range of agricultural systems and practices meet or aim to meet the above criteria for sustainability, including organic, stockfree organic, permaculture, agroecology, agroforestry and forest gardening. 

FA613 Organic farming and growing are well-established in the UK, with reputable and recognised organisations, certification schemes and retail markets. Organic production aims for long-term sustainability and has a central role to play in the transformation towards sustainable agriculture and food security.

FA614 It is feasible to change agriculture from a net emitter of greenhouse gases to net sequestration through greater use of trees, permanent pasture and other perennial plants and by reducing fossil fuel inputs. Grass and other perennial plants, particularly trees, can sequester carbon from the atmosphere and prevent carbon loss from the soil by minimising tillage.  (See also CC275, FA655) 

FA615 Appropriate use of organic residues and wastes, manures, green manures and compost can maintain and enhance soil fertility and structure. 

FA616 Species-rich permanent pastures have high value for biodiversity and soil conservation compared with ‘improved pasture’ dependent on synthetic fertiliser inputs which are associated with high greenhouse gas emissions.

FA617 The intensive raising of farm animals requires high inputs of fossil fuels, synthetic fertilisers and imported feeds and is therefore unsustainable. By comparison, well-managed pasture on mixed farms can promote soil, animal and human health. 

FA618 Fruit and nut orchards produce health-giving foods and provide attractive landscapes but have been undervalued. Their value as wildlife habitats has now been recognised with their designation as a priority habitat within biodiversity action plans.  

FA619 It has been shown that small, labour-intensive farms can produce more diverse and higher output per unit area than large, capital-intensive and fossil fuel dependent farms.

FA620 There is a growing demand for sustainably and locally produced food, held back by higher prices (compared to the artificially low price of produce from intensive agriculture based on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides), lack of availability and lack of information.

Policies

FA630 The Green Party will use subsidies, financial incentives, regulation, education, research and participation to support a transition towards more sustainable farming systems that foster long-term soil health, conserve water, reduce non-renewable inputs, minimise pollution and greenhouse gases, support habitats and greater biodiversity, enhance landscapes and cultural heritage and produce healthy and nutritious food. (See also CY523-7, FA521)

FA631 We will support a rapid increase in the proportion of land designated as organic, including stockfree organic, by giving financial help and advice to farmers making the transition to organic, increasing subsidies for organic farming and by funding the maintenance and promotion of organic standards. 

FA632 We will encourage a reduction in the use of synthetic fertilisers by supporting alternative methods of retaining soil fertility, such as green manures and appropriate recycling and composting of organic residues and wastes, including manure and treated sewage. We will support the safe recycling of food wastes as animal feed through reform of current legislation. (See also PL429) 

FA633 The Green Party will impose a tax on the use of synthetic fertilisers. This tax would be progressively increased and the revenue used to support agricultural systems using alternative methods to retain soil fertility, such as organic farming and growing. We will press for such a tax to be applied across the EU.

FA634 To conserve soil and sequester carbon, the Green Party will support a shift towards farming systems based on perennial crops, including extensive grazing, permaculture, agroforestry, orchards and tree crops through targeted support and funding. We will support local nurseries for plants which are productive and beneficial to the environment and support local council schemes to distribute free or very low cost trees for householders. 

FA635 For greater sustainability and the health and welfare of farm animals, we will encourage a shift towards extensive grazing on species-rich pastures, small-scale free-range units and mixed farms using organic techniques. We will encourage low stocking densities, based on research, and will set stocking limits for farms which receive agri-environment funding. 

FA636 The Green Party will shift subsidies away from highly mechanised, fossil fuel-dependent agriculture towards low-input and low-impact agriculture. We will assist farmers in making a transition to more sustainable and more labour-intensive methods of production. We will use taxes, regulation and subsidies to discourage large land holdings, amalgamation of farms and the use of monocultures in agriculture and to support smaller farms and greater agricultural diversity. (See also CY522-3, EN509, EU542)

FA637 The Green Party would remove some of the tax rebate on red diesel (fuel for agricultural use) as a means to discourage fossil fuel use in agriculture. This would be done progressively so as not to impact on farmers and food prices in the short-term and we would support sustainable long-term alternatives to fossil fuel use.

FA638 The Green Party will ban the use of the most harmful substances used in the treatment of soil, crops and animals and support a progressive reduction in the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides which do not meet organic standards, through the promotion of benign forms of pest and disease management and maintenance of optimal soil, plant and animal health. (See also CY525) 

FA639 We will introduce stringent regulations to protect wildlife, farm workers, rural dwellers and consumers from the effects of harmful substances used in farming. We will increase resources available to monitor water quality and farm spraying activities and will ensure better enforcement and higher penalties for any harm to human health and pollution of air, soil, watercourses and groundwater. (See also CY525, IN623, PL420, PL429)

FA640 The Green Party will fund research into:

(a) Lifecycle costs of different farming systems, including greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental and social impacts.

(b) Sustainable growing systems and methods, including organic, stockfree, agroecology, permaculture and agroforestry.

(c) Farming systems and strategies to maximise carbon sequestration. 

(d) Development of small-scale, appropriate farm technology and machinery, and methods (such as conservation and evergreen agriculture) which do not harm the soil.

(e) Methods to safely return biodegradable organic waste, including sewage, to the soil. 

(f) Breeding programmes for crops and farm animals, to improve sustainability, productivity, diversity and animal welfare;

(g) Sustainable and ethical methods to reduce methane emissions from farm animals.

FA641 To increase understanding of sustainable agriculture, the Green Party will:

(a) Include practical experience of growing and healthy nutrition in the curriculum of all schools (See also FA233-234).

(b) Support ‘eco-schools’ and school orchards and forest gardens.

(c) Encourage educational links between schools, farms and community food projects.

(d) In agricultural education and advice establishments, give immediate priority to sustainable production methods.

(e) Set up a network of research, advice and demonstration centres, based on existing farms, to provide extension services and outreach as well as on-site training.

(f) Give support and advice to those currently employed in intensive agriculture so that they can learn appropriate new skills.

Farmed Animals

Background

FA650 Extensive grazing, free-range units and mixed rotational farming can support soil health, habitats and biodiversity, improve animal welfare and conserve agricultural resources.

FA651 However, high levels of consumption of meat, dairy and other animal products in richer countries and rising demand in poorer countries threaten global food security and lead to deforestation, pollution and other environmental problems, in addition to many of the ‘diseases of affluence’. 

FA652 The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation reported in 2006 that 70% of land globally is devoted to farmed animal production, yet this contributed only 15% of all human food. About 40% of cropped land in the UK is used to produce animal feed, using large quantities of synthetic fertiliser, depleting water resources and increasing soil erosion. This land could be used more efficiently to feed humans directly.

FA653 Green Party policy aims to rebalance farming in favour of food production for direct human consumption and to reverse the present market-driven trend towards the production of feed for animals. With a growing population and increasing malnutrition, a transition towards diets based on plant foods is necessary, particularly in richer countries, to address increasing pressures on land. Such a rebalancing would also enable more extensive and sustainable food production methods to be employed.

FA654 High-input intensive farming of animals lowers the farm-gate price of meat and other animal products at the cost of creating many environmental, social, health and animal welfare problems. Farmers using extensive, low-input and free-range systems find it hard to compete with the artificially low price of products from intensive farming. 

FA655 A significant proportion of the emissions of the three major greenhouse gases are directly and indirectly attributable to animal farming. Use of arable crops for feed results in carbon losses from soil cultivation, whilst use of artificial fertilisers and inappropriate disposal and application of manures result in nitrous oxide emissions. Ruminant animals, including cattle and sheep, are responsible for a significant proportion of methane emissions. In addition, pollution from artificial fertilisers and animal manure poses a growing threat to wildlife and habitats. A transition towards plant-based diets would reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and could free large areas of land for other uses, particularly carbon sequestration. (See also CC280-281) 

FA656 In the UK, close to a billion animals are slaughtered for food every year. Many of these animals are farmed intensively, kept in unhygienic and cramped conditions, with high levels of distress and injury. Antibiotics are used routinely to prevent outbreak of disease, resulting in antibiotic resistance and threats to human and animal health. Intensive farming techniques and, in some cases, the associated long-distance transport of animals, have been associated with the outbreak and spread of diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), foot and mouth disease, avian flu and swine flu. 

FA657 Intensive fish farming (aquaculture) is not the answer to global food shortages and dwindling fish stocks in the oceans. Intensively farmed fish are fed on fish from unsustainable fishing and on land crops that compete with food for direct human consumption. Intensive aquaculture causes widespread pollution of inland and coastal waters and spreads disease to wild fish. However, small-scale farming of herbivorous fish in freshwater ponds can provide a useful and sustainable source of food.

Policies

FA660 The Green Party will phase out all forms of 'factory farming', including intensive poultry, dairy, pig and fish farms, which involve overstocking, inhumane conditions, pollution or excessive use of imported feed, fertiliser, pesticide or fossil fuel inputs. (See also AR403, AR406)

FA661 The Green Party will shift support towards small free-range units, the use of crop residues and food wastes for feed, mixed rotational farming and extensive grazing. We will restrict the use of fishmeal and imported crops for animal feed and discourage the excessive use of arable crops for feed. (See also AR403, AR406, CY525, FA635) 

FA662 The Green Party will support a progressive change from diets dominated by meat, dairy and other animal products to healthier diets based mainly on plant foods, through the use of economic measures, research and education, coupled with support for more sustainable methods of production such as organic and stockfree farming. (See AR403-404)

FA663 We will encourage appropriate uses of land, including orchards, woods and wildlife habitats, of land not needed to produce feed for farm animals. Such land would also sequester carbon and help to tackle climate change. (See also FA634)

FA664 The Green Party supports the highest levels of animal welfare in farming. We will ensure that the Five Freedoms of the Animal Welfare Act are applied to all farm animals and will ban painful mutilations such as beak trimming of poultry and tail docking of pigs. We will prioritise small, local abattoirs, minimise live transport of animals and ban live exports, except for breeding stock. We will press for EU and international rules permitting restrictions on imports based on animal welfare considerations. (See AR406, FA502(c)) 

FA665 We will maintain a ban on the use of growth hormones and imports of food from animals treated with growth hormones. We will phase out routine and prophylactic use of antibiotics in farm animals.

FA666 Cloning of farm animals has major animal welfare implications and there are related threats from reduced genetic diversity. We will maintain a ban on the use of cloned animals or their offspring and on importation of products from cloned animals or their offspring.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Background

FA670 Wildlife and biodiversity are not separate from agriculture but integral, providing many ‘ecosystem services’, such as protection of soil and water, enhancement of landscapes, pollination and natural pest control.

FA671 Through inappropriate soil tillage, increased mechanisation, use of monocultures and extensive use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides, the biodiversity of agricultural land is reduced and wildlife on farms and in surrounding areas is diminished. More significantly, over the long term, pressure on land resources from agriculture results in deforestation, habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity. 

FA672 Conversely, more benign agricultural systems, such as small-scale organic farming and use of perennial plants, can increase biodiversity and encourage wildlife. 

FA673 A reduction in the volume of animal production and consumption would significantly reduce pressure on land resources and free land for conservation use and carbon sequestration.

Policies

FA680 The Green Party will protect wildlife habitats from further encroachment by agriculture, through regulation, for example of pollution, and support for habitat and biodiversity protection and enhancement. We will support diverse and sustainable farming systems that have a benign or positive influence on wildlife and biodiversity. We support agri-environment schemes such as Environmental Stewardship, Tir Gofal and the Woodland Grant Scheme for all farmers and growers, rather than a targeted approach which unfairly prevents some people from even applying. (See CY500-507, EU546ii), FA630-634)

FA681 In arable systems, we will encourage diverse uncropped areas around fields to support wildlife and natural pest control (at least 10% uncropped on intensive farms). We will encourage an increase in the abundance of wildflowers in both arable land and pasture through good management of grassland, planting of hedgerows and sowing of wildflower-rich margins around arable fields. 

FA682 The Green Party will encourage a landscape-scale approach, supporting partnerships and networks amongst farmers and land managers to consider the mix of food production, uncropped land and wildlife on neighbouring farms. ‘Joined-up’ wildlife refuges will be encouraged. 

FA683 We will increase tree cover generally by encouraging appropriate tree planting or woodland creation from natural regeneration on agricultural and non-agricultural land, including fruit and nut orchards, copses, hedgerows, small farm woods and shade and windbreak trees.

FA684 The aim to reduce the volume of animal production (see FA662) would reduce the need for agricultural land both at home and overseas. We will target a reduction in intensive animal rearing, reducing the overall area of arable land and enabling a shift towards farming systems that protect and encourage wildlife and biodiversity.

Genetic Diversity

Background

FA690 Increased agricultural diversity can contribute to food security and security of farming livelihoods. However, industrialised farming methods force reliance on a small number of crops and animals with narrow genetic diversity. This results in loss of long-term diversity and resilience, tends to give large agribusiness companies a monopoly on seed supply and threatens farming livelihoods and food security with large-scale crop failures, pest and disease outbreaks and pandemics. 

Policies

FA700 The Green Party will make it easier to register new and traditional seed varieties. We will encourage producers to use their own local or traditional seed varieties and to plant mixed cultivars. We will ensure funding is available for national and local seed banks, seed libraries and the conservation of locally selected seed varieties. 

FA701 We support conservation groups who ensure the survival of crop varieties and animal breeds. We will ensure funding is available for national and local plant collections, such as botanical gardens and the National Fruit Collection, and rare breed collections. (See also NR431)

FA702 We oppose the patenting of genes and living organisms and will press for a national and international ban on the patenting of life-forms, including agricultural crops and animals. (See also AR413, EC1015, IP353, ST360)

Genetic Modification

Background

FA710 Genetic engineering will not solve the problems created by industrialised agriculture and it may add to them. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) tend to secure large profits for a few multinational companies, rather than making farming easier or more efficient. 

FA711 Many environmental problems have been associated with genetically modified (GM) crops:

(a) GM crops may cross-breed with wild varieties or wild species and transfer genes to other plants, posing a long-term threat to wildlife and biodiversity.

(b) Herbicide-resistant genes have been transferred to other plants, creating ‘super weeds’.

(c) Herbicides used with GM crops have been shown to harm both wildlife and human health.

(d) GM crops producing bio-pesticide toxins may be toxic to wildlife and encourage resistance in the target species.

(e) GM crops undermine organic and conventional farming through cross-contamination and by creation of resistant pests. 

FA712 The use of GM crops in poor countries has proved disastrous to farming communities. Not only have the crops failed in many cases, but they undermine the diversity of local seed varieties with monoculture GM crops designed to secure profits for multinational biotechnology companies. There is no evidence that GM crops will ‘solve’ the problem of world food shortages through increased productivity: there are many social and economic issues that need to be addressed to prevent food shortages in poorer countries. (See also ST362, ST370)

FA713 Despite widespread introduction of GM foods in the United States and elsewhere, the potential dangers of GM foods to human health have not been properly investigated and risks remain considerable.

Policies

FA720 The Green Party supports a moratorium on the use of GMOs in all agricultural systems including production of human food and animal feed and on importation of GM food or feed. (See AR413, CC254, EU489 and ST364) 

FA721 We define GM food as any:

(a) that is genetically modified or includes ingredients from genetically modified crops; or

(b) that is from genetically modified animals; or

(c) that is from animals that have been fed genetically modified feed.

So long as any such food is available in this country, it must be labelled as containing genetically modified ingredients or coming from genetically modified sources. 

FA722 The Green Party will establish and uphold the rights of consumers, farmers and local authorities to choose GM-free food and to establish GM-free zones. We will legislate for a strict liability regime which makes biotech (GM seed) companies and GM food producers fully liable for any losses through contamination or harm caused to the environment or human health. (See ST364) 

FA723 We will apply the precautionary principle and place strict conditions on research using genetic engineering to ensure that GMOs do not escape, pollinate other plants or cause other damage. (See ST363)

Biofuels and Non-Food Crops

Background

FA730 There is potential for plants to provide many of the raw materials currently derived from fossil fuels, for instance building materials, textiles and industrial chemicals. On a small and local scale, wood and agricultural wastes can be used efficiently as fuels or for biogas generation. 

FA731 Biofuel and bio-energy crops, however, generally represent an inefficient use of land resources and are usually in direct competition with the use of agricultural land for food, threatening food security. Environmental and social impacts are greatest in poorer countries.

Policies

FA740 The Green Party will encourage diversification to non-food crops on an appropriate and sustainable scale, for instance on land of marginal agricultural value and to provide materials currently derived from fossil fuels. We will encourage small-scale and appropriate use of crop residues and by-products, including retention on the land to maintain soil organic matter, composting and biogas generation. (See also EN814, EU545 and NR413) 

FA741 Within Europe and the UK the Green Party calls for a suspension of all biofuel targets, incentives and subsidies until clear environmental and human rights standards for biofuel production accompany such targets. We call for an immediate moratorium on biofuels from large-scale monocultures and genetically modified crops. (See CC250-CC254) 

FA742 The Green Party supports the appropriate siting of wind turbines on agricultural land and solar energy systems on farm buildings. Every farm would be entitled to a free survey by an approved body to determine the most appropriate renewable energy source for their farm and to provide information on ways of funding and enhancing their investment. (See also EN817). 

Food and Agriculture chapter last updated Spring 2012

 

Forestry

Major revision January 1990

Details

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FORESTRY

Background

FR100 Over the largest part of the earth, forests are the natural climax vegetation. They are central to the ecosphere that provides us with fresh air, clean water, fertile soil and climatic stability. Any forestry policy must take account of this. Forestry has the greatest potential for feeding humans and animals and providing a renewable fuel as well as timber.

FR101 Total world cover at present stands at around 30% and is declining by an area around the size of Wales every year, because of human pressure. Action is needed to help to reverse this trend.

FR102 Before 2,500 BC, the United Kingdom was almost entirely covered with forest, mainly hardwood. Since these times, through agriculture and the industrial revolution, this was reduced to around 5% by the beginning of this century. It has now increased slightly, to 8%, largely by the direct or indirect activity of the Forestry Commission. This planting, since the First World War, however, has mostly been monoculture of exotic conifers. However, we are still importing 90% of our forestry products, valued at £4,500 million per year, our second largest import.

Objectives

FR200 (A) To be more self-sufficient, by maximising the quantity and quality of all forest products, in such a manner as to cause minimal disturbance to the ecological balance. It is recognised that products include timber, recreational facilities, amenity value, conservation and the control of erosion, drought and flooding.

FR201 (B) To move all existing woodlands towards an ecologically balanced and natural state. The planting of diverse woodlands with native species would move away from the current practice of monoculture. Ancient woodland would be given special protection. (see also CY570-572)

FR202 (C) To increase the area of forest in the UK from its present level of about 8% to 25% of the total land area. This would bring us into line with other European countries.

FR203 (D) To maximise the involvement and employment of the local community as creators and users of local forests and their products.

Policies

To Obtain (A)

FR300 The management systems encouraged below should produce high quality products in as large a quantity as possible without unbalancing ecosystems.

FR301 Encourage research into the more efficient use of timber in order to reduce demand.

FR302 Consider introducing selected restrictions on the import of timber to reduce pressure on the world timber resources, particularly from the tropical rainforests.

FR304 Local coordinator (see FR330 and FR340, below) should keep growers in contact with markets so that all products are fully utilised.

FR305 Encourage and develop facilities for recreation and conservation. The creation of woodland for nature reserves, amenity, agricultural shelter etc. would also be encouraged.

 

To Obtain (B)

FR310 Encourage, by grant or other financial aid, the planting of native species, especially as second generation crops. Similarly, encourage ecologically balanced and rich management systems, such as mixed species crops, selection forests (as opposed to clear felling systems), coppice with standards etc. The Forestry Commission to follow suit. (see CY542)

FR311 Restrict the use of pesticides and artificial fertilisers. At the same time, research into the biological control of pests should be promoted (e.g. at present the grey squirrel makes it very difficult to establish hardwoods in some areas).

FR312 Encourage research both locally and nationally into:

a)the cheaper methods of establishing and managing hardwoods;

b)the effects of afforestation on local ecosystems;

c)the effects of different types of management on the local ecosystems.

 

To Obtain (C)

FR320 Encourage new planting with higher grant aid and other financial incentives. Make forestry more competitive with farming and shooting. Agriculture and forestry should be more closely integrated.

FR321 Increase the Forestry Commission planting budget with special reference to overall policy.

FR322 Make National and Local Government land available for planting where possible, especially urban and derelict land reclamation.

FR323 The local coordinator (see FR330 and FR340) should advise growers and potential growers of incentives, labour and markets available.

 

To Obtain (D)

FR330 Encourage the creation of community forests, owned, managed and used by the local population, thereby enhancing local employment opportunities. Community forests are very common on the Continent, being managed by a local committee, community association or local authority. The local coordinator could seek the involvement of schools, local clubs and institutes, voluntary groups, naturalists etc. and publicise the work being done.

FR331 Encourage the creation of local marketing cooperatives and tree banks for small woodland growers.

FR332 Encourage development of small efficient sawmills that can use local timber to supply local needs.

FR333 Local people, through their local coordinator and planning authority, should be given the power to prevent unsound forestry and ecologically damaging practices in local woodlands, even if privately owned.

General Policies

FR340 Create the post of Local Forestry Coordinator, who would operate at county or district level and would probably be a locally elected person or an employee of the local authority. It would be the duty of the coordinator to liaise with all interested groups at a local level and keep growers and consumers aware of each other's needs.

FR341 Where possible, use and adapt existing organisations and structures rather than create new ones.

FR342 Encourage changes with incentives rather than restrictions. This is easier to do at a local, rather than national, level.

 

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The following additional policy statement can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) for Forestry available on the Members webiste:

• The Forestry Commission (March 1993)

 

Health

Major revision March 2010

Details

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HEALTH

Values and Principles

HE100 Health is the condition in which individuals and communities achieve their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential. Health for individuals is only possible in the context of a healthy environment and society. The healthy society is one which guarantees a safe and clean environment; material security for all its citizens; good work; adequate housing; a balanced and unpolluted diet and clean water; appropriate education; a safe transport system; accessible and sensitive public services; equality of opportunity; and a secure present and hope for the future. All Green Party policies are designed to promote the health of individuals, communities and society.

HE101 Ill health exists at many levels: a diseased organ within a stressed person, a sick individual within an uncaring society, or a sick society within an overstrained and collapsing ecosystem. To achieve improved individual, social and environmental health, effective interventions at all levels are needed. Current theory and practice place too much emphasis on interventions at the biochemical and individual levels, too little on the social and ecological. Achieving better health requires a balanced, integrated and holistic understanding and approach.

HE102 The organisation and use of health care services is only one of the factors which impacts our health. To a large extent, factors such as where we live, the state of our environment, genetics, our income and education level, and our relationships with friends and family all have considerable impacts on health.However, willingness and ability to care for its vulnerable members are essential features of a compassionate society.. Free market mechanisms cannot adequately meet health needs, or effectively constrain costs. Proper healthcare for all and the responsible use of resources both require the continued provision of well-financed and publicly-funded health services.

HE103 Health services can create dependence on the part of users, which is itself unhealthy. Individuals can through properly informed choice, and when adequately supported, acquire much greater responsibility for their own health, and the health of their families. However, true freedom of choice cannot be exercised without the economic and political power to choose, at present denied to the majority.

HE104 Healthcare is not a commodity to be bought or sold. The National Health Service must provide healthcare, free at the point of need, funded through taxation. It must be a public service funded by, run by and accountable to local and national government and devoid of all privatisation, whether privatised administration, healthcare provision, support services or capital ownership. The NHS is concerned with healthcare provision and should not be subject to market forces either internal or external.

Aims

HE200 To promote public health through policies designed to secure a healthy urban and rural environment, healthy work, healthy agriculture and food, healthy education, a healthy transport system and healthy local economic development. (FD300s)

HE201 To devise new economic models using quality of life and health indicators as the target variables to be optimised. Policies to achieve these targets will be integrated into overall economic strategy. Health-promoting policies will be mediated by social investment at national, regional and community levels.

HE202 To develop a new public health consciousness, which, through individual and collective action, will challenge vested interests and promote the personal, social and political changes needed to achieve improved states of health.

HE203 To develop health services which place as much emphasis on illness prevention, health promotion and the development of individual and community self-reliance as on the treatment and cure of disease. Such services will of necessity be empowering, participatory and democratic and their development will be guided by users' own perceptions of their health needs.

HE204 To ensure that health care services are delivered with compassion, taking into consideration patients full range of needs, health care will be delivered in an environment that promotes healing and care. This includes single sex wards in hospitals, ensuring that maternity care is of the highest quality, ensuring that care reflects people's needs and that care promotes the dignity of all patients.

HE205 The Green Party supports the continued development of national minimum standards of care across the entire range of health services. Local people should decide what and how services are provided and should have complete flexibility to meet local needs as long as services meet minimum standards.

HE206 All healthcare whether intended to promote wellbeing or treat illness will be provided equally to all people to all regardless of economic, social or cultural status. Organisations providing health services will be expected to monitor and improve any inequality in delivery of services. This will apply to levels of income as well as other equality and diversity strands including gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or cultural background, faith, disability including learning difficulties, trans people or age.

HE207 The Green Party recognises that the Health Service, and all public services, influence the life of the community and the country. It is important that there is no discrimination in employment and that the NHS is a leader in challenging racism, homophobia, transphobia, and prejudice and discrimination based on disabilities or faith.

Policies

HE300 This policy sets out how services will be delivered and regulated. It expands on our values and principles where necessary but it will not make judgements on individual treatments or medicines unless as a point of principle. All services will be available without charge at the time of need.

Community Health Centres

HE301 Funding will be diverted away from centralised facilities towards community healthcare, illness prevention and health promotion. Community Health Centres will be the focal points for self-help and community-based initiatives and will also provide a wide range of services including primary healthcare, and health education and health promotion programmes. A variety of specialist services, in particular midwifery, obstetrics, family planning, counselling and psychiatry, will also be available. The midwifery and obstetric service will be such that a real option of home delivery is created. To permit the availability of the widest possible range of services and interventions, staff will be organised into multi-disciplinary teams. The public will be provided with easier direct access to nurse practitioners and other non-medical health and social care workers.

HE302 Community Health Centres will provide walk-in facilities for patients with minor injuries and illnesses.

Maternity Services

HE303 All women should be entitled to the highest standards of care during pregnancy and birth, and post-natally. These standards will be maintained for all regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, level of income, black and ethnic minority background, age or disability. We will ensure that women are given the information they need to make appropriate choices about how they wish to give birth, and that a full range of options, including home birth and a range of styles of hospital delivery, is made available to all women.

HE304 The incidence of medical intervention in childbirth has escalated in recent years, particularly the rate of caesarean sections, which are expensive and, when not medically required, risky. We will work to reduce the number of interventions in childbirth, and change the culture of the NHS so that birth is treated as a normal and non-medical event, in which mothers are empowered and able to be in control.

HE305 All women will be entitled to the care of a single midwife through prenatal care, birth and the first month of post-natal care, in line with the model of care currently provided by independent midwives. This will be made possible by initiatives to improve the recruitment and retention of midwives.

HE306 We will ensure that the NHS embraces the current quality and style of care as offered by Independent Midwives so that they are able to work within the NHS system and offer this type of care to all women in a single tier system. We shall ensure that midwifery training places are increased to meet medium and long term needs. This will be achieved by: ensuring that terms and conditions for midwives are improved, increasing investment in midwifery services to ensure that these policies are delivered, specific funding for midwife training along with targeted recruitment drives, and ensuring that the culture of midwifery services is supportive for both mothers and midwives.

HE307 All women and their partners will be offered a full range of psychological support after birth to help deal with trauma and post-natal depression. The Green Party will ensure that baby clinics are open for adequate hours, so that women can get access to health visitors and take their babies for regular check-ups at a location and time that is convenient for them.

HE308 Maternity units should be sufficient in number and located so that all women are within reasonable reach of one. Special Care Baby units will be expanded in line with the increasing number of babies that need intensive care, but special attention will also be given to preventative efforts to reduce the number of low birthweight and other problems that contribute to this need. Funds allocated for maternity services should be ringfenced to ensure that they are used for the intended purpose.

HE309 Throughout maternity services the focus will be on compassion and on providing a safe, supportive environment. Complaints will be treated with sympathy, and systems arranged to ensure that complaints can be registered easily and are investigated properly, challenging the 'conspiracy of silence' that discourages women from speaking about their traumatic experiences for fear of frightening other women.

HE310 The Green Party recognises that breastfeeding has multiple short and long term health benefits for babies. Mothers who have breastfed also have lower risks of diabetes and some cancers. However, in the UK women who want to breastfeed often feel unsupported and most stop before they wanted to. Around a quarter of women feel unable to breastfeed for various reasons. For some people, there is still a stigma attached to breastfeeding in public. The law does not currently  effectively stop attempts to discourage breastfeeding. Furthermore, artificial feeding products ('formula') are heavily promoted. These, along with the equipment they require, may interfere with the initiation or continuation of breastfeeding.

HE311 The Green Party will work to ensure that:

1. Pregnant women are given the facts about how to breastfeed, and also the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding so that they can make an informed choice  about how to feed their babies.
2. Hospitals provide the counselling and advice by trained NHS staff to enable breastfeeding to be  established straight after birth, should the mother wish to breastfeed. Special help will be given to women immediately after birth if they are in pain, ill, or exhausted by a difficult labour. Disabled women and those with babies with special needs will be given specialist help to establish breastfeeding.
3. It becomes an offence to stop nursing mothers from breastfeeding their children in public places (including the breastfeeding of toddlers in premises where children are already allowed). Businesses that break the law, or whose employees break the law, will face significant fines.
4. Public buildings and shops are encouraged to provide breastfeeding facilities for women who wish to breastfeed in a private, comfortable, quiet place. Councils are required to provide breastfeeding facilities in all their significant buildings open to the public, such as town halls and libraries.
5. breastfeeding mothers who return to work are made aware of, and encouraged to take advantage of, their legal right to take breastfeeding breaks.
6. Steps be taken in order to normalise breastfeeding, including improving education in schools, public awareness campaigns, and reassurances given by breastfeeding counsellors regarding the legitimacy of public breastfeeding.
7. The provision of enough around the clock breastfeeding counselling services to support women who have problems with breastfeeding, and expand the networks of breastfeeding mothers set up locally for women to be able to give each other help.

HE312 The Green Party will institute a complete review of the regulations regarding the promotion of artificial feeding products and the accompanying equipment to make it possible for families to make decisions about infant feeding without commercial pressure. We will support in full the implementation of the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and the subsequent WHA resolutions. Powers would be allocated to the appropriate bodies to enforce the regulations, with education as needed for Food Standards Agency and Local Authority staff.

HE313 The Green Party will regulate to ensure that all health care settings (hospital and community) achieve Baby Friendly status, as established by UNICEF

Community Services

HE314 Increased and protected funding of community services will enable healthcare as far as possible to be provided at home or in community-based facilities. Community services for frail elderly people and disabled people, including those with enduring mental and physical health problems or with learning difficulties will be increased. This will ensure that everyone who needs it will receive high quality care and support, and will put them in the position to lead as independent and self-determined a life as possible based on their individual needs and circumstances. Transfer of patients from hospital to community care will be matched by an appropriate allocation of resources.

Hospitals

HE315 Primary and hospital care will be more closely integrated. District staffing structures will be reviewed, with the aim of integrating hospital-based specialists into primary care and community health workers into hospital practice. The hospital programme will emphasise the development of appropriately sized district and community hospitals, with a reduced role for larger regional centres. However, some specialised services will continue to be provided on a regional or sub-regional basis.

HE316 Hospitals will focus on services for patients needing inpatient care. Accident and Emergency Departments will be for emergencies only with care for minor illnesses and injuries provided for by community health centres.

HE317 The Green Party is opposed to the development of "Foundation Hospitals" which, although argued to be locally controlled, could actually result in reduced democratic accountability given that they will be unanswerable to parliament or local authorities.
Foundation Hospitals are in fundamental opposition to the Green Party policy of the public health service remaining fully funded by public taxation (see HE104), given that they are required to produce a profit and are able to seek commercial partnerships. This is likely to result in charging for ancillary services (disadvantaging the worse off), the reduction of medical education and training, the non-treatment of specialist or rare illnesses and early discharges. Foundation Hospitals risk undermining the principles of the NHS, creating a two- or multi-tier system of uneven provision. This also threatens de facto privatisation because the amount of commercial borrowing and diversification away from key NHS functions will be governed only by the interpretations of the regulator and not by clear rules.
We would abolish Foundation status, fully reintegrating any such hospitals into the NHS system.

Occupational Health Services

HE318 The statutory requirements that workplaces provide occupational health services, with standards of training and equipment appropriate to their particular hazards, will be strengthened. The criteria for such provision will be made as clear and as simple as possible, and loopholes permitting unscrupulous employers to minimise provision will be closed. Particular support and attention will be given to the occupational health needs of employees in small organisations and firms. The role of Health and Safety inspectors in enforcing these requirements will be strengthened and enlarged. The provision of basic self-help medical training to all workers will be encouraged and we shall require employers to allow time off work for such training.

Health Promotion

HE319 Health education and health promotion will become central aspects of the practice of the majority of health workers, who should take part in health advocacy in all areas of local and national policy where health is at issue. In particular, health workers should promote community health initiatives. Closer working relationships will be developed between health workers, the voluntary sector, communities, families and individuals. (see FD300, DU410)

Choice of Treatments

H320 The Green Party will set up within legislation the practice of patient empowerment, with the right of individuals who are to receive treatment to have full and detailed knowledge as to their condition and the range of treatments available.

Health in Schools

HE321 The Green Party believes much more can be done in schools to prevent illness by caring for children and educating children about health. We lament the disappearance of the School Nurse and would therefore bring back a dedicated NHS School Nurse in every school, both at primary and secondary level. Qualified nurses would be specially trained to give lessons in health awareness, including diet, as well as providing an on-site primary healthcare service to all pupils and students.

HE322 The Green Party believes a good diet is so important in the promotion of good health that all schools will be obliged to have their own kitchen so as to be able to provide for each child a freshly prepared lunch each day, using fresh, organic and local produce wherever possible. Food provided by schools must include both vegetarian and vegan options.  We would continue the school Fruit and Vegetable Scheme, with a strong preference for organic and local produce. Such meals will be free to all children and will be paid for out of increased taxation: we believe that the consequent improvement in health will dramatically reduce the costs of illness and social care to the NHS and other public services. Junk foods and vending machines will become unavailable in state schools."

HE323 We believe physical exercise is beneficial to the promotion of good health development, and so more time and resources will be made available to allow children to participate in sports and games at school, ideally on a daily basis.

Research

HE324 The Green Party will support research into healthcare at all levels, but especially into public health, epidemiology, nursing and community care, and particularly in the community and primary care settings. The Green Party will prioritise research and appropriate funding into the environmental causes of cancer.
The Green Party will set in place methods whereby statistics necessary for research into assessment of health risks (particularly in areas where heavy, chemical and nuclear industries are located), are available with the maximum accessibility for all academic, commercial or individual use. All existing health statistics to also be made freely available.
The Green Party will introduce procedures for dealing with medical/scientific personnel whose positions in the research and/or licensing system give rise to conflicts of interest.
Steps shall be taken to ensure that medical research should meet the identified medical needs of society, and to make medical research institutions democratically accountable. We shall seek to end the situation whereby commercial investment determines research programmes in universities and public institutions. Attention shall be given to basic health research areas which have been neglected in the past.
Rigorous assessment, monitoring and audit of new technologies will be undertaken prior to their general application.

Policy on animal experiments is contained in the Animal Rights section. While animal experiments continue to be used in medical research, the Green Party will press for a thorough evaluation of animal tests used to predict safety and effectiveness of medicines and treatments, based on a comparison of existing research and data using animal tests with equivalent human biology-based tests, to determine the best means to predict the safety and effectiveness of medicines and treatments for patients
The Green Party acknowledges the existing and potential future benefits to humans and other animals from stem cell technologies, using both adult and embryonic cellular material. These benefits include direct medical advances, improved non-animal testing methods for new medical treatments, and the advancement of knowledge. However, we also emphasize the importance of continuing ethical regulation, adequate government funding, and transparency of research in the areas of embryonic and adult stem cell technologies, to protect donors and the public health.

Environmental Illness

HE325 Where there is compelling evidence that incidence of an illness in society has a strong environmental factor, that illness shall be designated a notifiable disease. Cancer, asthma and ME/CFS shall be among those included on this list. This information shall form the basis of statistical research into the effects of polluting our air, water and food supply. As many synthetic chemicals bio-accumulate and are hazardous to health, a long-term strategy will be developed for stopping their production and use, beginning with the most dangerous, the most unnecessary and the most easily replaceable. This includes many fat-soluble chemicals, which become highly concentrated in breast milk, and are therefore a serious health risk to infants. Where this conflicts with existing "Free Trade" treaties, we would press for change to the treaties or withdraw from them.
The Green Party proposes that the right to legal aid for personal injury cases shall be maintained, in the interest of public health and safety, and in accordance with the "Equality of Arms" clause in the European Convention on Human Rights.

Assessment and Regulation of Medicines

H326 The safety and regulation of medicines will be controled by a single agency. This agency will ensure that medicines meet minimum safety standards, provide clear labelling of both ingredients and side-effects. The agency will cover existing synthetic medicines as well as those considered as natural or alternative medicines.

HE327 We shall improve the protection provided under the law to users of medicines. Prescribed and over-the-counter medicines will be monitored more rigorously with regard to both efficacy and toxicity. Appropriate methods of assessment will be developed for both synthetic pharmaceuticals and natural medicines, involving practitioners expert in their respective uses. Assessment will not be dependent on commercial interest in production. (see AR407) All information gathered during the process of assessment and licensing shall be publicly available.

H328 The Green Party will further introduce procedures for assessing existing research which has led to licensing of drugs where there is a case for stating there has been a conflict of interest affecting such original research which in turn led to licensing of drugs.

H329 The Green Party recognises the huge profits made by the drug companies out of the NHS. This is often through a form of cartel pricing, and we do not believe it is right that the National Health Service as a public health service should have to pay unfair prices. Therefore the medicines agency (HE326) will have the power to set the price of drugs provided to the NHS. This arm of the medicines agency will be composed of doctors, healthcare professionals, economists, and a legally trained chairperson, which will look at the cost of research and development in drugs and their manufacture, and receive evidence from chemists, the pharmaceutical companies, and other countries' health services. The pricing arm will then decide what is a fair price for a drug which is to be provided to the NHS by the manufacturer, and that will be the price which the NHS will pay for the drug.

H330 Novel compounds will not be introduced into general use unless they can be shown to have significant advantages over existing drugs. Limited list prescribing will be extended across the full range of pharmaceuticals. The direct advertising of prescription- only medicines to the medical profession will cease. Information to the medical profession will be the responsibility of medical schools and independent authorities with no vested interest in companies which manufacture or market pharmaceuticals.

Assessment of Treatments

H331 The assessment of the effectiveness of treatments in relation to the cost of their provision is fundamental to the provision of high quality, cost effective healthcare. The Green Party would ensure that an independent healthcare treatment agency provides assurance on the effectiveness of treatments and recommendations for new treatments to the NHS.
The effectiveness of treatments will be assessed by the agency using the best clinical evidence available. The agency will use independent panels of experts to assess treatments. The agency will assess the effectiveness of treatments across the entire health care spectrum, from synthetic pharmaceuticals and surgical procedures to public health interventions and complementary therapies. 
We recognize that the assessment of treatments is a lengthy and ongoing process that should be driven by clinical need rather than either political or commercial influence.
The agency will produce recommendations that compare effectiveness against cost allowing the NHS to decide which treatments are required to meet the needs of the service within its budget.

HE332 Whilst assessment of treatments must be evidence based, an holistic approach will generally be taken.  This will take into account the range of factors in health and disease, wider benefits and health outcomes than addressing a single illness and a full assessment of side effects and risks to the patient and to society. Treatments that target the causes of ill-health will be favoured over treatments that simply target symptoms.

HE333 We shall identify health areas where existing treatments available under the NHS are either so expensive that they are unsustainable, where existing treatments have a poor record of restoring patients to health or where existing treatments pose a significant health risk in themselves. These shall become designated priority areas for assessing the comparative benefits of current health service practice and other treatments, currently available privately. This knowledge shall be used to draw safe, effective, treatments into NHS provision.

HE334 When donors of organs or blood are assessed for suitability, only characteristics that are scientifically proven to be relevant should be considered. This would mean that the current -lifetime ban on donations from gay or bisexual men would be removed.

Regulation of Practioners

HE335 To protect patients from poor practice, negilgence and fraudulent practice, all healthcare practitioners who have a direct responsibility for care or therapy delivered to patients should be registered with an appropriate professional body recognised by government. This will apply to practitioners providing therapies to NHS and private patients. These professional bodies will provide, as a minimum, assurance that:

• A minimum set of standards for practice are maintained
• Practitioners have demonstrated adequate expertise in their field and hold a relevant qualification
• Appropriate and confidentail documentation is maintained
• Treatment, or non-treatment, and advice should be determined, as far as is possible/practical, by the patient's best interests.
• Practitioners ensure that other healthcare practitioners are informed of therapies / care where appropriate, especially a patient's GP.
• Practitioners do not make demonstrably false claims as to the effectiveness of treatments.
• There are processes for removing practitioners who do not meet minimum standards or who breach regulations

Prescription Charges

HE336 Prescription, and other charges, are wrong in principle, unfair in practice, and generate little income for the Health Service. They will be abolished as soon as possible. The taxation system will require adjustment to compensate the Health Service for the revenue lost.

Abortion

HE337 The fact that the number of abortions carried out in England and Wales continues to rise should be of concern to all. Given the health risks associated with any medical and surgical procedure and many people's moral discomfort with induced terminations, it is entirely understandable that many wish to see this number significantly reduced.

HE338 The Green Party recognises the problems caused by unwanted pregnancies and supports a multi-policy strategy to reduce them, including:

1. ensuring adequate sex education in all schools (see ED042). This should be done at a sufficiently early age that children should be fully aware of the potential consequences of sexual activity before they are likely to become sexually active. Schools should also teach life skills, including those relating to caring for and raising children, so that young people feel better prepared to become parents when the time is right for them.
2. ensuring adequate financial and social support for parents, particularly lone parents and those with disabled children, so that women do not feel pressure to terminate a pregnancy purely because they would be unable to make financial ends meet (see EC730-733 and 'Social Welfare').
3. ensuring adequate provision of free family planning advice by properly trained health workers and counsellors (see HE301) and the provision of free contraceptives. To ensure proper protection of their rights and wellbeing, children under the age of consent should feel fully able to seek such support and facilities without their parents necessarily having to be informed.

HE339 The Green Party will support a change in the law to remove the requirement for two doctors to approve a woman's decision to have an abortion, and will support a change in the law to allow the procedure to be carried out by appropriately trained nurses and midwives up to three months of pregnancy. It will support NHS provision of such nurses and midwives and will support a widening of the number of locations at which an abortion can be carried out. This should reduce delays in service provision and prevent access being obstructed by doctors with personal anti-abortion views.

The Green Party will not support any change to the current laws on abortions which would aim to make it more difficult for women to obtain them. Such a change in the law would do nothing to address the underlying factors which lead to women seeking abortions. Instead, it is likely to drive them into going elsewhere for the operations - either overseas or to illegal practitioners in this country - which will increase both the distress and the health risks for those involved.

HE340 The Green Party recognises that the decision whether or not to continue with a pregnancy is never undertaken lightly. The Green Party believes that counselling should be offered to every woman considering an abortion. However, the ultimate decision about whether or not to terminate a pregnancy should always lie with the pregnant woman who has to deal with the consequences of that decision.

End of Life Care

HE341 The Green Party recognises that medical decisions taken towards the end of a person's life should never be undertaken lightly. We believe that when the quality of life is poor (e.g. due to severe dementia) life prolonging treatments such as influenza vaccines and antibiotics should not be given routinely without consideration of the whole situation including the wishes of the patient and relatives.

HE342 Many medical interventions provided at the end of a person's life will both relieve suffering and hasten death. We recognise that this can cause concern amongst health professionals and the public and will introduce clear guidance to protect all parties.

HE343 Assisted death presents moral and legal concerns to health care professionals and the public. We believe that people have a right to an assisted death within the following framework:

• The appointment of an independent advocate must be made when either diagnosis of terminal illness is made or the person receiving care expresses the desire to end their life
• Counselling must always be offered to every patient considering an assisted death
• Alternatives, such as palliative care must be discussed with the patient
• The patient's ability to make the decision must be established by joint assessment of two independent doctors, one of whom should ordinarily be the patient's GP, unless impractical in the circumstances, in which case it may be the patient's medical consultant, one of which must be a psychiatrist and a third independent registered health or social care professional who has undertaken approved training in this area and who has no prior knowledge of the patient.
• This decision must take into account evidence provided by the independent advocate.
• Treatable illnesses that may impinge upon the decision making ability, e.g. depression, must be treated and excluded from the rationale for requesting an assisted death
• The patient has the right to appoint individuals either during or prior to the process who will have access to their medical and other records and whom they wish to be involved in discussions
• The patient's informed consent must be clearly documented, full discussion of the outcomes of both the illness and the assisted death must also be provided in a language and form understandable to the patient
• The patient's close family should be involved in all discussions
• There should normally be a waiting period of at least 7 days, set by local policy, for the patient to reflect on their decision.
• Patients could orally revoke the request at any point
• Healthcare professionals can refuse to be party to any stage of assisted deaths for their own moral reasons
• Assisted death will be notifiable

We will introduce legislation based on this framework to ensure the protection of all parties.

Mental Health

HE344 Our competitive and highly stressed society results in increased numbers of mentally distressed people. Present methods of approaching this problem are inadequate, and sometimes conventional medical intervention escalates people's problems.

The particular vulnerability of mental health sufferers in society during illness and afterwards means that their problems become reinforced through lack of access to employment, adequate housing and social isolation.

The Green Party will legislate to protect those suffering mental distress from discrimination wherever it may occur. It will further legislate to prevent the "demonisation" of clients of the mental health services in particular by the media. It will legislate to provide those suffering mental distress with the opportunity to draw up individual "advance directives" thereby securing their treatment of preference in a crisis.

It will further legislate for the legal rights of individuals, once they have received a diagnosis, to be given full written details of that diagnosis appropriate to their ability to understand, together with information about relevant support/self help groups. Similar key written information being provided to the carer(s) of that person about their particular condition.

The Green Party will also legislate to have fast track reassessment by independent specialists of an individual's long term drug intervention particularly for those on multiple drug treatments over one year, should they/their carer(s) so wish.

People using mental health services and their carers should have the right to information at the point of diagnosis relating to complementary/alternative treatments and should be able to access these via the NHS as appropriate.

We will procure the systematic review of evidence to establish the relative usefulness of various psychological therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Imaging and relaxation with a view to the funding of techniques which are shown to be effective.

We will encourage a systematic and inclusive review of environmental components of mental illness, including nutrition, environmental agents, and food intolerance.

We will encourage research into positive mental health ("happiness"), with particular reference to economic, social and environmental conditions that foster such happiness.

HE345 The Mental Health Act will be rewritten to remove trans people from the Psychiatric Disorder Register.

Dentistry

HE346 Essential dentistry, including check ups, is necessary basic healthcare, and should be provided free under the NHS.

HE347 The Green Party recognises the great loss of dentists to the NHS in recent years, and so we will discuss with the Royal College ways of encouraging dentists back into NHS practice.

HE348 The Green Party will support measures to prevent dental health problems including:

1. the promotion of good oral hygiene
2. fast, free access to NHS dentists and hygienists
3. a reduction in the consumption of high sugar content foods and drinks

HE349 The Green Party is opposed to the artificial mass fluoridation of drinking water which is being promoted by the Government. There is conflicting evidence on the benefits to dental health of this practice and major concerns on the cumulative negative wider health effects of total ingestion levels of fluoride. There are further concerns on the links with the chemical industry that supplies artificial fluoride and the compulsory nature of its addition to drinking water that denies consumers choice.

Administration

HE350 The Green Party believes it is wrong in principle that private health care companies and agencies should be able to employ or use staff who have been expensively trained by the NHS without contributing something to the cost of that training. Therefore companies, including pharmaceutical companies, employing or using NHS-trained healthcare professionals outside the NHS will have to pay an additional training tax. This will take the form of a levy for each person-hour during which they employ or use NHS-trained staff outside the NHS. The proceeds from this levy will go directly into the NHS Tax which the Green Party is going to create.

HE351 To promote decentralisation and accountability, Primary Care Trusts will be supervised by, and accountable to, elected Local Government. Co-operation between Primary Health Trusts to improve services will be encouraged. The role of Patients' Forums as users' advocates will be developed to provide greater assistance to individuals in difficulties or disputes with the health services. Legislation will be introduced to allow individuals access to their medical records.

Funding

HE352 Health spending in the UK needs to reflect the needs of the country and should be maintained at around the average in the European Union. The party will continue to support the principle that the NHS is a national service, free at the point of entry and fully funded by taxation.

H353 We recognize that some people will want to pay for treatments that are not deemed sufficiently cost-effective to be provided by the NHS. We will ensure that NHS patients are not prevented from accessing these, or denied any NHS treatment, as a consequence of paying for such non-NHS treatments.  However, we will also ensure that the NHS does not subsidise these either directly or indirectly.

HE354 An NHS Tax, earmarked to increase direct funding of the NHS, shall be introduced as part of general income and other taxation. We believe this will have wide support.

HE355 Health Service spending will be reviewed regularly, with a view to increasing the resources invested in health promotion, illness prevention, community care and community development, relative to spending on curative interventions.

Internal Market / NHS Trusts

HE356 The creation of NHS Trusts erased the democratic accountability of local NHS services. The rights of those who work in the NHS, especially to participate in its development and improvement, were widely undermined. Market forces cannot allocate healthcare fairly, nor even efficiently. The internal market has wasted badly needed resources on administration, and reduced the efficiency and morale of the whole system. The internal market opens the long term possibility of further privatisation of the NHS. The internal market should be wound up and replaced with clear financial and service accountability of decentralised service units to regional assemblies within a single corporate whole.

NHS workers

HE357 For too long the workers in the NHS have been underpaid, undervalued and ignored. They remain some of the most overworked in our society despite the importance of their day-to-day decisions and actions. The multitude of local staff contracts and conditions will be simplified within a clear regional structure. Privatisation of ancillary services will cease and be reversed, so that all NHS workers of a particular grade can expect the same terms within the same region. Collective bargaining arrangements will be strengthened and honoured. A particularly urgent commitment will be to reduce all staff working hours to a maximum in line with the Working Time Directive.

HE358 The Green Party deplores the poaching of healthcare professionals from other less privileged countries. Conditions and wages of nurses, and also doctors, need to rise to encourage more British people to train as nurses and doctors.
The NHS will not be allowed proactively to recruit non-British healthcare staff overseas by any means, including overseas advertising or direct approaches.
The Green Party will actively seek ways of ensuring that healthcare skills are shared between countries including by offering exchange opportunities to students and qualified staff.

Demand and Supply Management

HE359 Demand management will be maximised through prevention of illness and appropriate care of the chronically ill. Demand for hospital services will be managed through the best use of community services and through caring for patients as close to home as is safely possible.

HE360 Education of patients will be used to limit demand on healthcare services. National campaigns will encourage people not to automatically seek healthcare with self-limiting conditions like common cold, cough, sore throat, diarrhoea and vomiting, and flu-like illness. Information will be available to help people self-manage these conditions, and to recognise when they should seek help. There will be a strong message to discourage the practice of going to work, or to any other social situation, when a person is suffering from a contagious illness such as flu-like illness.

HE361 Because of the escalating cost of healthcare there will always be insufficient funds to meet expectations of patients. This necessitates rationing. Where necessary this should be open and democratically accountable, rather than arbitrary and unfair as it is now.
Private Healthcare

HE362 The Green Party is opposed to private health provision in principle, Greens are opposed to a transfer of resources away from the public health system which is available to all. While private health insurance still exists, it should be a taxable employment benefit where offered.

Opposition to 'third way' health reform

HE363 We actively oppose and seek to reverse any public service health policy reforms which lead to:

1. a two- or multi-tier health service with uneven standards and service provision,
2. further disconnection of the service from public accountability - via local, regional or national government,
3. the undermining of a fully integrated NHS, publicly funded and committed to high quality universal provision with free services at the point of use, or
4. creeping privatisation.

H364 General Practices are predominantly run as small businesses and therefore are insufficiently accountable to local people and government. The Green Party will introduce a new model of General Practice to be adopted when new practices open. This new model will be based on practices being patient-owned co-operatives. Patients will be able to have a strong voice in their primary care provision and staff in the practices will be directly accountable to their patients. Primary care co-ops will be open to all potential patients to join and we will ensure that there are appropriate safeguards around membership, governance and provision.

 

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Health chapter updates:
Spring 2010 - Major revision, 27 amendments
Autumn 2009 - HE335 replaced with new wording
Spring 2009 - HE303-309 Maternity Services added. Completely renumbered chapter from HE300 to end
Spring 2008

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The following additional policy statements can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) on Health available on the Members webiste:

• RHE97.1 Public Health (Spring 1997)
• RHE03.1 Water Fluoridation – the Threat to Health and Civil Liberties (Spring 2003)
• RHE04.1 Show Fluoridation the Yellow Card (Spring 2004)
• RHE06.1 Support for NHS Logistics Strike (Autumn 2006)
• RHE07.1 Downgrading of Mid-West Wales hospital services (Spring 2007)
• RHE07.2 NHS Pay Settlement (Spring 2007)
• RHE08.1 Call for Old Fashioned Dental Hygiene (Spring 2008)
• RHE08.2 Water Fluoridation (Spring 2008)
• RHE08.3 NHS Privatisation (Spring 2008)
• RHE08.4 Abortion in Northern Ireland (Autumn 2008)
• RHE09.1 UK Medical Research Centre (Spring 2009)

 

Housing

Major revision January 1990

Details

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HOUSING

Background

HO101 Affordable secure accommodation is a basic human need. Those without accommodation and those forced through lack of choice into inadequate or unaffordable housing may lead diminished lives and can be socially excluded, unable to participate fully in the life of the community.

HO102 The inadequate and inequitable provision of housing in this country today is the result of inequalities in access to resources, particularly land, the inability of the free market to meet diverse housing needs and a lack of investment in public housing spanning over two decades. To eradicate these inequalities it is essential to bring housing policies under local participatory democratic control.

HO103 The Green Party seeks a balanced mix of housing tenures, to meet the diverse needs of the community. These include individual and shared home ownership, leasehold, and others. Disincentives to the speculative ownership of housing will be introduced, including higher rates of Council Tax for unoccupied properties and second homes. People must not be forced into home ownership because there is no alternative. The Green Party seeks to increase the amount of social housing and commonly owned housing as representing the best way of ensuring an availability of affordable housing.

HO104 Commonly owned and social housing includes: housing owned and/or managed by local authorities, housing provided by or managed by housing associations primarily funded by the Housing Corporations, and co-operative and CoHousing projects. The emphasis must be on local provision for local needs, more decentralised forms of housing management, and the empowerment of tenants.

HO105 Housing associations are potentially effective providers of housing to rent. However, in their present forms they are deeply flawed. In particular in financial decisions which affect rent increases they are answerable to private investors. They must be democratised, with a fundamental shift of power in favour of tenants and increased accountability to the local community, aided by reduction in size.

HO106 Housing Co-ops should be encouraged as effective providers of low cost housing with good participation by tenants. Some housing co-op principles would be well taken on board by local authorities and housing associations. However a true housing co-operative is co-operatively owned not just co-operatively managed and is in a position to use any assets to support the development of more co-operatives.

HO107 The private rented sector has a role in meeting housing need, particularly in areas with prohibitively high house prices, for those unable or unwilling to borrow money, for people on low incomes who do not qualify for socially provided housing and for short term accommodation. This sector needs to have rents controlled and tenants provided with additional legal protection.

HO108 The increase in homelessness is partly the result of ineffective housing policy and lack of investment in housing over the last twenty years. Policies are urgently needed to change the homelessness legislation, to maximise the use of empty property, and to increase the security of anyone occupying a property as their home. Reform of the housing benefit system would ensure that late payments cannot cause homelessness and stop landlords discriminating against those on benefit.

HO109 National government has considerable powers to alleviate the housing crisis. However, many of the policies required are more suited to implementation locally, enabled and assisted by national government.

HO110 The Green Party supports the introduction of the mortgage bond system used in Germany, Sweden and Denmark but currently unavailable in the UK. This longer-term funding source would have fixed rates of interest and would be tightly regulated to control risks.

Aims

HO201 To ensure everyone is provided with housing appropriate to their needs.

HO202 To ensure that housing promotes community life.

HO203 To minimise the impact of housing on the environment.

Principles

HO301 The Green Party recognises a universal human right to shelter, including boats, vans, caravans and housing which is secure, has basic facilities and is affordable. The existence of homelessness is unacceptable in a civilised society. For housing to be genuinely affordable, it must be possible for all sectors of society to access housing without having to borrow unfeasibly large sums of money, which can often lead to individuals being tied into socially or ecologically destructive work; housing for rent with a regulated rent would be considered to meet this definition, with shared ownership housing being affordable only to those who can obtain a mortgage.

HO302 This universal right to housing cannot be met by uniform provision. People's housing needs vary according to their circumstances and throughout life. The needs of particular groups must be addressed specifically. (see HO1001 onwards)

HO303 Research will be undertaken to identify innovative, alternative and preferred forms of living. Steps will be taken, through reform of building regulations, planning policies and criteria for Housing Corporation type funding for social housing to ensure that innovative ecological housing becomes the standard for all, not just a few.

HO304 Housing policy should be fully integrated with other policies to build more sustainable, self-reliant communities. The provision of housing should be coordinated with developments to provide work, leisure, education and health care.

HO306 There must be no negative discrimination in housing provision, whether from private landlords, mortgage lenders, local authorities or housing associations.

Resources for housing

HO401 Housing represents a massive investment of materials, labour, skills and land. While materials and labour are readily available for housing, the existence of land monopoly and speculation leads to empty properties, inflated prices for land and the problem that any financial assistance encourages higher prices. To address these problems the Green Party proposes Empty Property Use Orders (see HO904), increased public land/property ownership, and a Land Value Tax (see LD). Investment in buildings should benefit the whole community, not just the individuals who own them. There must also be investment in the skills required for building and refurbishing houses to a high ecological standard.

Local authorities

HO402: The burden of historic council housing debt should be removed from local authorities by central government, thus freeing up much needed new resources for repairs, renovation and new build of council homes.

HO403: The Green Party believes in public ownership under the control of elected representatives as part of mixed provision for social housing. Council housing and the secure tenure it affords is an essential form of social housing provision. National Government must ensure adequate and good quality council housing stock is retained and provided by every local authority. It should also ensure that sufficient funding is available to councils for the provision of effective repairs and maintenance services.

HO404: The Green Party opposes the privatisation of ownership and/or management of social housing. We support initiatives encouraging tenants to take greater control of their homes and communities by becoming involved in co-operatives, tenant management organisations and estate management boards.

HO405 The Green Party opposes the transfer of council housing to Arms-Length Management Organisations. The Green Party recognises the undesirable nature of ALMOs, and the difficulties of ensuring adequate representation for tenants due to the restrictions of board members under company law.

HO406 In those areas where an Arms-Length Management Organisation exists, the Green Party will seek to ensure that it requires genuine tenant participation - noting that a few unaccountable council tenants on the board of an ALMO is not equivalent to full tenant participation. It calls for a 'fourth option' in the funding of social housing, in which Government would provide equal finances for the achievement of the Decent Homes Standard, regardless of whether a local authority retains its council housing stock. It also calls for a ballot of all tenants and leaseholders on the basis of one vote per tenant/leaseholder when an ALMO is being proposed by any local authority. Where such a ballot rejects the proposed ALMO, there should be a restriction preventing the Local Authority conducting another such ballot within the next five years. In all such ballots, bodies representing tenants' opposition to transfer should be allowed equal access to funding for leaflets meetings etc. Tenants whose housing is represented by an ALMO should always be provided with the option of returning to local authority control, if it is requested by a majority in a democratic ballot, and ALMOs should not be used as the first stage towards full-scale stock transfer.

HO407: Our opposition to wholesale housing privatisation (large scale voluntary transfer of stock to private organisations) is based on practical considerations: rents will rise as a direct consequence of transfer and of increasing pressure on housing associations to maximise their income, transfer would result in all tenants having reduced tenancy rights and less than half the capital raised from transfer would be available to spend on new buildings. It may also result in a reduced availability of housing to all those who require affordable housing.

HO408: The Green Party believes that if tenants are to be consulted on the future of local authority housing, they should be consulted on all options and balloted fairly.

HO409 In the short term, local authorities should be financed in line with their responsibilities and the needs of their localities. Local authorities must have adequate resources to ensure that all of their housing stock is maintained and repaired to a good standard. In the longer term, the development of more self-reliant local economies and the levying of a greater proportion of taxation locally will permit local authorities more autonomy in social housing provision. (see EC550)

HO410 Each local authority should decide which, if any, of its properties should be offered for sale. Discounts for tenants will be ended.

HO411 Local authorities should be allowed to build or buy houses where there is a demand for social housing. Receipts from any sales of council housing will be made available to fund further housing and related development. Local authorities will be empowered to buy properties on the open market, to meet housing need and avoid building on green field sites. Where private owners are unable to meet their mortgage repayments, and their homes are repossessed, the local authority should have the first option to buy the property if they wish, and then to negotiate with the previous owners to retain them as council tenants within the property. (see HO703)

HO412 The Green Party would implement a 'Right to Rent' policy. Home owners who are unable to meet their mortgage payments and are under threat of repossession would have a right to transfer ownership to the council, at less than market value, in exchange for the right to remain in the home and pay rent as council tenants. There would be limits on the size and value of house covered by this policy and it would only apply to a sole house owned and occupied by a family or individual. The cost to the council would be covered by government grants or public loans.

Housing associations

HO413 In the short term, government financial support to housing associations through the Housing Corporation should be increased, and provided over terms long enough to allow appropriate planning to meet housing need. This support will favour smaller associations and will be negotiated and agreed with local authorities and community groups. Housing Corporation finance should be used to redress inequalities in housing between areas and to improve the environmental standard of housing built. Flexible shared ownership schemes shall be more prevalent.

HO414 Co-operative forms of home and land ownership and management would be supported and prioritised in housing strategies where they improve access to secure, long-term affordable homes. The cost and difficulty of registration will be reduced, and conveyancing and other regulations will be simplified. Community Banks will provide credit-rated tradable housing investment bonds to increase institutional and individual investment in housing co-operatives. (see EC668) As a result in the longer term, co- operative ownership models will supplant existing shared ownership models to prevent affordable house prices from rising faster than average incomes, complementing policies on Land Value Taxation that suppress housing market price rises. (see EC791)

HO415 Community Land Trusts will be required where public land is provided for housing to preserve it as a community-owned asset.

Housing cooperatives

HO416 Housing co-operatives will be assisted by reduction of the cost of registration, provision of easier access to sources of finance and simplification of the conveyancing process and other regulations.

HO417 A new Co-operative Housing Agency would be set up to promote, support and fund housing co-operatives. It will be run according to co-operative principles with membership drawn from existing co-operatives.

Use of existing housing

HO418 Better use will be made of existing housing. This will include action on both publicly- and privately-owned empty properties. (see HO903 and HO904, below)

HO419 Priority will be given to the maintenance and improvement of existing properties before new house building is considered.

HO420 Flats over shops and similar properties will be brought into use. Other commercial property may be suitable for housing use. The division of existing large houses into smaller residential units will be promoted.

HO421 Consideration will be given to "mortgage to rent" schemes to enable those in financial difficulties to stay in their own homes. (see HO703)

House building

standards

HO501 All new houses will be built to improved standards for accessibility, space and facilities, ergonomics, sound and thermal insulation, and energy efficiency. Design standards shall also include consideration of social factors, such as the need for privacy and the need for community focal points. Existing buildings shall be brought as near these standards as practical.

HO502 All new housing will be designed for low energy use, and the same standards applied retrospectively to existing houses where practicable. All sellers of houses will make energy use estimates available to buyers (See EN506). For existing houses insulation publicity campaigns and grants to low income households will encourage energy efficiency. (See HO605 below)

HO503 The built environment is an important habitat for other species such as lichens, birds and bats. The design of new housing shall take this into consideration.

Planning

HO504 All new house building and change of use should be subject to open democratic planning approval. For larger schemes and all proposed developments on green field sites, this will require independent comprehensive environmental impact assessments.

HO505 Consultation by the local authority on housing and other developments should be proactive, to discover what the community needs. New housing should be planned for on the basis of independent housing needs surveys; commercial house builders and their representatives shall not be involved in the process of identifying potential sites or assessing housing needs on behalf of the local community.  The Green Party's proposals for freedom of information, local referenda, citizens' initiatives and the reform of local government (see Public Adminstration chapter) will make the planning process more democratic and accessible. There will be a limit on spending by developers to promote their plans. (see LP405)

HO506 Local planning authorities may levy a bond on all new housing developments which front onto newroads. The bond would be repaid to the developer when the road footway and street lighting are of a sufficient standard that the road can be adopted by the local authority. The bond, payable to the council at the time of sale, may be up to 10% of the sale price of the dwelling.

HO507 In rural areas the provision of suitable accommodation for agricultural workers wanting to live on the land will be supported. Agricultural conditions on housing will be preserved. An agency will be established to whom farmers have the option to sell houses; such houses would be rented out as affordable housing.

Self-build schemes

HO508 Self-build schemes will be encouraged. When unemployed people work on such schemes they shall not be subject to withdrawal of social security benefit.

HO509 Support will be given to low-impact living initiatives, particularly where they can meet rural housing need and help with rural economic regeneration.

Building sites

HO510 Health and safety regulations will be vigorously enforced on building sites. Greater protection will be given to residents living near to sites, to minimise damage and disruption. The use of materials with a good lifecycle analysis will be promoted; all recyclable materials from the site should be reclaimed.

Transitory shelters

We will establish favourable, flexible planning consent with regards to non-load bearing structures of transitory nature such as tents, tipis, benders and yurts. Permanent stay (over 6 months) at one location will be subject to planning approval.

PERSONAL FINANCE

Long Term

HO601 In the long term the Citizens' Income (see EC730 and subsequently) will be sufficient to cover basic housing costs. Other benefits and tax reliefs will be gradually phased out.

Short Term

HO602 In the short term the Citizens' Income (see EC730 and subsequently) will provide for a proportion of housing costs. To allow for regional variations, this will be supplemented by a specific housing benefit. This will be payable to all, regardless of their forms of tenure. It will be means tested, and related to rent or mortgage repayments.

HO603 A one-off grant will be made available to former homeless people setting up home in unfurnished accommodation.

HO604 Conversion grants to enable disabled people to stay in their own homes will continue.

HO605 Insulation grants will be made to bring low-income households up to appropriate energy efficiency standards

HO606 Improvement grants will be available to residents and owners to maintain the housing stock in good condition. These would be means tested.

HO607. As an immediate response to concerns about the fairness of Council Tax, and to the growing housing crisis (particularly in London and the South East), Greens support the following modifications to Council Tax/National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) as a transitional move towards the introduction of Land Value Taxation:

a)no exemptions or reductions for empty or underused properties (including business premises and second homes), with the exception of the

single person occupancy discount for pensioners;

b)creation of new Council Tax bands above H to ensure that as property values get progressively higher so does the tax paid on them;

c)reform of the multiplier rates applied to the bands, to make the tax paid more proportionate to the value of the house;

d)all land holding bodies, public, Housing Association or private, shall be made liable for the payment of Council Tax/NNDR for all properties under their control (although this should not affect reliefs currently given to charities, non-profit making bodies and small rural businesses);

e)all Council Tax bills will be subject to a basic minimum, regardless of location.

Housing management

HO701 Housing and its immediate environment should be under the control of the people living there. Training and support for tenants will be provided to enable more decentralised and participatory forms of housing management and promote equality of opportunity.

HO702 Self-determination will be encouraged by conferring new legal rights on tenants and their associations. Housing associations will be democratised and their size restricted. The Green Party supports tenant managed estates and housing co-operatives as ways to enable people to take control of their own housing.

HO703 Local authorities and housing associations will be given powers to implement "mortgage to rent" schemes.

HO704 Some areas have acute housing problems which demand more resources from national government. In particular, the lack of affordable housing in many rural areas seriously undermines those communities. Additional investment is required. The Green Party will give priority to provision of homes for local people before permission for second homes.

Protection of tenants

HO801 The Green Party believes that a diversity of periods of tenancy is required to meet the diversity of housing needs identified in HO302. Private Sector tenants should be protected from harassment and unexpected or exploitative alteration in terms. The Green Party supports the full registration of private sector rents as a precursor to monitoring health and safety conditions. New public sector and Housing Association (HA) tenants will be offered tenancies that are as secure as possible given housing authorities other responsibilities.

HO802 Assured shorthold tenancies (AST) should be phased out in the in the private rented sector (PRS). All new (qualifying) tenancies should automatically be assured tenancies with mandatory written tenancy agreements. AST fail to provide the security tenants in the PRS deserve and can be exploited by unscrupulous landlords to easily remove tenants who seek to enforce their rights. AST can encourage landlords to take a speculative approach to property investment with only a short-term commitment to properties. Assured tenancies will provide greater long term security for tenants.

HO803 Housing Benefit should be made far more robust to support poorer HA/LA tenants and to prevent eviction or repossession of either private tenants or homeowners. Councils should be free to set rents at levels which are not so low that property is used wastefully by the occupiers nor so high that it is no longer affordable accommodation.

HO804 Comprehensive housing advice centres will be established. Tenants with grievances against local authorities, housing associations or private landlords will be given full rights of appeal, with the resources to pursue such appeals.

HO805 The existing legislation to protect tenants from harassment by landlords will be more strictly enforced.

HO806 New legislation will be introduced to protect civil liberties in the home. Subject to a requirement to make good any damage done, tenants will have the right to keep pets and otherwise pursue the lifestyle of their choice. They will also have the right to make environmental improvements to the property such as the installation of insulation or solar panels.

Homelessness

HO901 The existing homeless persons legislation will be amended to give local authorities the same duties with regard to single people and childless couples as to families. The provisions regarding the 'intentionally homeless' will be abolished.

HO902 The use of inappropriate short term accommodation (including hostels and bed and breakfast accommodation) as a way of complying with the duty to the homeless will be ended. (see HO903-6 for alternatives)

HO903 Better use of publicly owned property will be achieved by requiring public bodies either to use all such property, or to permit its use by housing associations, properly organised groups of homeless persons or similar groups.

HO904 Better use of empty privately owned property will be achieved by empowering local authorities to use Empty Property Use Orders, in appropriate cases and with proper safeguards and rights of appeal, to enable the local authority either to use such property itself or to secure its use in co-operation with those groups listed in HO903.

HO905 Local authorities will draw up registers of empty property in their areas and strategies for its use. Homeless people will be consulted on policies for housing provision. Local authorities will advise and assist groups of homeless persons to make proposals about the use of empty property, and to put those proposals into effect.

HO906 Local authorities will be empowered to make or guarantee loans to groups of homeless persons organising schemes to occupy empty property. Building societies will be permitted to make loans to such groups without such loans having to be secured against the property.

HO907 The policies in HO903-HO906 will be applied where appropriate to vacant and derelict land as well as to empty property.

Special needs

HO1001 Poverty and homelessness among young people has been exacerbated by unemployment and the withdrawal of social security benefit. In the short term the Green Party would restore Income Support to people aged 16-25 to the same level to which those over 25 years old are entitled. In the long term the Citizens' Income Scheme is designed to eradicate poverty throughout society.

HO1002 Educational institutions will have a greater responsibility for housing provision for their students. This may take the form of flexible arrangements with local authorities and other housing providers in their areas. Extra funding will allow more provision of student housing on campus sites where appropriate or in purpose-built or refurbished accommodation. Rents would be set by rent officers to ensure that prospective students are not deterred from study by high housing costs.

HO1003 A duty will be placed on local authorities to provide suitable sites for travellers. (see RR702 and RR703)

HO1004 Consideration will be given to the design of new and refurbished housing so that it enables residents more easily to watch out for each other and fosters a sense of community. CoHousing, with its mixture of public and private space, is a suitable model for this. Those who might particularly benefit from this include lone parents and older people. Suitable sheltered accommodation, where possible with these design principles in mind, will be provided by local authorities in association with housing associations, health authorities, charitable and community organisations for the housing of more vulnerable members of society, in particular women and others threatened with violence, the older people and infirm, those with learning difficulties and persons recovering from drug or alcohol abuse. (see SW501 and DU411)

 

Housing chapter updates
Autumn 2008: insert HO411 Right to Rent

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The following additional policy statements can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) for Housing available on the Members webiste:

• Role of Local Authorities in Energy Efficiency for Social Housing (Spring 1994)
• Swansea Housing Transfer (Spring 2007)

 

Industry

Major revision January 1990

Details

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INDUSTRY

Background

IN101 "In its exploitation of natural resources, consumption of energy, production processes and generation of both pollution and wastes, the industrial sector is among the principal causes of environmental deterioration", European Commission, 1992. Modern industry is using resources and creating pollution at unsustainable rates. It is a tragedy that those who use our common resources irresponsibly are benefiting financially and politically.

IN102 At the same time that the ecological limits of the earth are being approached, deep social problems such as long-term unemployment are now commonplace. Yet, it is claimed that environmental protection costs jobs and cannot be afforded until greater wealth has been generated by further economic growth. Apparently, our problems can only be solved by doing more of what caused them. The Green Party rejects this myth.

IN103 Industry is supplying poor quality products and services which are not fit-for-purpose. Too many products are neither repairable nor reusable, have short lives, and are disposable.

IN104 Extended networks of ownership and control have resulted in communities having little say in decisions which affect them. This stems not only from corporate structures, but also from the legal institution of property on which they are based.

IN105 Many regions have been starved of investment and left dependent on fewer and fewer industrial activities. At the same time, billions of pounds have been spent supporting the long-term unemployed. Current policies of propping up ailing industries, or of leaving industry completely at the mercy of market forces, have failed.

IN106 Competition and inequality now characterise modern industry. This race for riches has fueled the growth in consumption. Global marketing reflects and promotes wasteful consumer aspirations which cannot be met sustainably.

IN107 The funding of projects has become dominated by the potential short-term monetary return. Banking practice and the preoccupation with short-term profits now displace wider considerations.

IN108 Corporate expansion has created markets which are dominated by small numbers of firms. Groups of trans-national companies (TNCs) often quietly divide up markets amongst themselves to avoid 'frictional' reductions in profits. This free market has led to a destructive concentration of wealth and power. Over-large companies which apply central control and planning often damage entire regions by restricting them to a narrow set of industrial activities.

IN109 TNCs now heavily influence the policies of all governments and the European Union. This is not open to public scrutiny and is not accountable.

Principles

IN201 Every individual should have access to food, shelter and the facilities to fulfil diverse material and social needs. Such needs require some industrial activity but must be met in an ecologically sustainable manner.

IN202 Sustainable industrial activity is defined as that which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The Green Party does not share the orthodox belief that high consumption is a social virtue.

IN203 Industry must bear the full costs of protecting the environment against its activities over the complete industrial cycle. Adoption of the 'polluter pays' principle would minimise waste and pollution as well as ensuring that industrial prices more fully reflect the true costs.

IN204 It is important to encourage healthy regional economies. The environmental and social effects of local industry are more apparent to the local community. This gives the community a greater stake and therefore helps industry to become an integral part of the community.

IN205 Moving away from the global marketplace to local production for local use would minimise material consumption, energy usage, formal work and monetary flows (see EC940 and EC941). The elimination of unnecessary trade would minimise transportation and reduce unsustainable activity in remote global areas. Radical changes will be required, such as the protection of local markets, finance and trading systems; the creation of new 'commons' - land and amenities managed locally and accountably; and sustainable local control of enterprises.

IN206 Industry must be socially equitable. This requires its benefits to be spread equitably between different communities, between different sections in those communities and between all levels of the firm. Industry should not exploit any group in any country.

IN207 The rebuilding of local communities would make use of the huge human potential which is currently being wasted. It must include the active participation of the workforce. The Green Party rejects the narrow employment focus of orthodox politicians who want jobs no matter how exploitative. Work is something to be done only to achieve an end - it is not an end in itself.

IN208 Government has a role in creating the right climate for sustainable industrial activity, but the Green Party does not support centralised control economies. These consistently suffer from inflexibility, lack of diversity, and lack of accountability. Instead, effective action needs to be taken at local, national and global levels.

IN209 Governments, firms and community banks must select, develop and invest in those forms of technology which are appropriate to sustainable industry. These may be both 'high' and 'low' technology, but in general will be renewable, low energy and will promote ecological diversity.

Aims

IN301 To meet the real needs of society rather than simply fuel economic growth.

IN302 To move away from the global marketplace and instead develop strong self-reliant regions. Within such regions, individual communities will meet a greater part of their own needs, for example, in food and energy production.

IN303 To create a new industrial climate which supports sustainable industrial activity and discourages all that is not.

IN304 To make products which are fit-for-purpose. For example, products must no longer be designed to be quickly obsolete nor to be cheaper to throw away than repair.

IN305 To draw on the many examples of good practice which exist around the world. For example, adoption of materials reuse techniques from the Netherlands could achieve reductions of up to 30% (source: FoE).

Policies

The Transition

IN401 A shift to green industrial activity will not happen overnight. There will be a transition during which the costs to industry of our common resources will rise relative to the costs of direct labour. This will encourage environmental and infrastructural improvements which are commonly labour intensive. This in turn will bring useful work, in areas such as energy conservation, to all regions including those which are being neglected.

Local Initiatives - Short-Term Action

IN501 Each region has a unique industrial history and ecological profile. Local government in partnership with local communities and businesses, should use this profile to draw up Local Development Plans. These would identify viable local industrial activity. For example, the UK's huge resource of un-worked coppice woodland could supply the 57,000 tonnes of charcoal which is imported each year. Other viable local activities include light engineering; textiles; food production; repair, reuse and recycling.

IN502 Local Government already influences local industrial activity using the current planning process. Strengthening this could encourage sound ecological design principles. Local Government must be given access to the environmental training it needs to provide a Comprehensive Ecological Planning System.

IN503 Small businesses which operate sustainably are well suited to providing for local needs. Business and environmental training is needed to reduce their high failure rate and to help them grow sustainably. Government must provide and publicise affordable training. The cash flow of small businesses would be improved by legislation that required invoices to be paid within 30 days.

Local Initiatives - Long-Term Action

IN504 Small businesses in the UK find it difficult to get timely access to external funds and affordable interest rates. Community Banks are needed which have funds available for local activities. (see EC512)

IN505 Community Banks would give local firms and co-operatives access to funds managed locally and supplied at preferential rates. This would favour activities identified by the Local Government Local Development Plan. The allocation of funds would make use of environmental impact analysis but be simple enough to be understandable.

IN506 A pilot Community Bank scheme (in a region with high unemployment) combined with regulatory changes to divert borrowing from conventional banking methods (see EC668) would allow Community Banking to develop.

National Initiatives - Short-Term Action

Taxation

IN601 The Green Party supports green taxes which would reduce resource use, limit pollution and discourage wasteful economic growth whilst promoting equality, decentralisation and creative patterns of work (see EC780s). These green taxes would allow the full environmental costs to be reflected in the prices of goods.

IN602 New green taxes would be balanced by reductions in other taxes. In particular, the introduction and expansion of eco-taxes would be accompanied by a phased abolition of VAT (see EC770-771). This would increase the price of non-renewable resources and waste disposal, while the price of goods and services that do not use such resources would fall - therefore not stimulating overall inflation.

IN603 Current land rights encourage unsustainable industrial activity (see LD203-6). A Land Value Tax would redress this problem. (see LD400-3 and EC791-3)

Citizens' Income Scheme

IN605 Sustainable industrial activity tends to be more labour intensive. For example, if all beer packaging were returnable it would require the employment of a further 4,000 people in the UK (source: FoE). The introduction of Citizens' Income would reduce the cost of labour to industry without pushing people into poverty (see EC730). The Green Party supports a national minimum wage until a Citizens' Income scheme has been fully introduced.

Company Standards and Regulation

IN606 Company law should encourage greater accountability to the community. The annual accounts of companies with financial turnovers above an annually-revised limit should include an approved system of environmental audit. This would include a separate ecological balance sheet showing costs over the complete industrial cycle. It would include all externals such as the emission of pollutants. (see EC513)

IN607 Market forces do not ensure that the health and safety of people inside and outside of places of work, or the environment outside, are sufficiently protected. Well planned regulations and standards which create high environmental standards can stimulate investment in green technologies and services at the same time as generating cost savings.

IN608 Tighter regulation is needed to increase waste recovery. For example, regulation has resulted in 88% of waste oil being recycled in the UK. Future targets include waste paper collection.

IN609 Regulation should be precautionary. Standards should be kept up to date to ensure that best available techniques are adopted. Government, in partnership with industry, should fund research into sustainable industrial activity - such as materials reuse. The BS7750 environmental standard should be extended to cover outcomes as well as methods.

IN610 Pollution licences and the size of penalties should reflect environmental costs and be limited in time. Fines for persistent offenders should be in excess of the cost of cleaning up. (See PL420-432)

Regional Aid

IN611 Current regional aid plans have failed because they originate at central Government and go out to the regions. Social benefits have not been spread equitably between regions in the UK. Emphasis should be shifted to improving the ability of regions to help themselves by providing technical and management support as well as preferential funding terms.

IN612 There are many schemes which would generate useful local employment and improve the self reliance of regions. These could be targeted to generate major environmental and infrastructure improvements in regions that need them most. High quality environmental and community work training which people opt to join rather than being coerced by threat of loss of benefits would achieve this while raising the number of local people with appropriate skills (at limited financial cost since it would simultaneously reduce the national cost of means tested benefits / allowances for the unemployed).

Training and Retraining

IN613 The Green Party would reintroduce the Community Programme as a statutory responsibility for all district councils and unitary authorities, placing the primary duty of reducing unemployment upon local government. Community Programme full and part-time posts would be paid at an agreed national minimum wage rate, per hour. Supervisory staff would be paid higher rates. Community Programme jobs and projects would be long-term. Availability of posts in the Programme would be allowed to decline by natural wastage if unemployment was declining in the local economy, or expand according to local needs.

IN614 Training is consistently important in the encouragement of sustainable industry, for example, in helping small business and local government. Yet training levels are far lower in the UK than in other industrialised countries.

IN615 The development of a sustainable industrial base requires the development of a workforce possessing both core skills that are transferable to new situations and the capacity for problem solving and creative thought. Effective training in a green society will therefore be inextricably linked with general education for personal development. Local government, employers, and local Community Colleges share the responsibility for ensuring opportunities for education and training are provided as required throughout an individual's life. Where appropriate, this will include opportunities for workplace based training where those experienced in a particular skill have a role in developing the skills of those seeking training.

IN616 The UK needs a comprehensive and fully resourced national environmental training programme. This should include environmental impact analysis; resource reduction; waste minimisation; life cycle analysis; design for disassembly; and true cost accounting. Details of current best environmental practice and investigation of potential industrial crossovers are also important.

Worker Participation and Co-operation

(see also Workers Rights chapter)

IN617 Worker participation improves the industrial process, increases personal satisfaction and gives the community a bigger stake. Workers' Councils should be set up along the lines of the successful German model. The benefits of these systems should be publicised to small business. Full union rights must be respected at all levels of the firm. (see WR600-618)

IN618 Workers' co-operatives encourage a lack of distinction between the employer and employee. This leads to a greater commitment to the enterprise and to natural and democratic working relationships. Land Value Tax (see IN603) and Community Banking (see IN505) will create a climate in which co-operatives can thrive. (see WR633 to WR639)

IN619 Current trends such as part-time working and subcontracting are eroding employment rights and adversely affecting the most disadvantaged in society. Short-term contracts shall not be used as a way of avoiding statutory rights (see WR332). Low quality jobs at any cost are not acceptable.

IN620 Share issue schemes literally give employees a stake in the business in which they work (see WR643). Tax exemption can encourage employees to keep their shares for a number of years. A percentage of annual company profits of all UK based operations should be required by law to be set aside for investment in ways to be decided by the UK employees through their trade union, Workers Council or other mechanism as decided by the workforce. This investment might take the form of training and education, welfare benefits, leisure facilities, discounted public transport passes, for workers and their families or other investment needed to secure the long term future sustainable development of the company, e.g. developing a more environmentally product or service.

Target Industries

IN621 Different industries have different economic, social and environmental impacts. A list of Target Industries would allow government to identify those industries which are sustainable. Social and environmental needs could be met by using this list to target action and by giving special attention to those regions in most need. For example, effective energy conservation measures would provide householders with lower fuel bills whilst also reducing pollution and the threat of climate change.

IN622 Targeted action would increase regional self-sufficiency by reducing unnecessary imports. For example, when the Government ignored the advice of the HM Inspectorate of Pollution to fund clean coal technologies it became necessary to import low sulphur coal. The AEEU trade union noted the social costs of job losses in the coal industry, a damaging effect on our balance of payments and lost opportunities in manufacturing new equipment. Regions in the UK lost the opportunity to meet a greater part of their own needs.

IN623 Industries that need targeting include pollution control (see Pollution); transport (see Transport); energy conservation and generation (see Energy); agriculture (see Agriculture); and materials reuse (see Natural Resources). Some industries are important but must be radically altered, for example, the defence and chemical industries (see PD312-PD313). Other industries can never be sustainable and must be phased out, for example, the nuclear industry (see EN600). Reduction of employment in declining or undesirable industries must be managed in a socially responsible manner.

IN624 Targeted action plans should range from 5 to 30 years. Target Industries need training, management support and favourable financing terms. Skills from different industries could be used to promote effective retraining. For example, the UK could use its unique rough sea engineering skills from the oil industry to develop off-shore wind power technologies. All support must be strictly time-limited and be phased out over time. The aim is to protect industries in the early stages when they are most vulnerable.

IN625 Much new industrial activity is taken up by smaller firms. Many of the Target Industries would therefore encourage small and medium sized firms. (see IN503)

IN626 National monopoly and merger policies should be directed towards greater national self-reliance, according to the needs and capacities of individual countries.

Transport

IN627 Prosperous self-reliant regions need well planned regional transport systems to move raw materials, people and products. Transport policy must make a minimum impact on the environment (see TR010) and must reverse the current prioritisation of road building (see TR030).

National Initiatives - Long-Term Action

IN628 Retraining and preferential financial terms are needed to help firms to adopt current best practices. This will protect the environment and often reduce production costs as well. For example, in 1987 an ammonia spill in the river Eden cost a dairy £137,000 in fines and fish restocking. A £100,000 recycling scheme was instigated to stop future pollution incidents. This also generated annual savings of £175,000.

IN629 Unsustainable industries should, in the longer-term, be discouraged by using green taxes (see IN601), enhanced regulations and standards (see IN606) and ecolabelling (see IN706).

IN630 Exclusion for smaller firms from the environmental requirements of their annual reports should be removed through the gradual reduction of the limit used to exclude them (see IN606). Annual reports should be extended to reveal full ownership details. Environmental Impact Analysis should be included to ensure there are no hidden costs. Annual auditing should be carried out by an independent company and cover the full global activities of the firm.

IN631 Some industries provide for basic human needs and are so crucial to the well-being of society that the community must hold a stake in them. Industries which must be returned to public ownership include the NHS, the water industry (see NR428), the railways (see TR230), and the gas and electricity supply industries (with the exception of small-scale renewable energy initiatives).

IN632 Every region needs to measure how successful it is. Current national indicators measure this solely in terms of profitability. Gross national product (GNP) fails to account for important priorities such as pollution minimisation or quality of life. National and local sustainability indicators give a more realistic picture and should be adopted (see EC311).

Global and European Initiatives - Short-Term Action

IN701 Many environmental problems are so huge that they require global research and action. All current global environmental treaties and standards must be enforced. Further work is needed. In particular, clear limits to industrial emissions must be set and kept up-to-date on a pollutant by pollutant basis.

IN702 The UN World Charter for Nature is a comprehensive list of obligations on resource usage and regulates monitoring of ecosystems. This charter must be enforced if the pollution carrying capacity of the earth is not to be exceeded. (see IN203)

IN703 Both the free market and central planning have a bad track record. The EU has combined many of the worst features of these outdated forms of economic regulation. The EU should become a Confederation of Regions (see EU302) providing a framework for local and regional sustainable economic activity.

IN705 Numerous treaties designed for eco-crisis management have failed to bring far reaching improvements. The problem is not one of understanding but of enforcement. This role needs to be carried out at the national level (see PL410) and aided by a new Euro Environmental Agency (EEA). As well as enforcement, the EEA should aim to provide well researched information and to establish standards. It must be well resourced to ensure that standards can be enforced. Funds should be diverted from the CAP.

IN706 Ecolabelling for all products would provide a mechanism for indicating the quality of a product. Progressive national tax and financial systems will only be effective if environmental criteria can be applied easily. Ecolabelling would also encourage companies to provide real product information rather than generating artificial demand for unnecessary products.

IN707 Environmental dumping should be discouraged by allowing legal action in any country against activities carried out elsewhere. The governing law in the country where the action is brought would apply.

IN708 Modern research and development is costly in both funds and resources. Joint R&D activity can be more efficient and less wasteful. Where public funds are involved it is important that the resulting intellectual property rights are publicly owned. Current patenting practices should be revised to increase public access and to enable poorer countries and individuals to retain control over their own resources, ideas and inventions.

Trans-national Corporations (TNCs - see IP400 to IP431)

IN709 The UN Commission on Trans-national Corporations published a voluntary Code of Conduct as long ago as 1977. This dealt with important issues such as disclosure of information; protecting the credit policies of countries; tax payments including transfer prices; autonomy for different corporate areas; consumer and environmental protection; and employment rights.

IN710 In Europe, the high technology and financial sectors are forming mergers and co-operative agreements in a drive to compete with the Pacific rim and the US. At the same time, the collapse of the old Soviet bloc has led to an expansion of western firms in Eastern Europe. The UN Code of Conduct must therefore be made legally binding.

IN711 Where public funds are supplied there must be strict compliance with the UN Code. Full environmental impact audits must be carried out. Governments must not allow arbitrary relocation threats to induce tax concessions. Environmental standards of all subsidiaries must be the same as those of the registered head office.

IN712 Worker Participation laws in the UK and EU must be respected. These must also be observed in all subsidiaries. Social funds aimed at supporting this should be set up and funded in partnership with government.

IN713 The lack of openness of TNC policies, structure and ownership must be addressed. Public access to shareholding details is required regardless of the number of shares held. The identity of the board members should be public knowledge. Stock Exchange prospectus requirements should be extended to provide more key information.

IN714 The annual reporting practices of the private sector should be further extended for TNCs and be carried out by an independent company. Reserve stock levels should be detailed in order to reduce transfer pricing. Annual reports should be subdivided by subsidiaries and affiliates. Social policies should be made public by including the differentials in income, qualifications, training, working hours and conditions. All banking transactions (including foreign exchange) should be separated from production activities by the setting up of organisationally separate financial institutions which have to be accountable to the public.

IN715 The EU needs a strong Monopoly Commission which can control large scale inner EU mergers. It must have clear rights to corporate information. The tendency to grant exceptions to anti- trust legislation for banks and export cartels must stop. It is important that mergers in the EU do not allow any country to degenerate into a satellite economy. Consideration should therefore be given to setting quotas for national shares in markets.

IN716 These policies place new restrictions on TNCs. If they wish to make profits in the EU then TNCs need to invest those profits in the EU. In particular, TNCs must site here to sell here.

Global and European Initiatives - Long-Term Action

IN717 Ecolabelling should be extended to enforce minimum quality standards. Product quotas should be used to deter poor quality imports. In extreme cases products should be completely banned. This would apply where resources are near exhaustion, where environmental damage is unsustainable, or where countries persistently abuse human rights. Examples include CFCs and partially halogenated CFCs; tropical woods; protected animals; nuclear technology; and food products from famine areas.

IN718 Some industrial activity is better carried out on the international scale. A small number of joint ventures would be beneficial. Possible collaborations include telecommunications, civil aircraft and military applications.

Trans-national Corporations (TNCs)

IN719 The UN Code of Conduct should be enforced in the global market place. Further work is needed by the UN on areas such as where national law should supersede international law in investment disputes.

IN720 TNC policies adopted at the EU or national level should be extended to global institutions.

 

Industry chapter last updated Spring 2005

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International

Major revision March 2006

Details

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INTERNATIONAL POLICY

Principles

IP100 The Green Party recognises that co-operation is needed at a global level in order to secure sustainable societies in this country. The Green Party also wishes to promote Green principles across the world. The world faces problems that are global in nature or extent, whose solutions require structure, institutions or co-operation at a worldwide level.

IP101 The Green Party's ecologically and socially sustainable vision is one of subsidiarity (see PB302). Policies on, and institutions for, global co-operation are only needed where issues cannot be addressed at a lower level. These issues may include: survival of the human species; combating global climate change; curtailing mass repression and brutality to human beings; provision of the basic conditions of human sustenance to the world's peoples; the promotion and protection of citizen's rights (see PB304); preservation of cultural diversity; protection of the planet's basic natural ecologies and environment.

IP102 Green principles of democracy require that structures or institutions for global co-operation be open, participatory, transparent and accessible.

IP103 The Green vision also involves a fundamental restructuring of the global economy to reverse the unsustainable trend of globalisation (i.e. ever increasing trade between ever distant nations with the primary goal of maximising profit) and a democratisation of the systems of global governance. Multinational corporations benefit from globalisation to the detriment of the poorest in society and to democratic control of each region's economy. Localisation of trade and economies is therefore a goal of the Green Party.

Vision

IP110 Global and international structures and institutions should be based on the principle of co-operation. Power should mostly remain at the local, community level with sustainable, localised economies under democratic control (see Public Administration). Power should only be ceded upwards when necessary.

Transitional Policy

IP120 Existing centralised structures of governance, such as the EU, should be decentralised to appropriate and effective levels, depending on the issue in hand. International structures and institutions need to be transformed from being nationally-based to being based on confederations of (sub-national) regions or localities.

IP121 National governments should be encouraged to decentralise their powers and functions, increase real democracy internally and increase the localisation of production and consumption.

IP122 A General Agreement on Sustainable Trade, under which fair trade rules (where producers are guaranteed a reasonable price for their products before planting, and a portion of the payment is set aside for community development) would become a requisite for international trade and local supply of goods would be preferred, should replace the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). A World Localisation Organisation should replace the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

IP123 A global agreement on investment and ownership should be agreed to enshrine the right of local government to enact legislation to stabilise and protect the local economy, such as "site here to sell here" rules.

Status quo - short-term policy

IP130 We recognise that in the short-term radical change may not be possible. We will therefore support partial reforms if they are in line with our vision. For example, the deepening and extension of accountability and transparency in existing structures of global governance; making social and environmental sustainability a key concern; and bringing the workings of the global economy (e.g. trade and capital) under international democratic control.

IP131 The United Nations should be reformed and democratised. The current national basis for membership should be extended to include regional (sub-national) representation and all representatives should be democratically selected. The WTO, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and similar bodies should also be reformed, democratised, or replaced. (see IP320-327)

Economic Justice and Development

Background

IP200 The current consensus among rich countries' governments is in favour of ever freer international trade and the process called globalisation, which includes the free movement of capital (though not generally of labour) as well as goods and services. This form of globalisation raises profound issues of global equity and environmental sustainability.

IP201 Globalisation has led to the marginalisation of poor countries and of poorer people in the industrialised countries as the material gains from globalisation are mainly secured by the rich, especially in the northern countries, while the poorest people in the global south are getting still poorer. There is now a huge gulf between the majority of the world's people and an extremely rich and pampered global elite.

IP202 The poor countries struggle to gain access to markets in rich countries, while burdened with debt and forced to open up their own economies. The flood of their exports has reduced prices for the commodities on which they depend, accelerated environmental destruction and destroyed the livelihoods of many poor people. For hundreds of millions of people this has meant chronic hunger, and for many of them malnutrition and starvation.

IP203 For the environment, globalisation has meant increasing resource depletion and destruction, with a disproportionate share of the environmental damage, industrial pollution and vulnerability to climate change in the global south - especially as large parts of the global south, in particular India and China, are undergoing a rapid industrial revolution. There is a conflict between global economic equity - the legitimate aspiration to improve material standards of living - and environmental sustainability: the planet simply cannot provide for everyone to live at the standards of resource and energy consumption of the rich countries.

IP204 The primary economic aim of international policy must be to resolve this conflict between the legitimate need for material growth in the south and global environmental sustainability, and lead to greater fairness and equality between people in various parts of the world. The record of globalisation has been quite the opposite of this. The rich countries need to contract their material economies to the point where they use no more than their fair share of the planet's resources, while poor countries could expand their economies to the same point.

IP205 Our policies on international trade and finance are founded on the achievement of such an equitable and sustainable world: they amount to the achievement of our original economic objectives (see EC201) on a world scale.

Objectives

IP210 To support the establishment and maintenance of ecologically sustainable and democratic communities throughout the world, and progress towards a world in which all people are equal in both their economic potential and their political rights. Development must meet the needs of those alive at present without threatening poverty and vulnerability to those unborn. This means ensuring that everyone on the planet enjoys a livelihood that can be supported by the planet's resources, ecology and atmosphere. Poverty should be defined in terms of people's rights and not their monetary incomes.

IP211 Every country must be permitted the political space to make its own decisions about economic policy and strategy, while living within global environmental limits. For most countries, this has not been the case since the 1980s. Successful development cannot be imposed by powerful institutions outside a country but must be a learning process, in which participatory local, regional and national institutions are free to exercise political and economic self-determination. The task of global institutions should be to enable countries to make their own progress, and not prescribe the methods by which they may do so.

IP212 Policy areas are:

1. Indigenous peoples;
2. Debt;
3. Trade;
4. Aid.

a) Indigenous Peoples

Background

IP220 Development has frequently meant either the attempted eradication of indigenous peoples or colonial assimilation. Their lands have generally been taken from them - a process which continues today. Trans-nationals and governments of North and South have been guilty of many assaults on the rights of indigenous peoples.

Objectives

IP221 To win the rights for the indigenous or native people which they themselves claim.

Policies

IP222 To ensure that development schemes where the British Government has influence take place only with the permission and control of indigenous people, when influencing their lands.

IP223 To secure by international campaigns the autonomy, land rights and human rights of indigenous peoples and respect for their treaties where appropriate.

IP224 To provide aid to allow demarcation of traditional lands and control over intrusions, where appropriate. Global patenting rights should not override the rights of indigenous communities to genetic and biological resources that are held in common.

IP225 To campaign either for the return of traditional lands sufficient to meet the current needs of indigenous peoples, or for compensatory lands in the case of theft and/or compensation where land rights have been violated, in accordance with the wish of the people concerned.

IP226 To give aid to support cultural, social and ecologically sustainable economic initiatives of indigenous peoples adversely affected by development. This includes protecting languages from extinction, and ensuring that all surviving languages are fully documented and recorded.

b) Debt

Background

IP230 If there is to be any chance of resolving the inequitable relations between rich and poor countries and eliminate the exploitation of global resources, the international debt crisis must be tackled. There must be wholesale writing-off and writing-down of the international debts of poor countries. There is now more money going from poor countries to rich ones (mainly due to debt repayments and the repatriation of profits) than the other way round (in such forms as investments, foreign aid and remittances by migrant workers). Obliged by these pressures, since the 1980s poor countries have been forced into an export drive. Trapped by a system they do not control, the governments of some poor countries are forced to sacrifice the wellbeing of their own people and their environments in order to pay their debts, by, for example, exporting to rich countries like Britain.

IP231 The Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative was launched in 1996 to reduce poor countries' external debts to economically sustainable levels. The initiative has led to some debt relief for some of the poorest countries, although subject to conditions, which often lead to privatisation and increased foreign access to their resources. There are others which are yet to receive relief, while many more countries need to be added to the programme in order to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), including for example India and Vietnam.

Objectives

IP232 To secure an international economic system where the people of poor countries are freed from the burden of international debt. See also World Bank and IMF sections.

Policies

IP233 All foreign debts owed by countries officially defined as "Least Developed" should immediately be written off by concerted international action, as well as those of all other countries which need such support in order to meet their MDG targets. The British Government should take a strong international lead in pressing for this objective.

IP234 Foreign assistance to least developed countries should be provided only in the form of grants, and not loans.

IP235 The rich countries should agree to write off the annual transfer of wealth which goes from the developing countries to the North each year.

IP236 The British Government should support the right of all developing countries to limit debt service payments to 10 per cent of export earnings per year immediately.

c) Trade

Background

IP240 Each country and region should be more self-sufficient on both equity and sustainability grounds. Local supply of goods would be preferred. Poor countries have little prospect of improved material standards without international trade since they need to import goods they cannot make themselves and to do so must export other goods. Nevertheless, international trade is operated by the richest countries and the trans-national corporations (TNCs) for their own benefit. Trade is not fair or benign, nor mutually advantageous in all cases, and does not automatically benefit the poor. Freer trade has meant greater freedom for the TNCs to operate to their own advantage. (See IP400-431.)

Objectives

IP241 To minimise undesirable forms of trade which waste resources or deprive people of necessities. To ensure that all countries are free to conduct import-substituting strategies. To maintain trade which is mutually advantageous, ecologically benign and facilitates the development of national and regional economic autonomy. All trade must comply with environmental and social legislation.

Policies

IP242 Policies will be supported which increase small-scale, local community import substitution, rather than export promotion, support local food growing in place of cash crops for the international market, and encourage forms of economic development which are consistent with the culture and aspirations of the people concerned - involving their effective participation in all areas of development and at all stages of decision-making.

IP243 Trade policies should fully encourage food and energy self-sufficiency in all countries. Every country should be sovereign over its policies for food and other essentials, as well as for energy supplies, including policies for bio-fuels.

IP244 The commodity markets should be radically reformed with a view to reversing the catastrophic decline in prices that has occurred under globalisation. The resulting loss of income for poor countries has seriously damaged their chances of successful economic development; this problem needs to be resolved if there is to be any progress towards economic justice and an end to poverty. Wherever feasible, international commodity supplies should be managed in order to avoid the accumulation of surpluses. Concentrations of corporate power on global supply chains also need to be systematically reduced. More widely, development strategies should move away from export orientation.

IP245 Global institutions should support the development of regional and South-South trade in preference to global markets. They should support countries' integration processes that assure people's welfare and environmental sustainability. There should be an end to bilateral trade and investment agreements between rich countries (or groupings like the EU) that disadvantage poor countries.

IP246 International agreements on the environment, labour conditions and health must take precedence over any international rules on trade.

IP247 Corporations should be required to abide by the environmental, labour and social laws of their own country and of the country in which they are operating - whichever are the more stringent.

IP248 All global organisations, especially those with significant capacity to define the rules of international trade, should firmly adhere to principles of ecologically and socially sustainable development and pursue a governance and capacity-building programme of institutional change to fully realise this goal.

d) Aid

Background

IP250 Aid has often been conceived in a paternalistic and economically colonialist fashion. Instead of serving the needs of the poor in poor countries, it continues to be used by donors as a means of furthering political, economic or military objectives, including the promotion of business interests. The recent history of economic conditionality applied to aid flows, particularly under the so-called Washington Consensus and post-Washington Consensus, has been disastrous, in some cases decimating infant industries and public services, extending environmental degradation and entrenching poverty for millions of people. The preponderance of donors, each with its own agenda, has also tended to reduce coordination and transparency, increasing the politicisation of aid, heightening the risk of corruption and placing a significant management burden on aid-recipient countries. Genuine participation of local people, let alone local control or oversight of aid expenditures, rarely occurs in practice, despite donor rhetoric. Similarly, while 'sustainability' has become a buzzword within the aid system, it is generally framed in terms of 'sustainable economic growth'; defining poverty in terms of income alone and failing completely to prioritise equity and environmental quality, or to address ecological limits in the design and implementation of aid programmes.

Objectives

IP251 To secure, in the long term, greater economic independence of poor countries so that an aid system need only respond to emergencies.

Policies

IP252 Aid projects sustained by British Government bodies or development agencies should observe the following real aid rules: aid should be aimed at the poorest; should mobilise the poor; should be locally designed and managed; should be subject to local oversight and scrutiny; and should be specific to local communities and environments. Tied aid should remain illegal.

IP253 The Department for International Development should remain a Cabinet-level ministry supporting the distribution of British aid. An independent, publicly accountable body should monitor aid-effectiveness and adherence to internationally agreed principles of good donorship.

IP254 British aid should become 0.7 percent of Gross National Product (GNP) within five years and 1.0 percent of GNP within ten years. Emergency aid, aid to dependent territories and debt relief should be an addition to this.

IP255 The allocation of British development aid should be based on objective, accountable and internationally agreed criteria, independent of other political or economic interests. Its goals should be consistent with global sustainabilty, both social and environmental. Aid agreements should facilitate local ownership and control over policy, while also promoting parliamentary oversight and scrutiny of aid expenditures in recipient countries. British development aid flows should be predictable and timely over the long term in order to enable planning and to ensure sufficient time to achieve objectives.

IP256 British aid expenditures should be coordinated with those of other major donors. Where appropriate, a significant portion of aid should be channelled through a small number of accountable multilateral organisations in order both to reduce the management burden on recipient countries and to enable better coordination and greater transparency of overall global aid flows.'

IP257 Special attention must be paid to the dangers posed by the expansion of direct budget support, especially where it is coordinated and shared among several donors. The nature of this support, and the content of any accompanying advice to recipient governments, needs to be just as transparent as is the case with traditional project aid. Where a coordinated bloc of donors acts in concert, they should be extra-careful not to abuse the dominant position over a recipient government that this affords them.

IP258 British emergency and recovery aid should be allocated in proportion to objectively assessed needs. UK-funded humanitarian action should be guided solely by the principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality, and should be independent from political, military, economic or other objectives. Humanitarian aid should be provided in ways that are supportive of recovery and long-term development, striving to ensure, where appropriate, the maintenance and return of sustainable livelihoods. Beneficiaries of humanitarian aid should be involved to the greatest extent possible in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of humanitarian response.

IP259 British aid should also aim to strengthen the capacity of affected countries and local communities to prevent, prepare for, mitigate and respond to humanitarian crises.

IP260 All aid programmes and projects should be based on robust socio-political and environmental analysis and should be designed to ensure social and ecological sustainability. The UK should take the lead on developing expertise in these areas and should actively promote their mainstreaming into both the policy and practice of the global aid system.

IP261 The Department of Education and Science (or equivalent) should fund the establishment of development education centres through local education authorities, in all district council areas. Managerial responsibility should reside with representatives of supporting local groups.

International Law

IP270 The Green Party supports the existence of an international legal framework, both treaty-based and customary. We believe that this framework should fully provide not only for civil and political rights but also for social and economic rights, including the provision of the basic conditions of human subsistence.

IP271 The Green Party believes that the international legal framework should include so-called "third generation" rights. These are not individual rights but they concern matters which affect us all. They include the right to a healthy environment and the right to self-determination (which would include judicial scrutiny of global economic activity).

IP272 The Green Party believes that the international legal framework should apply to private entities as well as public entities and that corporations should not be able to claim human rights.

IP273 These rights should have effective mechanisms of enforcement. They should not be limited to inter-state supervision and should be capable of vigilance and enforcement by individual victims or by groups which can prove they have a legitimate interest in the matter. In particular, we believe that as a minimum there should be the right of individual petition to the relevant supervisory body and the availability of legal proceedings before an international court in cases involving the most serious breaches.

IP274 In accordance with our policy on subsidiarity, we believe that international and national rights and laws should be enforced in the first instance and where possible at national level, then at regional level, and only where appropriate at global level. We would therefore ensure that international law was fully implemented in the United Kingdom. We would also fully recognise the existing principle of extra-territoriality (e.g. jurisdiction over cases of child trafficking abroad).

International Institutions

Background

IP300 The creation of United Nations structures, the International Monetary Fund and the various bodies which make up the World Bank dates back to the beginnings of the Cold War. These bodies, and the World Trade Organisation, have been dominated by the USA and allied Western democracies since their inception. They are fundamentally undemocratic in structure, under-funded and conventional in economics. Hampered by variable USA support in resources, frequently obsessed by economic orthodoxy and particularly the maintenance of economic inter-dependence, they are more often an arena of international conflict than co-operation.

IP301 Over recent decades, the powers of the World Bank, IMF and the WTO have been steadily expanded at the expense of the UN system, which has a greater claim to democracy and legitimacy. We believe that reforms to international institutions, including to the UN, should reverse this general process.

IP302 No nation in isolation can resolve the problems of cross-border pollution, exploitation of global resources and inequitable relations between rich and poor countries. Resolution of the global economic and ecological crises requires a new order of cooperation between nations with the development of new international institutions and agreements.

IP303 There is a need to create a world environment where financial and economic institutions and organisations will nurture and protect environmentally sustainable projects that will sustain communities at all levels (local, regional, national and international).

Objectives

IP310 To obtain democratic, ecological, global and regional institutions by reform of existing bodies and by innovations.

Policies

IP311 Policy areas are 'European Union', 'United Nations', 'International Finance and Trade Institutions' and 'Trans-national Corporations (TNCs)'.

European Union

IP320 See 'Europe'.

United Nations

IP330 The process of reforming the United Nations must maintain the United Nations' power and authority over environmental, economic, social, health and other existing responsibilities rather than narrowing its remit to one of international security.

IP331 Prevention of human rights abuses, conflict prevention and resolution, promotion of sustainable human development, coordination of humanitarian aid, global environmental research and agreements on the conservation and rational use of the planet should be the primary roles of the UN.

IP332 The international community cannot stand back and allow gross human rights abuses to take place. The emergent 'Responsibility to Protect' doctrine promises to legitimise UN intervention in cases of ethnic cleansing and genocide. However, military intervention should always be a last resort, as modern wars inevitably cause death and injury to civilians, and the post conflict situation may be problematic.

Therefore the Green Party will press for the use of a United Nations Index of Human Rights to monitor governments that commit human rights abuses and to provide an explicit basis for seeking to restrain such regimes.

IP333 All governments will have their human rights record continuously assessed by a UN agency set up for that purpose. A scale will be established measuring several indicators of human rights performance. The scale will be finalised by agreement at the UN level, but will be centred on the following abuses:

• use of torture
• use of death penalty
• scale of 'disappearances'
• abuse of political prisoners
• denial of right to fair trial
• denial of free speech
• denial of free movement
• denial of right to political or religious freedom
• denial of rights to women
• denial of child rights
• denial of minority rights
• denial of rights to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people

A score reflecting their performance will be allocated to each state on an annual basis.

IP334 Once the Index is installed, governments with the worst record of human rights as measured on this Index will be referred to the International Court of Justice or the International Criminal Court. If the Court finds that their human rights performance falls below accepted legal standards, the regimes will be given time and assistance to improve their record. In the event of non-compliance, the matter will return to the Court, and if found at fault, the regime will suffer penalties in terms of its members' privileges in the fields of finance, diplomacy, transport and trade. The severity of the penalties will increase as their human rights performance deteriorates, and decrease as their human rights performance improves. The penalties will be targeted to hurt the ruling elite rather than the general population.

IP335 At the same time, countries lying just above the level at which legal action will be taken will be offered help and advice to improve their human rights performance.

IP340 The Green Party supports the creation of a World Environment Organisation by combining the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) into a single institution, with funding and power to impose sanctions to promote global sustainable development.

IP341 UN agencies working in the economic field, including the U.N. Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), should be rationalised but with their total budget maintained or expanded.

IP342 The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) should be built up as the only major global body which was founded at the initiative of developing countries and always had their interests in global negotiations at its heart.

IP345 Increased European and Middle East support for the UN should be used to mitigate the effects of USA's dominance and fluctuating funding.

International finance and trade institutions

IP350 We would seek international agreement to replace the World Trade Organisation by a new General Agreement on Sustainable Trade, which would favour the local over the global and give back to individual states their right to discriminate over the type and quality of trade they engage in. Institutionally, the GAST would:

• be integrated into the UN system and answerable to the General Assembly
• be an accountable, decentralised body
• allow public access to all its documents and meetings.

IP351 In the interim, the WTO must operate according to transparent and democratic processes and include the participation of representatives from affected communities.

IP352 The settlement of trade disputes should be removed from the WTO's purview and made part of the broad mechanism of international law, to ensure the due subordination of trade rules to the higher needs of the environment and development.

IP353 All rules on international property rights (IPRs) should be removed from the WTO's remit. Let each country once again determine its own rules for patents, copyrights, trademarks and other IPRs, according to its needs. However, all patents on life forms should be internationally prohibited. A special IPR regime should be introduced to facilitate the production and distribution of medicinal drugs at prices which all countries can afford.

IP360 The IMF and World Bank have been dominated by the Western bloc. They are politically undemocratic and outmoded in their economic practice. We support abolition of the World Bank unless reformed so that membership and decision-making are democratic as between member states, such that a majority always resides with the majority of the world's people and countries, in other words the developing countries. Operations should be made subservient to sustainability principles and to all international conventions on human and labour rights, and environmental protection. The Presidency of the Bank, hitherto always a US citizen and a position in the gift of the US President, should be opened up to people of all countries according to merit.

IP370 The IMF should return to its original role of overseeing the international monetary system, and no more than that. It should aim to limit surpluses in member countries' foreign payment, as well as deficits. The IMF has neither the skills nor the public legitimacy to interfere in countries' domestic policies, and all policy conditions on its loans and standby agreements should be brought to an end without delay.

IP371 The IMF should be reformed so that membership and decision-making are democratic as between member states, such that a majority always resides with the majority of the world's people and countries, in other words the developing countries. No country should have an effective right of veto on any decisions of the Fund, as the USA has had on all decisions since the beginning. The position of Managing Director of the Fund, hitherto always a European citizen, should be opened up to people of all countries according to merit.

Trans-national Corporations (TNCs)

Background

IP400 The development of capitalism and of trade led logically to modern TNCs. Many TNCs possess resources greater than the poorest countries. The use of these financial resources to corrupt or remove governments for short-term gain at long-term environmental and human cost has intensified as debts have reached crisis proportions. Freer trade as sought by the IMF and the TNCs has meant greater freedom for the TNCs to operate to their own advantage. These bodies consequently bear a very large responsibility for global environmental damage and for the creation of vulnerability to natural disasters. (see EC980-1)

Objectives

IP410 The systematic dissolution of large international economic units and their integration into regionally-based and local-based industries serving local needs ecologically and sustainably.

Policies

Ownership & Structure

IP420 The British Government should: institute capital controls to ensure money made by TNCs in Britain is re-invested here. The TNCs should be forced to observe ecological restraints and labour standards, as suggested by the International Labour Organisation, worldwide. Failure to observe these conditions must mean that the TNC concerned should no longer be allowed to operate in the European Union. Transfer pricing activities by TNCs to reduce tax and export duty costs should be made illegal. (see WR681)

IP421 The British Government should assist developing countries in buying off TNC subsidiaries and in producing the inputs needed for them. Funds for this should be provided from the turnover tax.

IP422 International agreements should be sought to nationalise and to regionalise TNCs and control their operations in poor countries.

Products and Pollution

IP430 TNCs currently producing chemicals which damage the ozone layer, exporting damaging pesticides which are banned in the country of origin, and exporting nuclear technology, should be the subject of immediate restrictions by Government. Eventually, it should become illegal to export goods which would not satisfy standards required in Britain.

IP431 Seed monopolisation by TNCs should be prevented by British Government and European Community legislation.

Regional Policy

IP500 Given the often fast-moving nature of international affairs, many of the Green Party's policies on particular international regions or countries are agreed as Emergency Motions or other ad hoc policy statements. For international regional policy statements, please therefore refer to the Record of Policy Statements (ROPS) and to statements and articles published on the Green Party (England and Wales) website.

Antarctica

IP510 The Green Party supports the establishment of Antarctica as a "World Reserve", with no exploitation of the natural resources allowed.

IP511 The Green Party wishes to see the Antarctic Treaty expanded to include all nations.

IP512 Research in Antarctica must be directed towards an understanding of the local environment and ecology in order to minimise the impact of any future resource development.

Palestine and Israel

Background

IP600 The Arab-Israeli conflict persists owing to the failure to find a fair and humane solution to the problems of the Palestinian people, including the refugees in and from Palestine, and appropriate guarantees of security for Israel.

IP601 Such a solution may be achieved in one state or two within the former
Palestine mandate (hereinafter referred to as Palestine), but as a matter of fact is currently (2009) achieved in neither. A fair choice needs to be made and accepted by both Israelis and Palestinians for their common future in Palestine. Exclusive possession of Palestine by either side is never going to be an achievable and just solution.

Objectives

IP610 The Green Party supports calls for mutual recognition of the rights of independent statehood and for recognised, agreed and secure borders for
Palestinians and Israelis in Palestine; a rapid end to the violence and de-escalation of the arms build-up in the region; implementation of UN resolutions 194, 242 and 338 which followed the wars of 1948, 1967 and 1973; international assistance so that the new Palestinian state can develop self-reliance in land, water, food production, basic services and industries; long-term exploration of the possibility of establishing a confederation with neighbouring states, with free and equal access for each state's citizens.

IP611 We believe that all the interested parties, including the democratically elected representatives of the Palestinian people, need to talk to each other; this is a precondition for agreement on a solution acceptable to all parties

IP612 We recognise the need for confidence building measures to enable such talks to produce tangible results for both Palestinians and Israelis.

IP613 The Green Party believes that a negotiated solution must include measures which lead to delivery of the points below:

Policies on human rights

IP620 The Green Party believes that all Israelis, Palestinians, and their families should have and be able to exercise full human and civil rights throughout Israel, Palestine and the occupied territories in Palestine. Israel must be subject to the Geneva Convention concerning the rights of individuals and communities, in the same way that other states are. The resort to ‘collective punishment’ in defiance of those requirements is unacceptable.

IP621 The Green Party calls for the implementation of United Nations Resolutions 194, 242 and 338, which addressed the problems created by Israeli conquests in the wars of 1948, 1967 and 1973.

IP622 The Green Party calls on the democratically elected representatives of the Palestinian people to recognise the right of the state of Israel to exist within recognised, agreed and secure borders.

IP623 The Green Party calls on the Israeli Government and the democratically elected representatives of the Palestinian people both to commit to replacement of military force with agreement through diplomacy as a means of resolution.

IP624 The Green Party calls on Israel to repeal its present "law of return" because it is incompatible with the full exercise of human rights and discriminates against Palestinians because they are not Jewish.  This racial discrimination symbolises the unfairness of the present arrangements in Palestine, and will have to be addressed before any solution can be agreed.

Particular issues of conflict

IP630 The Green Party calls on Israel to evacuate the illegal settlements within the occupied territories
of Palestine.

IP631 We call on the government of Israel to dismantle the ‘settlement wall’ in those territories, which has been condemned by the International Court, which divides Palestinian territories, and which deprives them of land, water, other resources and employment. The discrimination against Palestinians practiced by the Israeli government and settlers in the occupied territories needs to be addressed as a first step.

IP632 The Green Party calls for an end to all and any illegal deprivation of the Palestinians in the
occupied territories of the land and water resources pertaining to them.

IP633 We recommend that water resources in Palestine should be shared between the Palestinians and the Israelis. We call upon the government of Israel to enter into discussions with the democratically elected representatives of the Palestinian people to seek such an agreement covering both states in Palestine.

IP634 The Green Party calls on the government of Israel to abandon its claim to exclusive possession of the whole of the city of Jerusalem as its capital. That is contrary to the partition of the Palestine Mandate agreed by the United Nations in 1948. Equal rights should be given to Israeli and Palestinian citizens of the city, and accorded similarly to the monuments there which are holy to three religions – Judaism, Islam and Christianity.

International consequences

IP640 The Green Party calls on the United Nations and the European Union to implement international sanctions against those states which refuse to comply with the calls above.

IP641 We call on the government of the United States to use its special relationship with Israel to halt military and financial support until Israel enters the dialogue called for above.

IP642 The Green Party calls upon the European Union to ensure that agreements of Association with Israel are suspended unless and until an undertaking is secured that the state of Israel will enter into the dialogue called for above, and ensures that the human rights of Palestinians are assured as are those of Israelis.

 

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International chapter updates:
Autumn 2009 revised Palestine/Israel section IP600-642
Spring 2006

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The following additional policy statements can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) on International matters available on the Members webiste:

• Tibet (Spring 1998)
• East Timor (Autumn 1999)
• Yugoslavia (Autumn 1999)
• Oppose Ilisu Dam (Autumn 2000)
• Kurdistan (Spring 2001)
• Famine in Afghanistan (Autumn 2001)
• Tackling Human Rights Vio-lations in Israel/Palestine (Spring 2002)
• Johannesburg Earth Summit (Autumn 2002)
• Support for Cyprus Greens (Autumn 2002)
• World Trade Organisation's Ministerial meeting in Cancun, Mexico (Autumn 2003)
• Bombing in Madrid (Spring 2004)
• British Captives at Guantanamo (Spring 2004)
• Response to Hurricane Katrina (Autumn 2005)
• Human Rights in Turkey (Autumn 2005)
• Support for the people of West Papua (Autumn 2005)
• Support for Iraqi Control of their Natural Resources (Spring 2006)
• The Kurdish Situation in Turkey (Autumn 2006)
• British Overseas Dependent Territories (transferred from the PSS – Spring 2007)
• Peoples of the Pacific (transferred from the PSS – Spring 2007)
• West Papua (Spring 2007)
• Justice for Palestinians (Spring 2008)
• Afghan Opium (Spring 2008)
• Gaza (core values) (Spring 2009)

 

Land

Major revision January 1990

Details

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LAND

Background

LD100 In UK law the sovereign owns all land. Over time, the right to occupy and use, which was gained by feudal service to the sovereign, then through payment of rent to the Crown, has been transmuted to payment of a one-off lump sum. It thus appears that the free-holder has ownership of land in perpetuity, with apparent control over use or non-use, and the right to retain or sell at will. Since everyone needs access to land for homes and work, this system of tenure has historically contributed to extremes of poverty and wealth.

LD101 Ownership of land brings unearned benefits deriving both from nature and from the activities of the community, as improvements in infrastructure and technology. This is most apparent in towns and cities where population levels, transport facilities, etc. and/or quality of life bring high demand for goods, services and homes.

LD102 Ownership of land brings unearned benefit if the value of goods and services produced on that land exceeds the amount required for labour and capital to make its present use viable.

LD103 The ability of land-owners to set their own price for access to job opportunities or amenities means that much, if not all, the value of any new services or technical improvement created by the community is siphoned off as unearned benefit to the land owner.

LD104 Changes in land-use, through such factors as the granting by the community of planning permission to build, or the development of the surrounding area by the activities of the community, frequently increase land value, perhaps by as much as 100 times. Such increases create unearned benefit in the form of windfall profits for land owners, either by exploiting the land themselves in the new ways that have become possible, or by selling at enhanced prices. The possibility of such windfall gains encourages speculators to buy up land and hold it, often unused or under-used and of little or no benefit to the community.

Principles

LD200 Land, the primary source of all real wealth, is the common heritage. We acknowledge that land is held in trust by human society on behalf of other species and future generations, and that land should not be treated as a capital investment nor traded for speculative profit.

LD201 We therefore assert the principle that no person and no body should have absolute control of land, but only particular rights over the use of it. These rights to specific agreed categories of use should be under the control of the community through land-use planning.

LD202 A clear framework of land-use planning must therefore be established which puts a high priority on the natural environment. Within such a framework, land should be used in ways which promote those activities which maintain and sustain the environment, while encouraging those activities with minimal environmental impact and discouraging those with high environmental cost.

LD203 The Green Party believes that the unearned benefits from land-use should be shared amongst the community, and that the community should collect such unearned benefits through a system of Land Value Taxation. Revenues raised by Land Value Taxation would be in substitution of, and not in addition to, other revenues.

LD204 Within an agreed land-use planning framework, a policy of taxing land value would act as an incentive both to encourage good stewardship, and to reduce corporate land ownership. It would encourage the best use of all land compatible with the agreed permitted use, encouraging urban land to be used to its fullest extent, and discouraging land ownership for investment purposes only.

LD205 A policy of taxing land value would bring net benefits to a large majority of the population whether urban or rural, including owner-occupiers on small or medium plots, and those who do not own land.

LD206 Taxing land values thus contributes to the creation of a decentralised, sustainable society. Eliminating speculation in land and stabilising prices should make more land available at cheaper prices, enabling more worker's co-operatives , small-scale enterprises and other community ventures to flourish.

Policies

Land-use planning and registry

LD300 Criteria for reformed and strengthened land-use planning should include:

a)protection of sites of special importance as habitats or amenity value;

b)support for the overall sustainability of the economy;

c)promotion of community self-reliance;

d)devolution of decision-making on land-use to community level;

e)best use of land already developed, especially in urban areas;

f)reduced pressure for inappropriate building on green-field sites.

LD301 Land-use planning to determine permitted uses would be undertaken by local authorities within U.K. guidelines. There would be a regional system agreed by groups of local authorities. (see LP402)

LD310 Land registry: The record of HM Land Registry would be made compulsory for all land within an agreed time limit and would be open for public inspection. Any land remaining unregistered after expiry of due notice would revert to the local authority for re-allocation.

Land Value Taxation (LVT)

LD400 The Green Party proposes introducing LVT (previously known as Community Ground Rent) as a tax payable on the annual value of land. The valuation would be of the land alone, exempting all buildings on it, recent and future improvements to it, or minerals extracted from it. LVT would therefore not be a tax on the rent of buildings, the value of crops, manufactured products or the product of other forms of work. (Minerals extracted from the land would be taxed separately - see NR423 & EC710s)

LD401 The proposed LVT would be levied by the local community at rates to be agreed amongst Districts and Regions. Any necessary redistribution between Districts and Regions would be undertaken by agreement between local governments in accordance with the principles agreed in EC551.

LD402 The level at which the tax would be levied would be based on the full value of the current permitted use of the land. Permitted use would mean, for example, that the taxable value of land which is deemed by the community to have special amenity or habitat value, thus inhibiting use for possible greater financial return , would be reduced. When it is considered desirable to change the use through the land-use planning framework, this new permitted use would then form the basis of the assessment.

LD403 Assessments would be reviewed automatically on change of use and every few years, or more frequently, on request. An arbitration process would be made available to provide compensation for those adversely affected by permitted use, and provision made for appeal against assessment.

 

Land chapter last updated Autumn 2000

 

Local Planning & the Built Environment

Major revision January 1990

Details

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LOCAL PLANNING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Background

LP100 There will always be a demand for new buildings. Even if we achieve a stable future population (see Population), the current trend for smaller households will mean more housing is required for some time to come. Also, as times change, there will continue to be a demand for new facilities for work, leisure and retail purposes.

LP101 Green policies should seek to ensure that wherever such development takes place it has as little negative impact on the environment as possible. Overall plans should therefore:

minimise the encroachment onto undeveloped "greenfield" sites, by re-using previously developed sites which have fallen into disuse wherever possible;

reduce the need for people to travel excessively, by ensuring that the necessary facilities are provided at a local level wherever possible;

encourage the use of ecologically sustainable building practices.

LP102 Planning decisions should always be made at the most local practical level. The deemed regional, national or global importance of proposed developments should be weighed alongside the needs and expressed opinions of the local communities in the areas in which they are sited.

Long-term aims

LP200 To construct new buildings only when needed.

LP201 To construct buildings using materials with a minimal amount energy used in their manufacture, and designed to minimise the use of energy.

LP202 For each town or village to contain housing that is suitable for and affordable by local people as well as at least the basic facilities for work, social and cultural activities required by the community.

Short-term aims

LP300 Primarily, these are to re-introduce conservation practices in the design and construction and use of buildings. This should result in buildings which are durable, energy efficient, and adaptable for more than one specific purpose.

LP301 To modify town planning to enable a greater degree of self-sufficiency to be achieved within the living areas than at present.

LP302 To hold back all new development on agricultural land or other land not at present within the confines of an urban (including village) area.

Policies

Townscapes and landscape with buildings

LP400 As far as possible any development within present cities should be confined within the city boundaries, the intention being not to encroach on any more agricultural land. For similar reasons development brought about by the needs of population dispersal should be sited on derelict or other poor quality land within the confines of an existing built-up area. However, the need for urban green spaces, both formal and informal, should be recognised and these spaces should be protected.

LP401 Housing densities should be increased by high quality design incorporating a reduction in road and parking space, keeping vehicles to the edge of site wherever possible. Car-free developments should also be encouraged, especially in areas close to amenities or with good public transport. (see TR036)

LP402 Derelict land, particularly from extractive industries, should be improved for re-use, not only for recreational purposes, but for housing and light industry. Such sites should only be developed in a way which does not lead to the loss of wildlife habitats or biodiversity. (see LD300-301)

LP403 However, the effects of climate change will mean that it will no longer be practical for the continued use of some sites, including many homes, which are now liable to regular flooding. Such derelict land should be re-landscaped rather than re-developed, and the practice of developing reclaimed marshland should be ended. Central government should also help those who are most affected. Government insurance schemes should be available to offer cover for those refused flooding cover by commercial companies, and there should financial assistance to help with relocation for those whose properties have become uninhabitable

LP404 Planning regulations should be adjusted so that zoning is discouraged. Strict segregation of residential, industrial and commercial areas kills the natural growth of a community. Provided that there is no excessive nuisance all types of building can mix as they have done in the most vigorous communities in the past.

LP405 Policy planning guidance, building regulations, and advice to local authorities will be amended so that local plans reflect the needs of the existing local population and are sustainable (see HO505). Local plans should encourage traditional local designs and innovative energy saving technologies.

LP406 Close proximity of workplaces, homes and services cuts down commuter movement and saves energy and time.

LP407 By allowing small part-time businesses, workshops, etc., to spring up in housing areas, incentives will be available for people to use their leisure time for useful part-time work at home, all of which will add to the national stock and to the character of the community.

LP408 Where segregation by building types is necessary the isolated industrial unit needs humanising with pedestrian access, planted areas and recreational space.

LP409 New building developments and road systems should be designed and existing systems adapted in accordance with the transport hierarchy (see TR030). They should provide:

convenient safe and pleasant access for pedestrians and cyclists;

convenient and safe access to affordable public transport;

measures to control dangerous and unsociable driving (especially speeding).

LP410 New residential developments should be designed as 'home zones', where pedestrians have priority and other forms of transport must travel at a maximum of 10mph. (see TR116)

LP411 Parking space for bicycles should be provided in all new developments. Residential developments should also provide secure bicycle storage, either communally or in each dwelling

LP412 Removing an existing building, or part of it, has just as much impact on the nature of the surrounding built environment as a new building or extension. Therefore, planning permission should be required for demolition or partial demolition, to the same extent as it is required to build or extend.

LP413 Planning decisions should be taken at as decentralised a level as reasonably possible. Although welcoming some regional co-ordination of planning (the 'Regional Planning Guidance' process), Local Authorities should retain democratic accountability for the development and therefore the planning process within their boundaries.

Local independent retailing

Background

LP414 A wide range of local shops and services within walking distance is essential to a sustainable community. Yet local shops are closing or being replaced with chain-store 'clones' and formula retailers every day, and just a few supermarkets dominate the market for groceries. Current government and local government policies are not protecting local shops and markets.

LP415 Retailing is a highly visible part of the business sector with a huge influence on society, local communities and employment. Almost half of UK shops are owned and managed by a sole trader, and many more have fewer than five employees.  Retail also provides routes to self employment for groups such as migrants to the UK and ethnic minorities, who are proportionately more likely to start their own businesses. In rural areas, retailing is now the single largest employer.

LP416  Many of the Green Party's policies on localisation and small enterprises will help local, independent retailers, such as the abolition of VAT (see EC771) and combining National Insurance with Income Tax (see EC721), and some of our policies already seek to control parking in new developments (see TR035). However, some specific planning policies to preserve the viability of local shops and the services provided by these enterprises are also necessary.

Policy

LP417 We will introduce national planning policy guidance so that local and regional authorities can protect and encourage local, independent retailers. This guidance would:

1. enable the introduction of ‘business conservation areas’ that empower local communities to retain the character and amenity of their high streets, and bar formula retailers from certain areas,
2. ensure basic facilities (food shops, banks, pharmacies and post offices) are located within all residential areas of a certain size, and within 15 minutes’ walk in all urban and suburban areas, by empowering local authorities to use the planning process to influence the retail mix in their areas, and to offer subsidies or other incentives if necessary,
3. prohibit new out-of-town retail parks and car-based superstores,
4. insist that 50% of retail floor space in all new developments is affordable space for local small businesses,
5. reduce local authority dependence on financial incentives (‘planning gain’) from large developers and companies, which are used to secure planning permission for developments that would otherwise be rejected,
6. include clear policies on sustainability to enable planning authorities to favour local businesses on ecological grounds, rather than bigger firms with less sustainable practices,
7. prohibit new private retail parking in large developments, apart from disabled parking,
8. encourage the pedestrianisation of shopping areas within cities, towns and villages, to provide a safe and pleasant shopping environment. Where possible, delivery access should be provided outside of the pedestrianised area or should be restricted to times which are not peak shopping times.

 

LP418 We will require regional and local authorities to adopt a retail strategy, a retail regeneration plan and local competition policies to prevent high streets from being dominated by formula businesses, and to ensure fair market access for small, independent retailers.  We would require these strategies to include policies to support and retain street markets and farmers markets, and encourage the introduction of new markets, where there is community demand.

LP419 We will empower local authorities to bring in rent controls for small shop premises, to prevent landlords from driving up rents and driving out independent retailers.'

Urban Conservation

LP420 Urban areas often contain valuable wildlife habitats, which protect and encourage greater biodiversity as well as being important for the wellbeing and recreation of urban communities. Existing sites will be protected and enhanced and further habitats established through the following measures:

a) The establishment of a base of information on wildlife and habitats, to inform and assist the development

of policies which take account of the needs of conservation. 

b) Develop in all local authority departments involved in the use and management of land, an awareness of the need to take account of wildlife conservation.

c) Use of local authority bye-laws to support local nature conservation objectives.

d) Preparation of local nature conservation strategies as an aid to integrate conservation into local

authorities' forward planning.

e) Creation of new wildlife habitats through derelict land reclamation schemes.

f) Establishment of local nature reserves.

g) Education and the provision of information to increase public awareness of conservation.

In the long term policies to limit land speculation will increase the amount of land available for wildlife habitats.

Burial places

LP430 In some parts of the country there is a shortage of provision for burials. At the same time there is an interest in woodland burial and other environmentally-friendly forms of burial. Local councils shall review the future need for burial space, to include provision for woodland and other environmentally-friendly forms of burial.

Tall Buildings

LP440 All new buildings should harmonise with the local built and natural environment. They should not disturb the local sense of place. The height of new buildings should not obscure or unduly disrupt popular viewpoints from local amenities such as parks or hills, and should be broadly consistent with the height of existing buildings in the local environment. Specific buildings providing a distinctive feature to the locality can be an exception to this.

LP441 Proposed new buildings should be energy-costed. Costing should include the extraction and transportation of building materials, as well as the energy used in construction and the energy consumption of the building once in use. Greater energy inputs are required to make tall buildings stable. Buildings above 4-5 storeys require higher energy inputs due to their fundamental reliance upon lifts. Research is needed to determine the most appropriate building dimensions for optimum energy efficiency. Standardised energy costing methodology also needs to be developed. Although detailed costings and analysis are required, tall and large buildings are in general less likely to be sustainable in energy terms than smaller ones.

LP442 Depending on location and function, tall buildings can increase zoning (ie. geographic specialisation reducing the diversity of local activities and building use). Instead of providing local employment opportunities, new high capacity buildings can increase commuter numbers and traffic, overstretch transport facilities, push up local land prices and other costs and threaten the diversity of existing local economies. Tall buildings likely to cause zoning which impacts negatively on the locality should be opposed.

LP443 In some cases where green space, or space valued for local amenities, bio-diversity, wildlife or habitats is under threat from development, taller buildings requiring less groundspace may be appropriate if the demand is justified.

LP444 Tall buildings can cause overshadowing. They should not be located where they would cause excessive overshadowing of homes, schools, local amenities or solar collectors.

LP445 Tall buildings can increase the load on certain local services and resources such as sewers, drains and the water supply. Developers should implement on-site measures to reduce their load on local services and resources and pay for the enhancement of those services which are close to capacity.

Mobile Phone Masts and TETRA Masts

LP450 There are legitimate concerns regarding the effects of mobile phone and TETRA mast radiation upon human health. In accordance with the precautionary principle, these concerns should be taken seriously in the relevant planning decisions.

LP451 Full planning permission is currently required only for masts above 15m in height. The erection of all mobile phone masts, regardless of height should be subject to full planning permission regulations. Permission should also be required to increase the power of existing masts.

LP452 Where there is significant local opposition no new mast should be erected, and local authorities and other bodies should terminate existing licensing contracts entered into for the siting of masts.

LP453 In the light of the current uncertainty over the dangers of masts, contract licenses and planning permission granted by local authorities for the siting of masts should be limited to specific time-frames. No long-term irreversible agreements should be entered into whilst such uncertainty about health risks exists."

Energy and resource conservation in buildings

LP500 In the long term, so-called autonomous houses and developments are to be recommended, but until they are possible on a wide scale, steps should be taken to encourage resource conservation. VAT on insulation materials and devices which reduce consumption of non-renewable energy and other resources should be abolished. (see EC771).

LP501 Air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems are to be discouraged and the heat pump encouraged in place of gas, oil-fired or electric central heating systems. Proper use should be made of solar gains for space heating and the use of solar heating for domestic hot water should be encouraged. Solar panels will be mandatory in all new buildings.

LP502 Investigate the use of low-grade water for industrial purposes, possibly recycling it within the industrial compound. Water-saving domestic installations should be fitted in all new and renovated buildings.

LP503 Thermal insulation levels should be increased in all new or existing buildings. Developments and individual houses should be designed to maximise solar gain and minimise energy requirements.

LP504 All industrial and commercial buildings should be designed for as long a life as possible and not too closely tied to the original purpose, so that a change of ownership and use can readily be accommodated. It should be possible to break down large industrial buildings into a number of small occupancies later if this is necessary.

Taxes on Building and Development

LP510 The present zero rate of VAT for new construction makes it relatively more attractive to put up a new building rather than repair or alter an existing one. This encourages the unnecessary waste of precious natural resources, including undeveloped land.

LP511 The Green Party's policy of abolishing VAT, and replacing it with a system of resource taxes (see EC771) would reverse this. Such taxes would be levied on undeveloped ("greenfield") sites and on the disposal of demolition waste, as well as on the use of non-renewable materials in the construction itself. Together, these measures will ensure the optimum re-use of existing building fabric

Advice centres

LP600 Architecture/building clinics should be set up in every town to give free professional advice to householders and building owners. This could cover the approach to improving property, how to obtain grants or take action against nuisance, or to object to development, and how to generate new work.

Conversion and demolition of dwellings

LP650 In areas which have a shortage of affordable homes, there will be a presumption against extending and 'knocking together' small properties.

Historic buildings

LP700 Buildings of special historic interest need to be preserved for future generations. The present regulations & guidance for conservation areas & listed buildings should be maintained & improved to provide incentives for the retention of listed structures & to protect or enhance the special historical character of conservation areas.

LP701 Legal sanctions must be stiffened against those who demolish listed buildings, or who allow them to fall into a state of disrepair. The relevant bodies must make proper use of legislation enabling them to do this and must earmark sufficient resources, financial and staff, to operate it effectively.

Building industry

LP800 Encouragement should be given to building workers to maintain craft skills, even if they only use them on a part-time basis.

LP801 The use of unnecessary plant should be discouraged as being wasteful.

LP802 Building systems must be investigated thoroughly to determine their true cost in comparison with traditional methods. Many of them are uneconomic on grounds not always immediately apparent, for instance, relying on imported components, high levels of maintenance, high running costs, etc. Their extensive use has also led to a lack of standardisation. Traditional building was, contrary to popular belief, highly standardised and dimensionally coordinated. A return to this quality of standardisation would cut down on much of the waste that is taken for granted in present building systems.

 

Updated:
Spring 2012: LP420 moved from Countryside
Local Planning & Built Environment chapter last updated Autumn 2006

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The following additional policy statements can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) on Planning available on the Members webiste:

• Planning and Third Party Appeals (Spring 1995)
• Permitted Development Rights (Spring 1999)
• Planning Green Paper (Spring 2002)
• Building Regulations & Climate Change (Autumn 2008)

 

Marine and Coastal

Major revision February 2012

Details

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MARINE AND COASTAL

N.B. This Policy deals with saltwater marine and coastal issues. For Green Party policies on rivers, waterways and freshwater systems see CY507, CY525, TM054, and TR400-415.

Contents

Introduction	MC100
Policy Principles	MC200
Marine Governance	MC300
UK Overseas Territories	MC310
Fisheries	MC320
Marine Aquaculture	MC340
Sustainable Livelihoods	MC350
Marine Protected Areas	MC360
Off-shore Wind & Marine Energy	MC370
Shipping & Ports	MC380
Dredging and Coastal Erosion	MC390
Marine Pollution	MC400
Recreation	MC410

Introduction

MC100 The oceans cover nearly 71 percent of the planet’s surface. Despite this huge spatial dominance, or perhaps because of it, our oceans are treated with considerable disrespect by significant sectors of society. Fisheries Ministers continue to set fishing quotas at levels  above the ocean’s productivity, and  a significant number of commercial species are fully or over-exploited. There is still widespread illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Too often the marine environment is treated as a dump for rubbish and effluent; vast quantities of chemical pollutants wash into the sea via river discharges; CO2 deposition is rapidly leading to increased acidification; CO2 sequestration capacity in marine and coastal ecosystems is decreasing due to environmental degradation; there is a race to ‘grab’ huge areas of continental shelf for oil; gas and other resource exploitation; and marine ecosystems are rapidly degrading.

MC101 Since the oceans supply a large proportion of the world’s animal protein, support some 250 million jobs in fisheries alone, are the basis for our climate regulation, are home for  an estimate of at least half of the planet’s species, and are frequent holiday destination or a recreation venue of first choice, it is time that this abuse was reversed.

MC102 This policy is concerned with activities, processes, research and management affecting a range of "marine areas". As well as oceans and seas these areas could include estuaries, fjords, sea lochs, bays, lagoons, inlets and other salt-water environments.

Policy Principles

MC200 Natural ecosystems provide a range of provisioning, cultural, aesthetic, supporting and regulatory services and experiences that are of supreme value. These need to be protected so as to best maintain a suitable quality of life and human dignity and the complex biodiversity that underpins the functioning of the planet, as well as our economic activity. Therefore all marine activities will have to function sustainably within environmental limits. This must be set as the overriding policy objective for all policies within the marine and coastal sectors.

MC201 Marine ecosystems have unquantifiable rights and values, and we cannot and should not place a monetary value on sustaining them. Although economic valuation may seem an objective tool, the process of valuation that underpins it is inevitably subjective. In addition, many crucial components of a healthy planet cannot easily be monetised, which can lead to them being ignored – despite their importance – when analysis of worth is reduced to purely financial terms.

MC202 Decisions regarding fishing quotas and other extractive activities should be made on the basis of the best available scientific advice, rather than political expediency. Our baseline for well- functioning and sustainable marine ecosystems should be based on scientific and historical evidence of the likely state of the oceans prior to both intensive and extensive human use.

MC203 The varied activities being practised in the seas should aim to be sustainable and each activity should respect the rights of other marine users. It is thus our aim to promote compatibility and reduce conflict between users of the marine environment. To do this the varied activities need to be managed in an integrated way, and this requires an “ecosystems approach” (i.e., the integrated management of land, water and living resources to promote conservation and sustainable, equitable development) to the management of individual marine resources and activities which requires necessitates efficient marine spatial planning and the mandatory use of Environmental Impact Assessments.

MC204 All values, rules, and management systems that are employed to best sustain our land area can and should be similarly deployed in the marine environment. So, for instance, conservation designations, environmental impact assessments, planning regulations, etc, should have an equivalent within  the ocean.

MC205 There are longstanding coastal communities who make their living from the sea and whose livelihoods and knowledge should be respected. This applies both in a social and economic sense, and from the perspective of established practice on how to sustainably manage resources within their own fields of activity.

MC206 Climate change has a particular influence on marine coastal areas which is likely to cause problems with the maintenance of biodiversity and for coastal communities. These marked and rapid changes in physical environments and the displacement of ecosystems will have detrimental effects on species distribution and livelihoods.

MC207 Given the failure of many existing marine management systems, there will need to be a radical overhaul of most existing management practices. This should involve all stakeholders and it is unlikely that there can be uniform rules and regulations across the whole of the UK’s seas. Improvements to management systems must be made on the basis of sound science backed up by better monitoring and enforcement systems. (which should preferably be consensual and leave no room for perverse incentives). Management of marine activities should be applied at the most appropriate localised level possible.

MC208 Fisheries are governed in a complex manner through a web of public, private and hybrid institutions who manage, administer and regulate the sector, and the weakness of this governance is one of the main factors behind problem of overfishing. The most crucial aspects of fisheries governance relate to:

(i) Connecting local fishery policies to supporting national policy framework;

(ii) The capability of fishery administrations;

(iii) The nature of entitlements to resource access, including possible co-management systems;

(iv) The level of participation of stakeholders, non-governmental organisations civil society groups;

(v) The availability and quality of scientific stock assessments

(vi) The availability and enforcement of deterrence measures;

(vii) The level and extent of inter-ministerial coordination; and

(viii) The quality of international collaboration.

Unifying of these diverse aspects must be at the basis of any sustainable fisheries policy.

Marine Governance

Background

MC300 Worldwide there have been many initiatives towards co-management of the oceans to meet both environmental and economic goals. However, despite numerous pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing the status of marine environments, governments and businesses are giving far too little priority and urgency to ameliorating the dire situations that prevail in many of our seas. There is now a large and growing gap between what is immediately needed and the rate of progress that is being pursued.

MC301 It is now recognised by most users of the marine environment that, if the ocean is to thrive and be sustainable into the future with respect to a range of competing activities, then it must be managed holistically in coordination between  a range of authorities, interested groups and stakeholders, on the basis of sound science. 

Policies

MC302 Given that marine processes and activities do not conform to imposed political boundaries, and that marine matters important to Britain are widespread, and further that each matter may have an optimal and desirable scale of governance, the Green Party will seek to establish jurisdictional authority over marine matters at six distinct and coherent levels:

a) International;

b) European Union;

c) National (UK); 

d) The countries and Overseas Territories of the UK;

e) Regional; and

f) Local.

MC303 Governance at all six levels (above) would function within prescribed Marine Spatial Plans. The plans will be written in consultation with all users of the sea; they will be embody a requirement for sustainability; they will adopt an ecosystems approach (i.e., that the marine ecosystem will be considered as a whole rather than as individual components); and will recognise the precautionary principle (i.e., the burden of proof will lie with those wishing to utilise the marine environment to show that their actions will not be harmful).

MC304 Governance of the marine environment would be fully integrated between the different sectors using the ocean, and management would be devolved to the appropriate level, with an assumption that the lowest level possible is. the most appropriate.

MC305 Good governance can only function on the basis of good information and sound science. Given past problems with regulating matters at sea, the Green Party will endeavour to optimise marine monitoring systems, and will put in place efficient data gathering systems, particularly with respect to the management of fisheries and to climate change. All boats granted a licence to fish commercially within British waters must be equipped with a GPS-enabled Vessel Monitoring System, to be operational at all times.

MC306 In order to secure effective marine governance, legal frameworks will be strengthened and the monitoring and enforcement capabilities of relevant bodies increased. A recognisable “fishing pattern” (as defined by fisheries experts and given a legal definition) detected by monitoring systems will be sufficient evidence to prosecute ships if detected within designated no-take areas.

MC307 The Green Party would seek large-scale reform of the Crown Estate (which currently has a monopoly on the sea bed around the UK, and is required to administer this on a purely commercial basis), devolving its powers to more locally-based levels of accountability within government and changing its remit to emphasise long-term environmental sustainability of our marine environment.

MC308 The Green Party believes that management at the EU level (i.e., under the Common Fisheries Policy [CFP]) needs to fundamentally shift from viewing the CFP as an instrument for regulating economic activity, to a policy whose primary aim is to ensure the integrity and sound functioning of marine ecosystems.

UK Overseas Territories

Background

MC310 Only four other countries in the world are responsible for more of the ocean than the UK, and as a nation we claim control over three and a half times as much ocean as we do land. This is because the UK retains jurisdiction over 14 Overseas Territories, and holds exclusive sovereign rights within their waters. The UK therefore has a great opportunity to lead the way in the protection and management of the world’s seas, over a range of latitudes and habitat types.

Policies

MC311 The Green Party would ensure that conservation of the marine environment in the Overseas Territories is funded to a level equal to its global significance.

MC312 The establishment of highly protected marine reserves (in collaboration with the local community where one exists) would be a priority, with an aim to cover at least 30% of the ocean under UK jurisdiction. These reserves would be equipped with adequate enforcement and monitoring capabilities in order to deter illegal fishing, monitor biodiversity, and provide a base for scientific research.

MC313 In order to ensure joined-up policy across the totality of the ocean over which Britain has responsibility, this responsibility will sit in the same government department that has responsibility for waters around the UK itself.

MC314 Overseas Territories will be prevented from acting as “flags of convenience” for other nations (a practice which provides relatively lax inspection and crewing requirements, as well as tax advantages), and instead will have to comply with the maritime standards of British domestic law.

Fisheries

Background

MC320 We are overfishing our oceans. The majority of commercial fish stocks worldwide are fully exploited or overexploited, and almost all of the top ocean predators are very severely depleted. The over-exploitation and mismanagement of fisheries has already led to some spectacular collapses, for example the failure of the cod fishery off Newfoundland, Canada, in 1992, leading to the loss of some 40,000 jobs in the industry. 

MC321 Alongside the destruction of commercial fish stocks, indiscriminate fishing  practices have led to marine mammals, birds and corals, as well as numerous “non-target” fish species and juveniles being caught as by-catch to the fishing industry. In some fisheries, such as that in the North Sea, over half of the catch is thrown back into the ocean, dead, because it is not the target species, it is below minimum landing size, or because it is over quota.

MC322 In the EU especially, fisheries quotas are decided on the basis of scientific predictions of a “Maximum Sustainable Yield” (MSY), but unfortunately politicians have used MSY as a starting point and negotiated quotas upwards, disregarding scientific advice about the level of exploitation fisheries can withstand. In addition, MSY’s “baseline” for sustainability looks only a few years into the past, and does not take into account the significant alterations that have taken place in our marine ecosystem over the last few centuries as a result of fishing.

Policies

MC323 Human impacts on the marine environment should be managed in a fully precautionary manner. This principle would reverse the current presumption in favour of fishing. In future, fishing rights (or aquaculture operations in the marine environment) should be allocated on the basis of sustainability and social criteria, giving preferential access to the least environmentally destructive operators and the operators contributing the most to coastal communities. 

MC324 The Green Party would promote action at the European level to ensure that, outside its home waters, the European fleet does not fish to standards that would be unacceptable within the EU. In particular, access agreements should restrict fishing to sustainable levels that respect the environment and the livelihoods of people in developing countries, and effective measures should be rapidly developed to monitor, police and enforce compliance in such fishing.

MC325 The allocation of quotas should be based on long term regional management plans, with input by local inshore fishing fleets and other relevant stakeholders. Those involved in fishing activities should be required to demonstrate that their activities do not damage the marine environment and that they make significant economic contributions to coastal fishing communities. Quotas should be allocated with a bias towards low impact operations and should not be tradable between EU countries. Information on the allocation of quotas should be open and transparent.

MC326 The vessel decommissioning scheme would be continued in order to reduce the capacity of the UK fishing fleet to an environmentally sustainable level, and it would be necessary to ensure that similar reductions are made in all EU fleets that fish in UK waters.

MC327 The Green Party would press at EU level for an end to all subsidies that can result in increased fishing pressure, including concessionary tax rates for fuel, vessel modification and improving port and fish processing facilities.

MC328 In order to reduce the by-catch associated with fishing, modified gears should be introduced for the entire fleet along with a more comprehensive monitoring regime to ensure compliance and to determine the effectiveness of these measures. Target levels for by-catches per species per area would be set and if these target levels are not met in a particular fishery, then this fishery would be temporarily closed. The Green Party would additionally demand an EU-wide ban on discards at sea, and would support research into the impact of this ban on seabird and marine mammal populations.

MC329 We would press the European Commission to ban bottom trawling, gillnetting and long-lining for deep-sea species in EU waters., either by EU or international fleets. We would promote measures to prohibit destructive deep-sea fishing and would work towards a ban on high seas bottom trawling, and for proper implementation and enforcement under relevant  international legislation.

MC330 The Common Fisheries Policy should comply with the EU’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive in seeking to return all populations of commercially exploited marine species to within biologically safe limits. It should be impossible to set unsustainable catch limits. We would aim to return catch limits to sizes that are commensurate with the natural productivity from high quality, sustainable marine ecosystems 

Marine Aquaculture

Background

MC340 Industrial-scale fish farming is not the answer to dwindling fish stocks in the oceans. The majority of farmed finfish are carnivorous and therefore relies on further unsustainable fishing for feed. Intensive fish farming causes widespread pollution of inland and coastal waters and spreads disease to wild fish. However, there is a clear difference between industrial aquaculture in developed nations and the small-scale aquaculture practised in many rural communities. The latter can be sustainable and is an important source of food and income.

Policies

MC341 The Green Party would phase out all fish farms that involve overstocking, heavy use of feed, chemical or fossil fuel inputs, pollution or inhumane conditions. Only fish farms that meet the following criteria will be permitted:

a) Does not use fish meal from unsustainable fisheries, rather uses plant-based feeds from sustainable agriculture, and does not use genetically modified feeds or fish;

b) Does not use wild caught juveniles;

c) Only cultivates native species in open water systems, only in bag nets, closed wall sea pens or equivalents. Any cultivation of non-native species must be restricted to land-based tanks;

d) Does not result in negative environmental impacts such as discharges and effluents, or deplete local resources such as drinking water supplies;

e) Does not represent a risk to local wild populations or have a negative impact on local wildlife;

f) Does not use stocking densities which risk disease outbreaks and transmission;

g) Does not threaten human health.

MC342 Support will be given for small-scale sustainable aquaculture projects, provided they meet the criteria listed above. Furthermore, the Green Party is keen to support further research into sustainable aquaculture.

Sustainable Livelihoods

Background

MC350 Small-scale, low-impact fishing fleets and communities with fishing heritage have the potential to deliver significant cultural, environmental and economic benefits to the UK, but current arrangements make it difficult for fishermen to make a living. A move away from large industrialised fishing practices to smaller, locally-based fisheries would not only be environmentally beneficial but would also provide a boost to coastal economies.

Policies

MC351 Fisheries should be managed using the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach, a people-centred approach that aims to help people achieve lasting livelihood improvements measured using poverty indicators that they, themselves, define. Sustainable livelihoods are those that:

a) Are resilient in the face of external shocks and stresses;

b) Are not dependent upon external support;

c) Maintain the long-term productivity of natural resources; and

d) Do not undermine the livelihoods of, or compromise the livelihood options open to, others.

MC352 Fisheries policies should be biased in favour of low impact fishing methods and the inshore fishing fleet. This would enable smaller-scale fishers to operate competitively and therefore maintain livelihoods within local communities. It would also help to reduce the negative environmental impacts that are caused almost exclusively by  .higher-impact fishing practises, such as heavy mobile gear.

MC353 Rather than fish being caught, processed, packaged and sold in disparate parts of the world, these processes should be performed on a local or regional scale, and fishermen should be encouraged to take on more aspects of the supply chain. This would enable local fishermen to maximise the value of their catch, would support local economic development and would reduce the environmental impact of fisheries.

MC354 As a greater percentage of our seas come under protection, it is important that those who have the most knowledge of our waters and coastline play a major role in the management of these areas. The Green Party would enable and encourage fishing communities to gain employment in the management, monitoring and enforcement of our marine environment, thereby utilising their experience and passion for the oceans and diversifying income streams so that they are not solely reliant on catches to make a living.

MC355 Mindful of Green Party policies favouring localism, we would encourage the promotion of British seafood products over those from elsewhere and would support developing home markets for a more diverse range of fish from UK waters. A clearer and more consistent labelling system for marine products would be developed to allow consumers to make informed choices, particularly with regard to the sustainability of products and their points of origin.

MC356 Arrangements would be reviewed for EU Structural Funds and other funds to promote economic diversification in fisheries dependent areas.

Marine Protected Areas 

Background

MC360 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are increasingly used as a tool to protect marine ecosystems. Frequently these are highly zoned areas of the sea with different activities being permitted in different areas, and a relatively small percentage (if any) being totally protected from damaging activities. Whilst these can be useful, no-take marine reserves, in which all forms of extractive activity are banned, have been found to be much more effective at restoring both biodiversity and species abundance, and additionally have economic benefits through tourism and the “over-spill” effect, which sees fishing grounds around reserves replenished. Currently around the UK, and internationally, less than 1% of the seas enjoy full protection.

Policies

MC361 The Green Party will continue to work within existing legislation to fully implement a large-scale, ecologically coherent network of MPAs within the UK’s seas as soon as possible. 

MC362 As part of this network, 30% of the UK’s exclusive economic zone should be established as no-take reserves closed to commercial fishing and other extractive activities. These reserves should be properly representative, and always include at least 30 percent of the most productive and sensitive areas, such as spawning grounds. These proposals would be developed in collaboration with scientists, the public and stakeholders. The boundaries and existence of such reserves would be open to periodic renewal.

MC363 Increasing the protection of Britain’s seas will be beneficial to the fishing community in the long term, as stocks increase and profitable species start to return in high numbers. However, the Green Party recognises that in the short term fishermen may face difficulties. We would seek to enable a just transition for the local fishing community, and would work with them to ensure that the creation of MPAs, and particularly no-take marine reserves, do not damage their livelihoods (see MC354).

MC364 Internationally, the Green Party would promote the establishment of a large-scale comprehensive system of MPAs in seas outside of national jurisdiction. Additionally we would support and encourage other nations looking to establish MPAs within their own waters. Globally, we will advocate high levels of protection, with 30% of the world’s oceans completely closed to extractive activities, and with a shift away from large-scale industrial fishing to locally-based sustainable models.

Off-shore Wind and Marine Energy

Background

MC370 Waters surrounding the UK are prime sites for overseas investment to the offshore renewable energy industry. Offshore wind, wave and tidal stream projects will be encouraged in order to meet carbon emission targets and secure our energy supplies. Marine energy projects require capital if the UK is to retain its global technical and market lead and attract private sector investment, which would allow the industry to generate a significant percentage of our energy needs as well as creating jobs.

MC371 Marine oil and gas exploration and production result in inputs of oil and hazardous chemicals, the mobilisation of natural radionuclides (radiation hazards) and trace metals, (potentially toxic to marine life), and disruption to life on the sea bed and to fisheries and are therefore hugely damaging to the marine environment. In addition, the burning of oil and gas are major contributors to climate change, and therefore their continued exploitation is unsustainable. 

Policies

MC372 The development of renewable forms of energy provision, such as off-shore wind and marine energy (wave and tidal stream power) will be a priority. This will be achieved through:

a) The development of capital and revenue support mechanisms (including both direct financial investment as well as the issuance of Renewables Obligation Certificates or Feed-in Tariffs) in close consultation with UK trade associations;

b) Empowering the UK Marine Energy Programme Board to engage directly at ministerial and official level with departments responsible for energy, climate change, business, and crucially HM Treasury, regarding public investment and economic development from the sector;

c) Ensuring that the UK Green Investment Bank provides debt finance and performance bonds to offshore wind farms and near-commercial scale marine energy arrays that would otherwise not be able to raise debt finance and/or performance bonds from commercial banks;

d) Investigating ways in which marine energy infrastructure could be co-located with conservation sites, to ensure both the protection of marine biodiversity and provision of sustainable energy.

MC373 Prior to the development of any marine energy structure an Environmental Impact Assessment must be carried out. This will include the evaluation of environmental risks of seabed subsidence and the traffic of vessels to and from the platforms, that may result in environmental degradation, and plans for dismantling and disposal of rigs and associated equipment.

MC374 The Green Party will put in place retrospective conditions within the licensing agreements for oil and gas blocks which would allow the closure of individual wells, if as a result of ageing and the consequent increases in the volume of total pollution, loads could not be handled by the treatment/reception facilities. However, the possibility of using old installations for research purposes or as artificial reefs should also be considered.

MC375 All British marine energy and offshore wind companies will be required to meet at least the same standards as required in British waters when they are operating elsewhere in the world.

MC376 We currently know relatively little about the sea bed, except that its biology is extremely diverse and its physics can be stormy. Therefore, installations should not be dumped or abandoned at sea. As a matter of principle, operators should expect when constructing an installation, that they will be later responsible for completely removing it.

MC377 Much tighter environmental controls will be applied to the oil and gas industry where it still exists, and we will require all oil and gas companies to establish an integrated Environmental Management System.

MC378 The Green Party is in favour of harnessing the potential of tidal energy at estuaries subject to environmental and sustainability criteria being met. See EN816 for more information.

Dredging and Coastal Erosion

Background

MC380 Coastal erosion is escalating rapidly, in part due to global warming induced sea level rise, but particularly in areas where aggregate dredging has taken place offshore. Here beaches, dunes, soft sand cliffs, coastal housing, wildlife sites, and once effective sea defences are being lost to the detriment of the environment, , coastal housing, the holiday and fishing industries, coastal routes and paths, and valuable agricultural land. Nuclear power stations are at risk of being undermined and the economy of seaside resorts is threatened.

Policies

MC381 We need independent and fair assessment of the coastal erosive impact of offshore dredging, the re-instatement of money taken from the sea defence budget and protective systems based upon the needs of people and the environment rather than corporate profit. Further, that modern sustainable and effective sea-defences be employed rather than those currently dependent upon building beaches already eroded by 'recharge', i.e. using even more sand dredged from the offshore seabed.

MC382 Damage to the sea bed from drag trawling damages the sea bed fauna refuges. Exploitation of the marine seabed sand and gravel used for aggregate requires termination, first in stopping the export of such material and secondly in abandoning the activity altogether. Although only parts of the seabed suffer deep dredging, those areas targeted are those offering a high concentration of 'sharp' cohesive sand and gravel ,as this material provides the best cement basis. But these are the very seabed areas offering the best habitat, feeding grounds, camouflage and spawning grounds of fish.

MC383 Offshore aggregate dredging strips up to 5 metres of the seabed surface, destroying all flora and fauna leaving a marine desert that fails to recover even after 20 years. The wash off of the unusable finer material serves to smother the seabed in down tide areas to suffocating the life over a far wider area than that dredged.

MC384 Offshore Aggregate Dredging further serves to create shoreline erosion by deepening the seabed so creating larger more erosive waves and by increasing the beach slope leading to the transport of beach material from the shoreline to the deepened voids brought about by the offshore removal. With rising sea levels, a 25% reduction is sea defence funding and the Shoreline Management Plan dictating failure to defend vital shoreline habitats, serious losses of housing, businesses, shoreline industries and wildlife habitats are now coming about due to this enhanced erosion 

Shipping and Ports

Background

MC390 Shipping is a potentially low-impact method of conveying goods and people over large distances. However, both the increase in shipping and the use of highly polluting fuel means that shipping has a high environmental impact, and is an important source of marine pollution and carbon emissions.

Policies

MC391 The Green Party supports the use of shipping over more carbon-intensive methods of long-distance transport for the necessary movement of goods.

MC392 Current shipping practices are not however environmentally sustainable, as the use of cheap “bunker fuel” – a viscous and highly contaminated form of crude oil – makes shipping one of the most significant forms of marine pollution. The Green Party would strengthen regulations within British waters and would work towards better regulations and improved enforcement for international shipping through the International Maritime Organisation.

MC393 The offshore transfer of oil from tankers at sea should cease due to the higher oil pollution risk during such operations. Transfer should instead take place in harbours equipped with booms and other safety equipment.

MC394 Freight shipping has increased substantially over recent years, due to an increase in global trade. In line with the Green Party’s policies on globalisation (see IP103), we would aim to see the quantity of goods shipped to the UK decline as the country moves towards a more localised economy.

See TR430 – TR474 for more information on our shipping and ports policies.

Marine Pollution

Background

MC400 Despite increasing legislation aimed at preventing the dumping of waste at sea, pollution of UK beaches and seas has shown no appreciable decrease. Waste enters the marine environment and is deposited on beaches from a variety of sources, including direct littering on land, lost or discarded fishing gear, illegal dumping and discharges from sewage. Rivers and streams can also carry waste and pollution into coastal waters. Not only is marine and coastal pollution dangerous to human health, but plastic pollution in particular is associated with high mortality amongst many marine mammal, bird and reptile species.

For overarching principles, please see the Pollution chapter. For more on agricultural run-off, see FA643 and CY525. 

Policies

MC401 Traditional drainage results in poor water quality in watercourses, often highly polluted with oils, toxic metals and organic material, which eventually discharges into the sea. The Green Party would require Sustainable Drainage Systems  to be installed in all new developments and will phase in their installation to replace traditional systems in existing developments. 

MC402 The Green Party will encourage water companies to move away from short-term “end of pipe” solutions and look to longer-term sustainable solutions. A higher priority should be given to improving sewage treatment and to keeping it separate from non-biodegradable materials, like heavy metals, so that it can be returned to the land (see PL429). The practise of discharging sewage and waste that has not been fully treated (non-tertiary treated) into the marine environment should be halted, with such effluents treated in the same way as that discharged into rivers.

MC403 Carbon dioxide emissions not only warm the atmosphere but are also absorbed by the oceans creating carbonic acid, a process known as “ocean acidification”, which kills coral reefs and threatens marine species. See the Climate Change chapter for our policies on reducing emissions from greenhouse gases.

MC404 We will ban dumping of hazardous substances (including drill cuttings and contaminated water) to the sea and atmosphere. We will consider the feasibility and environmental implications of returning production water, cleaned of its chemicals additives, to its original sub-seabed geological formations (see NR318). We will set a deadline for the phase-out of inputs of hazardous substances to the sea from the off-shore activities.

MC405 Waste Framework Directives are in place within the EU but they are complex and often not enforced. The Green Party would push for implementation and stronger enforcement of existing directives, as well as demanding higher penalties for those who pollute the marine environment, ensuring that polluters pay a cost commensurate with the damage they have inflicted.

MC406 The Green Party will formulate coherent marine litter action plans and appoint a body to oversee this work. Additionally, enforcement of current domestic laws regarding the proper disposal of litter and waste from land and aquatic environments would be enabled and Port Waste Reception Facilities would be extended to include fishing vessels.

MC407 Both plastic production and waste must be minimised. The Green Party will ban the distribution of plastic bags by retailers, and will introduce incentives for manufacturers and retailers to reduce the quantity of plastic packaging that they use.

MC408 Redesign of plastic products, both at the individual polymer level and product structure, is needed to reduce use and promote reuse Recovery of plastics through recycling should be the norm. The Green Party will commission research to investigate plastics redesign as well as the possibility for energy recovery from plastics.

Recreation

Background

MC410 Holidays and leisure time spent outdoors in Britain has numerous health, environmental, social and also economic benefits for individuals and the country as a whole. The coast and beaches in particular hold a special attraction for recreation and leisure, and many people find spending time by the sea an important way to relieve stress. 

Policies

MC411 Beaches and coastal areas should conform to the highest standards of water quality and shoreline cleanliness, with an aim to achieve and maintain 100% Blue Flag beaches around the coast of England and Wales.

MC412 The Green Party would promote the use of wind and electricity-powered vessels over those which are highly energy intensive and use fossil fuels (see TM062).

MC413 With regard to recreational fishing, the Green Party will seek to end the practice known as 'live baiting' (where live fish are used as bait for other fish) as soon as possible. Barbed hooks and double and triple hooks will also be banned, because of the damage and distress caused to fish by their use.

MC414 The Green Party notes the (often fatal) injury caused to other wildlife by discarding lead shot/weights and will make the use of any lead in angling illegal. 

MC415 Discarded fishing tackle presents a risk to marine wildlife and is costly to clean it up. We will encourage anglers to use best practice with regard to the disposal of tackles, and will introduce fines for those breaching best standards. An accreditation scheme for angling clubs will be introduced to bring all clubs up to best practice. 

MC416 A National Code of Conduct for anglers will be drawn up after discussion with interested parties (including angling clubs and associations, environmentalists and the Environmental Agency) that can be displayed on angling licenses and also prominently displayed in other appropriate places, including accredited angling clubs.

Marine and Coastal chapter major revision 2012

 

Migration

Major revision January 1990

Details

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MIGRATION

Background

MG100 The Green Party's long-term global vision is of an international economic order where the relationship between regions is non-exploitative, each region is as self-reliant and economically self- sufficient as practicable and the quality of life (social, political, environmental, cultural and economic) is such that there is less urge to migrate. Logically, in order to move away from the current level of immigration controls, we must create a fairer world.

MG101 The existing economic order and colonialism have both been major causes of migration through direct and indirect violence, disruption of traditional economies, the use of migrants as cheap labour, uneven patterns of development and global division of labour.

MG102 We are aware that, in the 21st century, there is likely to be mass migration of people escaping from the consequences of global warming, environmental degradation, resource shortage and population increase.

MG103 The Green Party recognises the contributions made by many migrants to their recipient area or community. We value the cultural diversity and intercultural awareness resulting from both temporary residence and migration.

Principles

MG200 The Green Party's highest priority is the creation of a just and ecological world order in which environmental devastation is minimised and needs can be met without recourse to migration.

MG201 We believe that the world's people have an individual and collective responsibility to ensure ecological sustainability, human rights and social justice. Within this, they have the right to self determination.

MG202 International action and a willingness to share resources will be required to meet the needs of environmental migrants.

MG203 Richer regions and communities do not have the right to use migration controls to protect their privileges from others in the long term.

MG204 Communities and regions should have the right to restrict inward migration when one or more of the following conditions are satisfied:

a)The ecology of the recipient area would be significantly adversely affected by in-comers to the detriment of the wider community (eg. National Parks, Antarctica);

b)The recipient area is owned or controlled by indigenous peoples (eg Australian aboriginal people) whose traditional lifestyle would be adversely affected by in-comers;

c)The prospective migrants have, on average, equal or greater economic power than the residents of the recipient area and they or their families were not forced to leave the area in the recent past.

MG205 Migration policies should not discriminate directly on grounds of race, colour, religion, political belief, disability, sex or sexual orientation. Preference should not be given to those with resources or desirable skills.

MG206 The Green Party is opposed to forced migration and forced repatriation.

MG207 Regions or communities must have the right to reject specific individuals on grounds of public safety.

MG208 The interests of both prospective migrants and the recipient area or community must be recognised and, hence, the appropriate resolution of a particular situation (unless covered above) must depend on negotiation between the parties affected.

Medium-term Policies

MG300 We will work to achieve greater equity between the UK and non-Western countries. In step with this, we will progressively reduce UK immigration controls.

Short-term Policies

Immigration Law

MG400 We will replace existing British Immigration law with an Immigration law which does not discriminate directly on the grounds listed above (see MG205). This law will be based on the principle of fair and prompt treatment of applicants rather than on excluding dishonest applicants whatever the cost to the honest ones. It will not aim to allow increased net migration to Britain other than for humanitarian reasons or as a result of other Green Party policies. We will consult widely with affected groups to ensure that features of the current law which are of concern to them are addressed.

MG401 We will allow the partners, prospective partners, immediate families and prospective families of British residents to join them without excessive delays or unreasonable requirements for proof of relationship. This will be independent of the financial status of the resident and will not be dependent on her/him providing accommodation (We recognise that this must be implemented in association with a housing policy).

MG402 A person's right to stay will not be linked to that of partners or families but will be independent. Families will not be divided by deportation unless the deportee poses a serious danger to public safety.

MG403 We will abolish the 'primary purpose' rule under which partners are refused entry if it is thought that the primary purpose of relationship is for them to gain entry to the UK.

MG404 We will allow the victims of past errors in immigration decisions to come to the UK where these decisions have resulted in continuing serious deprivation.

MG405 Migrants illegally in the UK for over five years will be allowed to remain unless they pose a serious danger to public safety.

Immigration Process

MG410 We will aim to ensure that UK immigration control takes place primarily at ports of entry so that no resident is required to carry proof of residence.

MG411 We will implement a visibly independent appeal process for Immigration decisions.

MG412 No prospective immigrant will be held in detention for migration-related reasons, other than in the most exceptional circumstances, eg a prospective migrant who poses a serious danger to public safety.

MG413 Deportation costs will be paid by or recovered from the deportee where they can reasonably afford it.

MG414 Transport providers must not be penalised for bringing people without the required visas, etc. to the UK.

MG415 We will provide advice and assistance in appropriate languages at ports of entry and provide legal aid for immigration cases.

MG416 We will provide accurate information about conditions in the UK to prospective migrants.

MG417 We will undertake a thorough review of UK Immigration Practices and the UK Immigration Service to ensure that racist features are removed and immigration officers receive sufficient suitable training. We will encourage greater ethnic minority participation in the Immigration Service.

MG418 We will ensure that sufficient staff and resources are available to effect these policies.

Immigration and the EC

MG420 We will resist all attempts to introduce a 'barrier round Europe' shutting out non-Europeans or giving them more restricted rights of movement within Europe than European Nationals.

Environmental Migrants

MG430 We will produce and implement contingency plans for the future financial and other support of environmental migrants. We will encourage such planning by international agencies, non-governmental organisations, other countries, the European Community and local government.

Other

MG440 We will encourage periods of temporary residence in the UK and abroad, particularly by young people, to promote intercultural awareness.

MG441 We will encourage local authorities to take account of family union requirements of their residents in allocating public housing, independent of the current location of the other family members.

Trafficking in People

MG450. Trafficking in human beings takes place when one person encourages a citizen of another country to enter or stay in another country in order to exploit that person. This may involve the use of deceit or any other form of coercion, or the abuse of the trafficked person's vulnerable position. The United Nations uses the following definition: "'Trafficking in persons' shall mean the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation."

MG451. Fees demanded by traffickers often place trafficked people and their families in debt. In some countries this extends to debt bondage. By placing trafficked people in debt bondage, or by exploiting their vulnerable status in a country in which they now live illegally and often without knowledge of local language, traffickers are able to force those who have been trafficked into activities in which they would not otherwise engage. Some are forced to work for a pittance, some into domestic servitude, some, particularly women, into the sex industry, and some into crime.

MG452. The Green Party considers that such trafficking in human beings is a gross violation of human rights. Any proposals to deal with this problem should not further victimise those who are already its victims.

MG453. The Government should recognise that those who have been trafficked are the victims of human rights violations and potential witnesses to criminal investigations and prosecutions of the traffickers. Victims should not be subject to summary deportation or expulsion on the grounds of illegal or irregular entry into or residence in the country. Nor should they be prosecuted for any lack of identity documents or other minor offences which are directly attributable to their position as a victim of trafficking.

MG454. The Government should grant a temporary right to stay in the country to anyone who has been trafficked or appears to have been trafficked. It should also recognise the right of those who have been trafficked to apply for a longer term or permanent immigration status, and should treat such an application on the same basis as others seeking to migrate. Such an application should not be affected by the illegal nature of the trafficked person's original residence in the UK. Consideration of any criminal activities by a trafficked person should include consideration of whether they were performed under duress as a victim of trafficking.

 

Migration chapter updates
Spring 2009 - MG421 removed - refer to EU Migration policy EU781-784

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The following additional policy statement can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) on Migration available on the Members webiste:

• Trafficking in People (January 2001)

 

Nationality

Major revision March 1997

Details

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NATIONALITY

Background

NY100 Over the last decades, British nationality law has been used to restrict the number of Black people having the right to live in the UK while maximising the opportunities for white non-residents with British ancestors to retain this right. The Green Party believes that such nationality laws must be reformed.

Principles

NY200 Legal nationality is an expression of rights and responsibilities between individuals and government. It is a different concept from cultural or ethnic identity.

NY201 The Green Party believes that rights and responsibilities between individuals and government should be based on residence. They should be expressed in terms of citizenship rather than nationality.

NY202 We view citizenship as a set of responsibilities and rights based on residence in and commitment to a geographical area. It is gained by living in the area ì not granted by government. It is lost by extended absence.

NY203 In the long term, the Green Party wishes to see the concept of legal nationality abolished. In the short term, while other countries use it, this is not possible.

NY204 While it remains, British nationality must be based predominantly on residence rather than inheritance and must not discriminate by colour or race across generations.

Objectives

NY300 We will work to create a world of global inter-responsibility in which the concept of a 'British national' is irrelevant and outdated.

Long-term Policies

NY400 We will progressively transfer all rights and responsibilities between individuals and government to depend on residence instead of nationality.

NY401 We will seek an alternative to the British Consular Service for protecting individuals overseas.

Short-term Policies

Citizenship

NY500 Responsibilities and rights of citizenship will include Citizens' Income, personal taxation and the right to participate in the democratic process. The Green Party will therefore base the right to vote and to stand in elections on residence rather than nationality. The residence qualification for a responsibility or right will depend on its nature and consequences if temporary residents and visitors will be excluded from some. Responsibilities and rights will be retained for a reasonable period by those normally resident in but temporarily absent from an area. (Note: Further detail including specific durations will go into policy statements).

NY501 We will promote and support, within the European Community, the principle of equal rights for residents (including migrant workers) and nationals, excluding the right to indefinite residence. Residents and nationals should have the same rights of movement and of political, social and religious activity. They should have equal rights in access to housing, employment, welfare services, health care, education and legal aid.

Nationality Law

NY510 We will replace current British nationality legislation in order to provide a single class of British nationality. All British nationals will have the right of residence in the UK. Such British nationality will automatically include all those currently in a category of British nationality which does not give entry to the UK.

NY511 While recognising that the concept of nationality is inherently racially discriminatory, we will ensure that the system of conferring British nationality on those not in receipt of it at birth does not discriminate on grounds of race, colour, religion, political belief, disability, sex or sexual orientation between those who meet one of the following conditions:

a)Present or planned family relationship (including extended family and non-married partnership) to an existing British national;

b)Asylum seekers. (see 'Refugees and Asylum Seekers' section)

NY512 We will ensure that the system of conferring British nationality includes access to an independent appeal process and allows prospective British nationals in the UK to remain during this process.

NY513 This legislation will ensure that British nationality is automatically received by:

a)All children born in the UK.

b)All children born overseas of British nationals normally resident in the UK.

c)All children of British nationals with no other nationality at birth.

NY514 British nationality will also be automatically available prior to their 18th birthday to all children of British nationals born overseas but now normally resident in the UK. Evidence of such residence would be required.

NY515 British nationality will not be automatically available to children of British nationals settled elsewhere, unless the country of birth did not provide them with a nationality or they move to the UK to reside before their 18th birthday.

NY516 We will permit British Nationals to hold multiple nationalities.

Nationality and Employment

NY520 We will accept equivalent overseas educational and professional qualifications for jobs in the public sector and encourage this in the private sector. We will set up a register of overseas qualifications and their UK equivalents to assist this. We will encourage and fund supplementary training or conversion courses where necessary.

NY521 We will make Civil Service jobs available to all suitably qualified residents except where this gives an objective conflict of interest in the individual case.

Other

NY530 We will provide sufficient staff and resources for nationality applications to be processed without excessive delay. No fees will be charged for processing nationality applications.

NY531 On the independence or secession of any part of the United Kingdom, all British nationals residing in the area affected will be offered the option of retaining British nationality (as well as or instead of any nationality of the new area).

 

Nationality chapter last updated Spring 1997

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Natural Resources & Waste Management

Major revision January 1990

Details

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NATURAL RESOURCES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

Background

NR100 The natural resources that are considered in this section include fossil fuels, metalliferous and bulk minerals, water and reusable or recyclable waste materials. Policies affecting the use of natural resources are also contained in the Sections on Agriculture, Forestry, Food, Countryside, Pollution, Energy, Population, Transport, International Policy and Economy.

NR101 Raw materials for industrial use are obtained from three sources:

i)non non-renewable primary natural resources, such as fossil fuel and metal ores;

ii)biologically renewable primary natural resources, such as wood and cotton;

iii)waste or used products which have not irreversibly lost their useful characteristics in use and can be recycled as secondary raw materials.

Principles

NR200 Supplies of natural resources on Earth are finite or require suitable land, which is in limited supply, for their production. Increasing productivity of biologically renewable raw materials is generally coupled with a decrease in genetic diversity and an increased dependence on high high-energy inputs such as fertilisers and pesticides.

NR201 Manufacturing processes using recycled materials require less energy than those exploiting primary natural resources because of the reduced processing required. This energy saving will increase as progressively lower grades of non non-renewable resources need to be exploited as richer deposits are exhausted.

NR202 The energy saved by recycling secondary raw materials is normally greater than that which could be obtained by instead recovering energy from combustible waste.

NR203 To achieve sustainable resource use with minimal environmental impact requires:

i)social and economic policies which will encourage and maintain a reduction in the physical burden human societies place upon our planet;

ii)further regulatory controls for some resources to ensure that the social and environmental impact of their use is acceptable;

iii)research to identify sustainable patterns of resource use for the future.

NR204 In order to achieve increased waste avoidance and higher recycling rates, the government needs to:

i)establish a structure for industry which secures end end-use markets for secondary raw materials;

ii)ensure that the cost of using natural resources takes account of the environmental costs of their extraction or harvesting, processing and disposal.

Long-Term Objectives

NR300 To determine the global availability of resources and identify sustainable patterns of resource resource-use.

NR301 To minimise the consumption of all natural resources and, in particular, non-renewable resources for which supplies are reaching the limits of availability, whether for environmental, technical, physical or political reasons.

NR302 To phase out the routine use of non-renewable materials for product-uses in which they cannot be easily be recycled for the same purpose.

NR303 To minimise damage, including the reduction of genetic and ecological diversity, caused to the natural environment by extracting or growing natural resources for industrial use.

Short-Term Objectives

NR310 To slow down the consumption of non-renewable raw materials before the onset of scarcity and at the same time give incentives to society as a whole to investigate alternatives.

NR311 To induce industry to invest in resource saving technology by:

minimising waste during manufacturing pro processes; cesses;

the manufacture of long life products which can be repaired or reused;

greater conservation of energy in industry;

the development of anti-pollution devices.

NR312 To introduce new priorities for waste management:

so that unnecessary waste is avoided;

so that the efficient reuse, recycling and composting or digestion of waste is maximised;

to work towards a target of zero waste. The zero waste concept encompasses producer responsibility, eco-design, waste reduction, reuse and recycling, all within a single framework with the aim of eliminating altogether waste sent to landfill or incinerators.

NR313 Intensify research into the recycling of secondary raw materials.

NR314 To provide safe drinking water to all people and to encourage the adoption of levels of domestic and industrial water consumption which minimise damage to the environment through entrapment and treatment works.

NR315 Promote research into ecologically sound cultivation techniques for renewable raw materials and develop less energy intensive methods of cropping and processing.

NR316 To ensure that the transition towards sustainable resource-use occurs in such a way as to achieve and guarantee social justice, equity and economic stability.

NR317 Taking account of the genuine benefits available from trade, to encourage self-reliance, whereby people collectively within communities can determine their own needs and meet these as far as possible from the resources available to them.

NR318 To work towards achieving international agreements on the use of natural resources, which take full account of the need to guarantee sustainability and to minimise damage to the natural environment.

Policies

NR400 The Green Party believes that the policies in this section should be enacted in a coordinated manner throughout Europe. However, in the absence of pan-European or European Union agreement on these measures, a Green Party government will be prepared to implement them unilaterally as far as possible at a national level.

Local and Regional Policies

NR410 Local Councils will be given full powers to establish waste recovery and sorting facilities for the collection of all domestic and commercial waste and to sell recovered materials to industry for recycling.

NR411 The duty to dispose of waste collected by District Councils will be transferred to Regional Waste Disposal Authorities, controlled by District Councils and other community representatives, with the costs of disposal charged to all District Councils in direct relation to the quantity of waste collected for disposal by each District. This will give District Councils an incentive to promote waste reduction and to increase waste recycling, as they will save directly on disposal costs.

NR412 District Councils will be required to recover for recycling at least 60% of recyclable domestic waste within 5 years. At the end of this period an increased target will be set, which is based on an assessment by the Standards Commission (see NR425), of how much further unnecessary waste can be avoided and which incorporates targets for waste reduction and the composting or digestion of organic waste.

NR413 Water companies will be required to enter into joint arrangements with Regional Waste Disposal Authorities to build digestion plants to produce biogas and/or compost from organic waste from agricultural sources, sewage and municipal waste (see EN812). The discharge into domestic sewers of polluting waste from industry which would detrimentally affect digestion or digestion products will be prohibited.

Transitional policy on municipal waste disposal

NR414 In the medium- to longer-term, we firmly believe that the policies in this chapter designed to prevent waste arising in the first place are the most important ones to adopt. However, local authorities currently have a statutory duty to dispose of domestic waste, and implementation of the Landfill Directive - which quite correctly imposes progressively diminishing targets on the maximum amount of biodegradable waste that can be sent to landfill - means that local authorities are having to revise their waste strategies. Many authorities have opted for large scale incineration, often in the face of considerable local opposition. Green councillors are necessarily involved in creating new waste strategies, which are only second best and transitional strategies towards the longer-term solutions set out in this chapter.

NR415 In creating any such short-term strategy the following context needs to be taken into account:

i)while the economy continues to grow in wasteful ways, the domestic waste stream will increase in size, whatever local councils do;

ii)there is considerable scope to promote greater reuse of perfectly good things that have been thrown away;

iii)there is growing public willingness to participate in recycling schemes;

iv)kerbside recycling schemes in some areas currently recover quite high proportions of dry recyclables and compostable waste, and there is scope for replicating this far more widely;

v)encouraging domestic composting reduces the transport of waste;

vi)domestic waste is only a part of total waste, which also includes industrial and commercial waste and construction and demolition waste;

vii)there is very considerable technical development taking place in waste management at the moment, and it is not possible unequivocally to recommend a particular technical route;

viii)nevertheless large-scale incineration of residual waste (that is after dry-recyclables and compostable waste have been removed so far as they can be) is usually dangerously polluting, and still creates a toxic final product for landfill (see EN813);

ix)modern approaches, such as mechanical and biological treatment, anaerobic digestion and possibly even gasification, sometimes used in combination, may offer reduced pollution and a smaller amount of less damaging material going to landfill;

x)there is scope with anaerobic digestion and gasification to produce biogas and syngas respectively, which can be converted to hydrogen and then used, for example, to power public transport, such as buses, through fuel cells;

xi)it is recognised that some of these newer technologies are more expensive than incineration and landfill;

xii)it is important not to enter into long-term contracts or arrangements which require large minimum volumes of waste, and so create an incentive to maintain or increase the size of the overall waste stream.

NR416 While there will necessarily be local variation, the most promising approaches seem likely to involve:

i)having a clear hierarchy of waste treatments, with reuse first, followed by recycling and composting, followed by treating the residual waste in non non-polluting ways that produce useful products like biogas and the least possible quantity of inert material for landfill;

ii)encouraging home composting;

iii)investing considerable effort in educating and persuading householders to separate their waste into dry recyclables, compostable wastes and residual refuse, and not to place certain hazardous items (for example, paint, pesticides and items containing NiCad batteries) into the municipal waste stream at all;

iv)aiming to have no more than 20% residual waste, and to recycle and compost more than 80%;

v)organising kerbside collection of all three streams;

vi)sorting the dry recyclables either at the kerbside or at a materials recovery facility, and ensuring that the dry recyclables are put to high value uses;

vii)preferring mechanical and biological treatment and anaerobic digestion, possibly in tandem;

viii)no incineration of residual waste;

ix)cautiously exploring the possibility of gasification, but not accepting it if the feedstock contains too many recyclables and if there are pollution risks;

x)accepting that in the short-term some residual waste after treatment will end up in landfill, but that that waste should be inert and pose no danger to watercourses;

xi)even without central government specifying it as a responsibility, local authorities looking to reduce, reuse and recycle waste from non-domestic sources within their geographic boundaries.

National Policies

NR420 A Natural Resources Department, a national non-ministerial government body with regional offices, will be established to be responsible for resource exploration and assessment, the maintenance of standards in mining, quarrying and forestry, and the provision of ecological, geological, archaeological and engineering advice. Working with the pollution control bodies and with due regard to relevant pre-existing legislation, the Natural Resources Department will be able to grant and revoke operating licences. Commercial interests will not be permitted to prejudice decisions.

NR421 All mineral rights will be held in trust by the State on behalf of the communities which occupy the land or, in the case of off-shore rights, which border it. Planning consent to exploit minerals will be subject to both local and national agreement. It will be a requirement of such consent that the environmental impact of any work is minimised and for extraction activities to maximise the resources obtained. The affected land should be returned to a similar or improved ecological status.

NR422 Industrial users of raw materials (e.g. smelters and pulp mills) shall keep annual records of the ratio of primary source materials to those recycled. Through the application of Resource Taxation (NR423) they will be encouraged to reduce raw material consumption in favour of reclaimed materials.

NR423 A system of Resource Taxation will be introduced (see EC780s, EN501) to impose a levy at the earliest possible point in the harvesting or extraction processes for all natural resources. The Natural Resource Tax will be applied at the forest, quarry, mine or port of entry, with the Natural Resources Department advising the Treasury on the levels at which it should be set. Resource Taxes will be levied at a zero or reduced rate on recycled materials and at a zero rate on reused products. The effect of Resource Taxation will be to encourage not only sustainable production but also waste reduction, recycling and avoidance through reuse and repair. As a transitional step towards the full introduction of Resource Taxation, a zero VAT rating will be introduced for the use of recycled materials and reused packaging.

NR424 A Waste Avoidance and Recycling Act will include measures to:

i)allow minimum recycled contents to be statutorily imposed upon suitable products;

ii)ban unnecessary disposable products and packaging, where their non-use would lead to a net reduction in environmental impact;

iii)introduce specifications for the design of packaging to minimise waste and maximise recyclables recyclables;

iv)impose a variable Recovery Charge on all packaging and short-life disposable products (such as newspapers), including on imported goods, with the revenue distributed to District Councils on a per-capita basis to finance waste recovery schemes (the Charge will be set at separate rates for different materials so as to enable the viability of their recovery to be equalised; for example, the Charge will be much higher on plastic than on glass packaging);

v)introduce mandatory deposits, refundable by retailers, to encourage the separate collection of toxic waste materials, such as batteries;

vi)allow for the introduction of mandatory returnable deposits on drinks containers.

NR425 A Standards Commission will be established incorporating the British Standards Institute, the Design Council and the Patents Office, whose duties will be:

i)to exercise quality control on consumer products, setting minimum standards for safety and design, recyclability, durability, ease of repair and maximum energy efficiency in use;

ii)to determine rates for Recovery Charges on packaging and short-life disposable products (see NR424 iv);

iii)to assess the maximum waste recovery levels achievable by District Councils (see NR412);

iv)to investigate the feasibility of an amortisation tax applied to consumer goods which rises inversely with the length of useful life of the article;

v)to determine increased guarantees and spares-availability periods required of manufacturers for all long-life products;

vi)to set statutory targets for minimum recycled contents for suitable products, such as newspapers, glass and metal containers and all paper and plastic packaging which does not come directly into contact with food (the content targets will be set at levels sufficient to ensure that the recovery targets required by NR412 can be achieved);

vii)to award quality labels to approved products meeting design, energy efficiency and minimum environmental standards;

viii)to assess the comparative advantages of different packaging systems and, in particular, to determine whether the reuse or recycling of drinks containers should be preferred;

ix)to determine refundable deposit levels necessary or returnable items (see NR424 v & vi);

x)to ensure that the ownership of patent rights are not used to restrict the application of socially and environmentally useful inventions.

NR426 Regional offices of the Natural Resources Department will be responsible for issuing consents to abstract water for agricultural, domestic and industrial use. Consents will only be issued provided that avoidable or unacceptable environmental costs will not result and provided that the Best Available Technology is being used to minimise pollution potential of subsequent discharges. Where granted, consents will be levied at rates which reflect as fully as possible any social and environmental costs which nevertheless may still result.

NR427 Substantial grants will be made available, via the Natural Resources Department, to universities, polytechnics and other research institutions for the investigation of waste recycling technology, renewable energy and other resource resource-saving strategies.

NR428 The Green Party is opposed to the private ownership of water, which will have severe environmental and social consequences, and to the implications for land ownership, particularly in upland areas. We believe that the water service should be run with the direct participation of the communities concerned. In the short-term, this means a decentralised system of industrial democracy where the consumers of the service work with those who produce the service towards the following common ends:

i)the protection of the environment, e.g. the banning of all discharges to water (from point and diffuse sources) of any toxic or bio-accumulative substances;

ii)the provision of potable quality water for all individual consumers at a reasonable price;

iii)meeting standards laid down at national and EU level, the removal of Crown exemption, and public debate about all the scientific evidence of the levels necessary to safeguard the environment;

iv)freedom of information and the direct participation of people at local and regional levels;

v)an enforcement agency that is free of vested interests, adequately staffed and given the necessary punitive powers.

The Green Party will bring all water resources stored and routed for public consumption, from reservoir to tap, in England & Wales back into public ownership at national level. However, local water resources will be administered and run by democratically elected local bodies based on water catchment areas.

International Policies

NR430 The import and export of waste would be prohibited, unless it is to be recycled.

NR431 Through the United Nations, or other international agencies, the Green Party calls for and supports programmes with the following aims:

i)in the short-term, to establish an international code of conduct for trans-national companies to minimise environmental damage and prevent harm to indigenous populations from resource extraction;

ii)in the longer-term, to return control over resource extraction from trans-national companies to local indigenous populations (the full and fair participation of indigenous and local communities must be of paramount importance in all decisions about natural resource resources production, extraction and profit);

iii)to establish agreements guaranteeing that tropical hardwoods and products are supplied and used on a sustainable basis;

iv)to prohibit further monopolisation and standardisation of crop seeds, to encourage greater use of local varieties and to maintain a rich genetic diversity and so prevent the higher risk of large scale crop failure associated with genetic homogeneity;

v)to manage in a controlled manner the mineral resources of the seas, outside of territorial waters, for the common benefit of all the worlds peoples;

vi)to enforce a moratorium on the prospecting and extraction of raw materials from international wilderness areas, such as Antarctica;

vii)to research the global availability of resources and identify sustainable patterns of resource-use. (see also EC921)

 

Natural Resources & Waste Management chapter last updated Autumn 2006

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The following additional policy statements can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) on Natural Resources available on the Members webiste:

• RNR03.1 Zero Waste Strategy and the Doorstep Recycling Bill (Spring 2003)
• RNR04.1 Britain’s Waste Crisis (Spring 2004)
• RNR07.1 Oil Exploration in Cardigan Bay (Spring 2007)
• RNR08.1 Marine Bill (Autumn 2008)

 

Peace & Defence

Major revision January 1990

Details

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PEACE AND DEFENCE

Background

PD100 The nature of conflict in the twenty-first century is highly complex, involving state and non-state participants at every level. Much international conflict today arises directly or indirectly from the abuse of power by rich Northern nations.

PD101 Raging local conflicts have risen up the international agenda and attempts to address the conflict between peoples have varied in efficacy and moral justification. Particularly, there has been a predominance of peace-enforcement over conflict prevention in terms of priority and expenditure by developed nations, including our own.

PD102 The United Kingdom has not been under significant threat of armed invasion since 1941 and such an event is unlikely to occur in the foreseeable future.

General Principles

Common Security - Building a Culture of Trust

PD200 The citizens and communities within a green society will create for themselves rewarding work, adequate housing, material security, appropriate education, accessible and sensitive public services, a secure present and hope for the future, all within the framework of a sustainable, ecologically benign economy. The world we build for our children will not depend on exploitative economic relationships or on new roles for outdated security alliances, but on the acceptance of our global interdependence. The present environmental destruction threatens our common survival; we have no choice but to build common and co-operative responses.

PD201 Warfare in the context of present offensive weapon systems, nuclear or non-nuclear, is so dangerous that it can not be regarded as a sane instrument of policy. Common security measures seek to build trust and co-operation, to prevent destructive conflict, to build a just local and global society based upon fairness. In a Common Security framework potential adversaries co-operate to enhance each other's security and well being, rather than competing for military advantage in a spiralling arms race. An important element of common security is the progressive reduction and eventual abolition by treaty of all offensive weaponry.

PD202 "Defence" is the protection of homeland against attack and does not justify pre-emptive strikes against nations and organisations. Military intervention for peacekeeping or conflict prevention cannot be justified unilaterally. It is irrational and immoral to continue activities that exacerbate threats to international and local security.

Effectiveness

PD203 The first objective of all government policy must be to provide real, sustainable security effectively. Real security cannot be based upon a balance of nuclear terror, nor upon a global domination by a group of states operating largely from self-interest. Societies and their governments must instead address the real threats facing us, by engaging in ecological and socially sustainable practices, eradicating poverty, and by building trust between peoples.

Minimum Military Preparations; Proportionality

PD204 The defence budget needs to be adequate to ensure security, but no more so. Military preparations are a drain on our resources, as well as being a source of threat. Even peacetime military activities can have major impacts on communities, on the environment, and on a healthy democracy. All military capabilities and exercises should have specific military objectives built on real and credible threat scenarios. They should be proportional to the threat, sufficient to respond adequately, but not disproportionate.

PD205 Nuclear weapons are political weapons of terror, and are disproportionate to any threat. Further, since there is a finite possibility that the policy of nuclear deterrence will fail, and the ecological and social consequences of such a failure would be catastrophic, the deterrence system must be abandoned. The Green Party is committed to pursuing immediate and unconditional nuclear disarmament.

Minimum Intervention

PD206 Military intervention in disputes by external powers rarely solves the problem, and more often reinforces animosities. Emphasis at all times must be on forms of peaceful assistance to local and international organisations working to resolve conflict, to protect local culture and sustainable practices, to engage in genuine mediation and the building of strong democratic institutions, and to build links between the people within conflicting communities.

PD207 In those desperate situations when this becomes impossible and some form of military intervention involving UK forces is necessary in the immediate term to prevent conflict or extreme and sustained oppression, it must be under the auspices of the United Nations (UN) or within Europe under the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

Legitimacy & Consistency with International Law

PD208 Any defence policy must be consistent with the values of the society it seeks to protect, or else it undermines those very values. A Green defence policy will be democratic, accountable, sustainable, and life-affirming. We are totally opposed to policies based on mass-killing or threatened mass-killing. It is contradictory to seek to defend a Green society by such means and such policies cannot form a valid and stable basis for a peaceful world. Any defence policy must be consistent with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

Public accountability and active citizen participation

PD209 Defence decisions by a Green government will only be made after proper public debate based on the provision of the fullest possible information. Defence budgets must be published in such a way that the public can learn the costs of individual weapon systems at an early stage. No agreement or alliances with other nations should be entered into without prior parliamentary consent.

Short- and medium-term policies

UK Defence Policy

Peace building

PD300 The policies espoused in the rest of this PSS are all intended to build a culture of trust among peoples, as well as the primary goals they proclaim. In particular, International (IP) and European (EU) policy is intended to create a world where regions collaborate where necessary and interact peaceably.

PD301 We would promote town twinning, exchange visits, pen friend schemes and Internet-based methods for learning about other countries and cultures by direct contact. One of the main purposes of embassies would be to learn about culture and current affairs of their host countries by immersion in a wide variety of local activities. The UN should provide significant support for building effective law and order systems that are not affected by corruption, and for support of free and democratic elections.

Defence

PD302 On inspection, there is little or no threat of direct invasion of the UK by any nation. Commitment to a large standing army, a navy of large warships around our coastline, squadrons of fighter planes and a cripplingly expensive missile defence system is therefore unnecessary. Any threat of invasion that might arise in the future is so remote that realignment of the UK military and defence preparations would be possible long before any invasion occurred.

PD303 Similarly, the unhelpful and aggressive concept of nuclear deterrence (with the inherent dangers of handling concentrated radioactive substances) is also redundant. As such, immediate nuclear disarmament would be a priority of a Green Government.

PD304 The role for military personnel in defending sensitive establishments would also be reduced by the fact that they would be severely reduced in number. At present the military has a sizeable commitment to defending itself, particularly facilities related to nuclear weaponry.

PD305 A residual role for military personnel would exist in detection and apprehension of criminals attempting to by-pass customs and immigration. Green Party policy on drugs and migration, along with its contribution to a more equitable world society, would diminish this role too. Other duties would include policing fishing quotas, piracy and oceanic environmental regulations.

PD306 Such standing forces as are retained will sign up to a formal contract, which will include the following points:

1. In exchange for putting their lives on the line when necessary for the security of the country, or in the protection of civilians of other countries in pursuit of the UN Responsibility to Protect, the State undertakes to respect and look after injured service personnel giving  them decent living standards, whether serving or not serving due to their injury, and to their dependents in the event of their being killed.
2. All serving personnel will be required to sign a pledge that they will not obey any order which would entail any breach of international law. In particular they will be able to disobey any order that required them to fire on unarmed civilians of their own or any other country.

 

Democratic control

PD307 Military action must have the mandate of the UK Parliament. To support effective military action, this need be no more than an outline of the campaign but necessary speed of response is no excuse when Parliament can be called at a day's notice.

PD308 We will therefore include in our Freedom of Information legislation, clauses to cover the provision of defence information, including a definition of what constitutes a threat to national security. We will also insist on the publication of the annual Defence Estimates in a more informative and detailed manner. Outside times of conflict, all military decisions and expenditure will be available for scrutiny by Parliament and the public.

Person power

PD309 We would reform the Territorial Army to become a body of both civilian and military volunteers, willing to contribute their services in times of domestic and international crisis. As such doctors, nurses, civil engineers, heavy plant drivers and administrators (for example) would be encouraged to make themselves available for reserve work. International volunteer work would be co-ordinated in Europe by the OSCE and further afield by the relevant body of the UN. The military component of the TA would become a larger proportion of the army's overall numbers. This is in line with the aim of having a non-aggressive stance while retaining the ability to scale up the army's strength if necessary. It would also root the army's values more effectively within the values of the wider society it is tasked to protect.

PD310 Non-conscripted soldiers (and military sailors and air-crew) will still be required for permanent defence duties and participation in international peace-enforcement. The minimum age of recruitment to the Armed Forces will be 18 or older. All members of the Armed Forces will be entitled to the same rights as any civilian employee, including the rights to refuse orders on grounds of conscience and trade union membership. The responsibility and complexity of the military role envisaged by us will require a higher level of training than offered at present.

PD311 Expertise in the UK military in disaster support will continue to be offered for UN operations and harnessed in the training of civilian volunteers. We will aim to put a standing body of unarmed units, under the aegis of the UN, ready to respond to civil disasters such as floods, earthquakes and hurricanes.

Conversion of military industry

PD312 The Green Party is committed to the early conversion of economic, scientific and technological resources presently used to support the arms race, to socially useful and productive ends. Some military training areas should be decommissioned and used as nature reserves, with suitable provision for access by the public.

PD313 An imaginative programme of arms conversion could use many of the skills and resources at present tied up in military industry, to create new jobs and produce socially useful products. Conversion would also free research and development expertise and capital. New renewable energy industries, for instance, could be set up in the same area and use the same skills and resources as the existing arms industries e.g. wave power (shipbuilding), wind power (aerospace) and tidal power (power engineering).

Weapons of mass destruction and indiscriminate action

PD400 Weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons (see PD406-410) and biological weapons (see PD411-412) must be dismantled and banned by international agreement.

PD401 Mines (devices designed to be triggered by human activity, whether individuals, groups or vehicles), cluster-bombs and "booby-trap" devices cannot be used effectively without significant risk of death or injury to the civilian population, either during or after a period of conflict, and must therefore be banned international agreement.

PD402 In the absence of effective international agreements on the elimination of weapons of mass destruction and indiscriminate action, a Green Government would unilaterally dismantle and dispose of its stocks, while continuing to campaign for others to follow suit.

PD403 Deterrence is a self-sustaining policy that will only lead to escalating military expenditure. Deterrence with weapons of mass destruction relies on an unconscionable threat.

PD404 What underpins the law of armed conflict, is a prohibition against any form of indiscriminate attack. Nuclear deterrence however, is based on a commitment, at some levels of escalation, to destroy 'enemy' towns and cities. International lawyers state that the use of these weapons would be a breach of international law, as embodied in the Geneva and other conventions. The General Assembly of the United Nations also declared (in 1961) that the use of nuclear weapons is contrary to international law and the laws of humanity.

PD405 Threats to commit the crime of mass murder is itself a criminal act - thus threats to use weapons of mass destruction are a crime.

Nuclear weapons

PD406 The United Kingdom has many nuclear weapons and acts as the host for many more US nuclear weapons. We cannot condemn and attack countries for wishing to obtain weapons of mass destruction as long as we still possess them.

PD407 The Green Party rejects any reliance on nuclear weapons. This rejection means that we will decommission UK's own nuclear weapons and insist on the removal of US nuclear bases. No further research will take place into nuclear weapons and the export of nuclear technology will be stopped. Ships carrying nuclear weapons will be banned from British ports.

PD408 We will mount an international information campaign explaining our non-nuclear policy. We will work for the worldwide cessation of nuclear weapons testing, development and deployment using new and existing international treaties.

PD409 US research programmes into "National Missile Defense" (NMD, or Star Wars I and II) have been an unmitigated failure. Even if the technological objectives of meeting intercontinental ballistic missiles with other missiles could be achieved, the expense and risk of continuing the arms race in this way would still make the programme unsupportable. Besides, NMD contravenes the 1992 Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty. We will not allow UK facilities to be used for any attempted implementation of NMD.

PD410 Some form of independent reassurance that these disarmament measures have been carried out is essential. We will reclassify the UK as a non-nuclear state under the terms of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and open the country to the appropriate international inspection agencies.

Chemical, neurological and biological weapons

PD411 Biological weapons have been banned, but stockpiling and research on chemical weapons continues. We will end all research into these weapons and work for the early completion of a Chemical Weapons' Treaty. Existing reservations concerning the 1925 Geneva protocol will be renounced.

PD412 We will provide financial support for the urgent decommissioning of chemical weapons in the former Soviet Union.

Environmental warfare

PD420 The relationship between armed conflict and the environment involves many different domains: from environmental modification as a deliberate objective in war, to the environmental consequences of particular weapon systems. The Green Party unequivocally renounces these means of waging war. We will support (and seek to strengthen) all international conventions on the issue. The horrendous damage that conflict can wreak on the environment is a strong driver toward more effective peace building (PD 300-301). The use of nuclear weapons and weaponry hardened with depleted uranium (DU) creates radioactive pollution with unacceptable long-term effects.

The Arms Trade

PD430 An acceptance of military means of defence and peace-enforcement requires an acceptance of the existence of arms manufacture. Hence, although weapons of mass destruction will not be made under a Green Government, moderate quantities of conventional weapons and vehicles will. A green Government will have less commitment to protecting either the UK or the EU arms manufacturing industries.

PD431 Sales of military equipment to other countries will be tightly controlled by a stricter licensing system involving the Foreign Office, Ministry of Defence, Department for International Development, and Revenue and Customs. Equipment exported will be of a defensive nature only, or strictly and verifiably for use in international campaigns sanctioned by the UN or its regional organisation. Such a licensing system will take proper account of social sustainability criteria, human rights and regional stability issues. There will be a presumption against supply unless an export fulfils all criteria.

PD432 We will end all subsidies to arms exports, close DESO (Defence Export Services Organisation) and the Export Credit Guarantee Department, and disband service units that presently demonstrate British defence equipment. British military training overseas will be focused on sustainability and democracy issues, seeking to spread the model of a democratically controlled minimal security sector.

PD433 We will promote assertively the control and reduction of arms transfers. We will press for the extension of the UN Register of Arms Transfers to include production and stocks, and to extend significantly the number of categories in the interests of greater transparency. We will advocate the setting up of an inspectorate associated with the Register that is independent of the major powers.

PD434 The production, caching, and transport of ammunition can be more easily controlled than that of arms as it has a distinctive odour. Sniffer dogs are routinely trained to identify the presence of explosives and ammunition. Countries and agencies that invest in more sniffer dogs can more easily prevent the transfer of these lethal products across their borders. They could also use the dogs to lead searches for ammunitions caches in the interior, and for ammunition factories.

PD435 In order to produce ammunition, a manufacturer needs to obtain large quantities of certain chemicals. The Green Party will require that these chemicals to be put on a register, so that purchasers will have to give information about where and for what they will be used. In this way, the production of illicit ammunition will be made more difficult.

Terrorism

PD440 Terrorism is an extremely loaded term, frequently used by those in power to justify excessive use of force or the weakening of controls on the exercise of their power. Sometimes governments justify their own terrorist acts by labelling any groups that resist their monopoly of violence "terrorist". A Green government, by implementing principles laid out elsewhere in this manifesto, particularly those of self-determination and non-interventionist foreign policies, would seek to overcome the unjust divisions within our global and domestic society and address the desperate motivations that lie behind many atrocities labelled "terrorist".

PD441 However, democratic societies need to protect themselves against those who seek to use terror and violence against them and to have plans in place that mitigate against the effects of attack. In a complex, modern society, it will be a long time before we can entirely eradicate the root causes of "terrorism". Any measures to protect society should not undermine the fundamental values that shape a green society: inclusion, justice and equality.

PD442 Police and intelligence investigations of terrorist activity need to be well resourced, and given sufficient freedom to ensure their safety and efficacy. They must, though, be carried out in a transparent and accountable way, and remain within the law.

PD443 Those accused or found guilty of atrocities, or planning to commit, aid or abet in their execution, should be dealt with under the same principles as those accused of more conventional criminal activities. In particular, those accused of supporting terrorist acts should have normal rights against arbitrary arrest or imprisonment. It should not be a crime simply to belong to an organisation or have sympathy with its aims, though it should be a crime to aid and abet criminal acts or deliberately fund such acts.

PD444 We support the inclusion of crimes of terrorism in the mandate of the International Criminal Court and, in the meantime, the use of ad hoc courts under UN auspices, on neutral territory but under the law of the country in which the crime was committed.

PD445 The contribution of particular activities (such as air travel and nuclear power) to the general risk to society of massive attack should be adequately factored into public choice about their funding and future.

Shared Intelligence

PD450 Military intelligence plays a crucial role in building rational, informed decisions over the use and preparations of military resources. However, not only can it undermine many of the values of a society (see legitimacy) when exercised unchecked, but it can build up a culture of suspicion and conflict; the Cold War was built upon a war of espionage. A Green government would rely upon intelligence mainly gathered openly from a wide range of sources. We would have a more extensive network of independent contacts in regular communication across the world, engaged in other genuine economic activities, passively picking up political, social and military information by their very presence within a society. Military intelligence would be under similar democratic constraints to other activities.

International Organisations and Treaties

The European Union

PD500 We view the European Union (EU) as the civilian organisation to which matters that cannot be dealt with more locally should be brought (see EU120ff). Our vision of the EU is not that of a global power bloc or broker. However, maintenance of peaceful external relations is a common concern of the countries of Europe and any outward facing EU policy is de-facto foreign policy.

PD501 It is deeply regrettable that the EU has taken the first steps towards militarisation, by the formation of the so-called Rapid Reaction Force. Our primary aim is to reverse this process. In doing so, we anticipate the reduction of tensions between the EU, its neighbours and other countries and the ability to strive, once again, for transparency and democracy within the EU.

PD502 We would opt out of any militarised aspects of the EU, including the Rapid Reaction Force and we will back every attempt to ensure democratic control over the Rapid Reaction Force and any other military elements.

PD503 We oppose the existence of the Western European Union (WEU) and support its abolition. (see EU620 and EU622)

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

PD504 The OSCE is inclusive of all European countries. It uses consensus decision-making and is not dominated by the larger countries. It refrains from unwanted interference in the internal affairs of member countries. It works in co-operation with Non Governmental Organisations.

PD505 We welcome the OSCE's broader view of the concept of common security, which in many ways is similar to the Green concept. The aim of the OSCE is to prevent and solve conflicts, both in the short and the long run, by addressing the underlying causes (such as human rights abuses, economic inequalities, and ethnic tensions).

PD506 The use of consensus decision making in the OSCE means that action takes time to agree and compromises have to be made, but the decisions made have strong support. We also support the OSCE's emphasis on arms control and disarmament and the provision of mutual rights of inspection into other countries' security affairs, demonstrating the value of openness and transparency in building mutual confidence.

PD507 The Green Party recognises the need to develop the OSCE to render it more effective in achieving the implementation of the Helsinki Accords. However, this must not be at the expense of the characteristics above, which attract our support.

PD509 We recognise the OSCE's role as a regional organisation of the United Nations (UN). Inter-regional peace building and war prevention must have the mandate of the UN. This requirement over-rides any perceived relationship with Commonwealth countries.

The United Nations

PD510 The United Nations is based on the principle of national sovereignty. While recognising that the old concept of sovereignty and the nation state has its limits and problems, erosion of this principle, however, carries the danger of legitimising international intervention, which is neither invited nor strictly defensive. Any erosion of national sovereignty within the UN Charter must therefore be on very limited and closely controlled criteria such as the prevention of genocide.

PD511 The current structure of the UN Security Council, with permanent seats for France, the UK, the US, Russia and China, is undemocratic and unworkable due to the right of veto. All permanent seats on the UN Security Council should be abolished, all nations should take a seat in turn, continents should be represented in proportion to their populations, and decisions should be made by a 2/3 majority. In the absence of this reform, we would accept a mandate given by a 2/3 majority of the General Assembly and by the relevant regional organisation of the UN.

PD512 Because of previous involvement in UN peacekeeping operations, Britain is well placed to assist in an international training programme on behalf of the UN, as well as to supply personnel and equipment. In Commonwealth countries, the UK's knowledge and contacts can be particularly useful.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

PD513 The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is a military-oriented body, which imposes conflict cessation rather than encouraging peace building. As such, it is not a sustainable mechanism for maintaining peace in the world. We would take the UK out of NATO unilaterally. We would also end the so-called "special relationship" between the UK and the US.

International Conclusions

PD514 The Green Party sees the OSCE as the most suitable existing forum for developing peace across Europe.

PD515 We believe that increased effectiveness and development of the OSCE require a transfer of resources to it from other security institutions such as NATO and the WEU.

 

Peace & Defence chapter updates
Autumn 2008: PD434-5 Ammunition inserted, renumbered PD413-424 to PD420-445
Autumn 2008: PD306 Armed Forces inserted, renumbered PD306-312 to PD407-313

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The following additional policy statements can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) on Peace & Defence available on the Members webiste:

• RTR95.1 Financing the Arms Trade (Autumn 1995)
• RTR99.1 Alleged NATO War Crimes (Autumn 1999)
• RTR01.1 September 11th Attacks (Au-tumn 2001)
• RTR01.2 Aftermath of September 11th Attacks (Autumn 2001)
• RTR02.1 War on Terror (Spring 2002)
• RTR02.2 Nuclear Weapons (Spring 2002)
• RTR02.3 Iraq (Spring 2002)
• RTR02.4 Condemnation of Terrorism (Autumn 2002)
• RTR02.5 Condemnation of Proposals for Military Intervention in Iraq (Autumn 2002)
• RTR03.1 The War on Iraq Would be Illegal (Spring 2003)
• RTR03.2 Iraq, War Illegal and Immoral (Spring 2003)
• RTR03.3 Iraq: a Peaceful Way Out of the Crisis (Spring 2003)
• RTR03.4 Iraq – the Longer Term (Spring 2003)
• RTR03.5 Situation in Iraq (Autumn 2003)
• RTR04.1 Iraq Special Investigation (Spring 2004)
• RTR04.2 Iraq ‘Transitional Law’ (Spring 2004)
• RTR04.3 An End to the Occupation of Iraq (Autumn 2004)
• RTR05.1 Middle East Security and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (Spring 2005)
• RTR06.1 The Middle East (Spring 2006)
• RTR06.2 Trident (Autumn 2006)
• RTR06.3 Britain’s Relationship with the Middle East, Energy Security and Proliferation (Autumn 2006)
• RTR08.1 Gurkha Right to Settle (Autumn 2008)
• RTR09.1 Privatised Military Academy in Wales (Spring 2009)

 

Philosophical Basis

Major revision January 1979

Details

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PHILOSOPHICAL BASIS of the GREEN PARTY

Statement of Core Principles

PB001 Life on Earth is under immense pressure. It is human activity, more than anything else, which is threatening the well-being of the environment on which we depend. Conventional politics has failed us because its values are fundamentally flawed.

The Green Party isn't just another political party. Green politics is a new and radical kind of politics guided by these core principles;

1.Humankind depends on the diversity of the natural world for its existence. We do not believe that other species are expendable.

2.The Earth's physical resources are finite. We threaten our future if we try to live beyond those means, so we must build a sustainable society that guarantees our long-term future.

3.Every person, in this and future generations, should be entitled to basic material security as of right.

4.Our actions should take account of the well-being of other nations, other species, and future generations. We should not pursue our well-being to the detriment of theirs.

5.A healthy society is based on voluntary co-operation between empowered individuals in a democratic society, free from discrimination whether based on race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion, social origin or any other prejudice.

6.We emphasise democratic participation and accountability by ensuring that decisions are taken at the closest practical level to those affected by them.

7.We look for non-violent solutions to conflict situations, which take into account the interests of minorities and future generations in order to achieve lasting settlements.

8.The success of a society cannot be measured by narrow economic indicators, but should take account of factors affecting the quality of life for all people: personal freedom, social equity, health, happiness and human fulfilment.

9.Electoral politics is not the only way to achieve change in society, and we will use a variety of methods to help effect change, providing those methods do not conflict with our other core principles.

10.The Green Party puts changes in both values and lifestyles at the heart of the radical green agenda.

Green Politics

PB101 "Only after the last tree has been cut down,

Only after the last river has been poisoned,

Only after the last fish has been caught,

Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten."

PB102 Like all creatures, humankind depends upon a healthy natural environment for its survival. Yet it is human activity, more than anything else, which is threatening the environment and, ultimately, threatening the future of life on Earth as we currently know it.

PB103 Conventional political and economic policies are destroying the very foundations of the wellbeing of humans and other animals. Our culture is in the grip of a value system and a way of understanding the world which is fundamentally flawed.

PB104 Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, society has expected continual increases in material affluence for the people of the world, and has therefore relentlessly pursued the goal of economic growth. Some nations, such as our own, have indeed become very rich and yet within them there is still abject poverty. Meanwhile, the poor nations of the world are becoming poorer as wealth continues to be transferred to the rich nations from the poor ones.

PB105 We cannot go on indefinitely exploiting and wasting the natural resources of a finite world. If humans continue to promote policies which require the unlimited consumption of raw materials, it will lead not to more riches, even for the few, but poverty for all.

PB106 The pursuit of economic growth as a force driving over-exploitation of the Earth must cease to be an automatic aim of human societies. We should instead aim to develop sustainable economies, which improve well-being focused on human values rather than consumerism. Traditional measures of economic activity, such as GDP, should be replaced by new indicators that measure progress towards this aim.

PB107 Traditional politics divides humans from nature and the individual from society. The rejection of this way of seeing the world is fundamental to Green philosophy. Rather than set them against each other, the Green Party seeks healthy interdependence of individual, nature and society.

PB108 As human beings, we all have the potential to live co-operatively and harmoniously with each other, and with reverence and respect for the complex web of life of which we are a part. Yet it has become increasingly obvious that this potential cannot be realised while basic human needs remain largely unmet.

PB109 By basic needs we mean not only the physiological needs of food, water, air, shelter and sleep, but also psychological needs. These include the need for love, respect, autonomy, security, and meaningful activity within our communities.

PB110 The fact that many people's basic needs are not met has far reaching consequences. This is expressed as anxiety, insecurity, and aggressive behaviour towards others, and exploitation of their environment. These personal factors give rise to and are then perpetuated by, social institutions which actively encourage oppression, pollution, resource depletion, poverty and military conflict.

PB111 The Green Party therefore places both personal and political change at the heart of its response to the ecological crisis and is committed to creating a society in which individuals, through their ability to satisfy their basic needs more fully, are then able better to contribute to future sustainability. This principle is reflected in the radical Green agenda both for changes in values and lifestyles, and for reformed social, economic and political structures.

PB112 The Green Party values the diversity of ways in which people relate to each other and the natural environment. It seeks a balance between a number of different processes which contribute to human well-being, rather than stressing one at the expense of all others. It refuses to treat any single value, whether freedom, wealth or equality, as a supreme criterion of political success. In an ecological society a wide range of lifestyle choices will be promoted as individuals and communities seek to establish the most appropriate means of implementing sustainability.

Humans in the Environment

PB201 The human species is a latecomer to the biosphere. Our survival depends upon the continued survival of all the ecosystems which evolved before us. The Green Party therefore sees humanity as necessarily a dependent part of the natural environment. When human activity threatens the environment around us, that activity threatens our future survival. Political objectives should accept our dependence, not seek to transgress it. We do not believe that any other species is expendable.

PB202 Conventional politics has established human domination of the exploitable environment as the basis of human power and the basis for hierarchies of wealth. Conventional politics ignores the environment's complexity and full potential value. The Green Party promotes policies which respect it, based on the following key principles:

PB203 Ecological Politics

Each organism is dependent on other species and on the physical world for its survival. Whereas human value judgements normally focus on human needs, value ultimately lies in the well-being of the whole ecosystem. Western society has seen nature as valuable only in so far as it is useful to humans. Where human "development" has irreparably damaged the ecosystem, species have been driven to extinction, and the land is as useless for human purposes as it is for other species.

PB204 Interdependence

The Green Party recognises that humankind depends on its environment for its welfare, and conversely that human activities have a critical impact on environmental processes, with serious implications for the welfare and survival of other species. Therefore the proper relationship between humanity and its environment should be one of interdependence within it, not control over it. Like all forms of life, we take from others and give back in return. We should ensure that human activities contribute to, rather than destroy, the richness of life.

PB205 Diversity

The diversity of species living on this planet is a manifestation of its ecological complexity. This diversity sustains and strengthens all ecosystems so that they are able to withstand shocks to their functioning, such as earthquake or disease. The Green Party recognises the limits of humanity's powers to observe and understand natural processes and therefore recognises the necessity for protecting biodiversity for its own sake. The maintenance and enhancement of biodiversity is demonstrably beneficial to all life on earth, not just humans.

PB206 Sustainability

The central integrating principle underlying all Green Party policies is that all human activities must be indefinitely sustainable. They must neither use resources faster than they can be replaced, nor create effects or products which cannot be assimilated indefinitely by the environment. It is no longer valid to follow conventional short-term political planning practices. The long-term consequences of any activity must always be considered and ideally any planned action must either be in a form that can be continued indefinitely or will lead to a situation which can be indefinitely sustained.

Humans in Society

PB301 Implementing the policies which will create an ecological society will necessarily take many years. It will require a great deal of social change if we are to accommodate the massive environmental changes facing us. We can, nevertheless, identify a number of principles upon which a truly sustainable society will be based.

PB302 Democracy

A healthy society is based on voluntary co-operation between equal individuals in a democratic society. Those decisions that establish a secure basis for such co-operation need to be taken by society as a whole through the democratic processes, but other issues should be left to individuals and communities to decide for themselves. An ecological society will be made up of self-governing communities of a variety of sizes which will regulate their own social and economic activities. Nothing should be decided at a higher level if it can be decided at a lower one. But the Green Party accepts that regional and national governments will continue to have an important role

.

PB303 Equality

The legitimate interests of all people are of equal value. The Green Party rejects all forms of discrimination whether based on race, colour, sex, religion, national origin, social origin or any other prejudice. We accept the need for social institutions to protect the interests of the powerless against the powerful.

PB304 Human Rights

The fundamental, inalienable rights of each individual in a democratic society must be set out in a written constitution. The Green Party promotes the implementation of policies which protect human rights and rejects all forms of exploitation for any purpose whatsoever. Individual human rights include the freedom to combine with others in common endeavours in representative institutions such as trade unions and community groups. The Green Party believes that human rights can only ultimately be protected by the watchful activity of such organisations within society.

PB305 Rights of Future Generations

The suffering of future generations as a result of global warming caused by current generations makes it crucial that their rights are recognised and championed by organisations within society today.

PB306 Minorities

Majority rule is insufficient as the basis for resolving conflicts. The Green Party promotes non-violent solutions to conflict situations. The interests of the minority and of future generations must be included in non-violent processes of conflict resolution in order to achieve lasting settlements.

PB307 Internationalism

It is the proper role of government to be concerned with the well-being of its citizens, but this should not be pursued to the detriment of other nations or future generations.

PB308 Basic Material Security for All

Society should guarantee access to basic material security for all and should provide a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment in both a material and non-material sense. If hardship is even a possibility, a sense of insecurity will prevent individuals from acting in accordance with ecological constraints. A guarantee of security will not ensure voluntary ecological behaviour, but it is a necessary precondition.

Characteristics of a Sustainable Society

Freedom

PB401 The Green Party affirms the importance of individual freedom and self expression. We believe people should be free to make their own decisions on matters which do not adversely affect others. Its importance lies in valuing the opportunity people have to make their own decisions, accept responsibility for them and develop in their own way.

PB402 Our commitment to freedom necessarily requires certain restrictions. Firstly, wealth and power are often used to curtail the freedoms of the poor and powerless. The protection of legitimate freedom therefore requires restrictions on oppressive activities.

PB403 Secondly, individual freedom should not be exercised where that freedom depends on the exploitation or harm to any person or group in society, or to the environment. Where the exercise of such freedoms harms others the Green Party believes it is legitimate that those rights should be curtailed.

PB404 Thirdly, individual freedom includes the freedom to combine with others in common endeavours in such a way that decision-making powers are delegated to representative institutions such as trade unions, community groups and governments.

Wealth

PB410 The Green Party recognises that our wealth must be more broadly defined than simply including payment of money. We benefit as a nation from the wealth of natural resources around us such as clean air, rainfall, energy from the sun and the planet's biodiversity. Our society also depends upon the unpaid work provided by carers and volunteers.

PB411 We reject the view that wealth can be measured solely in monetary units, a view which allows its adherents to think it consists primarily of the results of human labour. This error has caused successive governments to pursue objectives which appear to increase the nation's wealth while in fact they reduce it. Symbols of wealth, like money, reinforce the error and dominate political decision making. Economic growth is a poor guide to human welfare.

PB412 New economic ideas, institutions and organisations are needed to reduce our dependence on such symbols. Economic policy should be directed not to maximising the forms of wealth that can be measured in monetary terms, but to ensuring that the needs of all are met.

PB413 A sustainable society can be prosperous, but it cannot have continually rising affluence. We accept that there is a limit to the wealth each person can receive, and this is true no matter how much or how little work needs to be done to produce that wealth. Some redistribution of income will be required. What wealth there is must be shared in such a way that everyone has a guarantee of economic security, otherwise people will not heed ecological restraints in their daily lives.

Conservation

PB420 Under the present system, economic growth is supported by unlimited consumption of both renewable and non-renewable resources. However, in a finite world there is not an infinite supply of natural resources. The Green Party recognises limits to growth. Limits to growth are likely to be imposed primarily by resource depletion and the ever-increasing costs of pollution. Furthermore, land also is in limited supply. An expanding world population demands expanding food supplies. Irresponsible land use planning, degradation of land through human activity and changes in land quality and availability due to climate change, mean that land must be managed in such a way as to ensure sustainable human development and safeguard biodiversity'

PB421 Conservation of land and natural resources will be very important in order to protect the natural environment from pollution and degradation. The Green Party believes that technologies which promote reuse and recycling of materials and products should be given priority over the production of goods from newly generated resources. We believe our towns and cities should be structured in such a way as to maximise resource conservation.

Progress and Technology

PB430 We value the processes of researching and developing new technologies. However, they should not be considered self-evidently desirable, nor should lifestyles based on more complex technologies be considered necessarily superior to lifestyles based on simpler ones. All too often the expression 'You can't stop progress' is used to express despair, and aptly describes a society which knows it is regressing but has not found the means to stop.

PB431 Technology, like other aspects of human culture, needs to be used selectively and within limits. The path of technological development is not a given, but a choice made by society. We should choose to develop technologies that are inherently beneficial to the common good.

Empowerment

PB440 Power is simply our ability to be effective, but it takes different forms. 'Power over' is dysfunctional, succeeds only at the expense of others and should be limited and contained. 'Power to', or empowerment, is our potential to co-operate and take control over our own lives. Organisations which have based themselves on empowerment have found that they are as successful, if not more, at achieving their aims, and have delivered considerable social and environmental benefits.

PB441 However, 'power over' remains the dominant force in our hierarchical, competitive society. We have to engage with it, but we do so only in order to transform it. This requires changes in law, culture and economics.

PB442 The Green Party does not believe there is an automatic moral obligation on all people to obey their governments. It seeks to maximise the extent to which obedience to laws is based on consent and minimise the need for conformity through deterrence. We believe there are occasions when individuals and groups in society may openly, and peacefully, protest at an unjust law or practice through civil disobedience.

PB443 We seek a society in which people are empowered and involved in making the decisions which affect them. We advocate participatory and democratic politics. Leadership should always be accountable, consensus-driven and moral. We reject the hierarchical structure of leaders and followers.

Property

PB450 The Green Party believes that, since human well-being depends on the use of land and its physical resources, property laws should be designed to ensure that all have access to the things they need. All those who have a stake in property should have a real say in how it is managed. Common goods need to be accountably managed by the community that depends on them.

PB451 Property laws should permit neither states nor individuals to treat their property in whatever way they choose. Instead they should aim to ensure that all people, where they wish it, have their needs met through access to the land and its resources, while maintaining its quality for future generations. Property laws should therefore impose duties on owners as well as granting rights.

Work

PB460 The Green Party recognises that work plays a central part in a healthy and balanced life. People have a natural desire to make a contribution to the common good.

PB461 We therefore oppose the view of work which treats it as an unfortunate necessity to be performed by machines whenever possible and we oppose the reduction of people's working lives to a series of simple, repetitive activities. Labour-saving devices may be valuable in some circumstances, but not all. We believe that access to creative, rewarding work is a fundamental human right. We also oppose the view that hard work is to be praised for its own sake. A healthy life is a balanced one, including time for both work and leisure.

PB462 The quality of work is as important as the quantity. As working practices adapt to new technologies, there is an increasing divide between the work that needs to be done and the paid employment which provides incomes. The Green Party believes that employment policies should aim to match the work which needs to be done with the abilities of people.

Strategy

PB501 We do not believe that there is only one way to change society, or that we have all the answers. We seek to be part of a wider green movement that works for these principles through a variety of means. We generally support those who use reasonable and non-violent forms of direct action to further just aims.

PB502 Our beliefs will bring us into conflict with those committed to material affluence, the accumulation of power and the unsustainable exploitation of the Earth. We are always ready to negotiate with those who oppose us, and seek fair settlements that respect their needs for security, self esteem and freedom of choice.

PB503 We will even work with those who disagree with us where sufficient common ground can be found to do so. However, we do not seek power at any price, and will withdraw our support if we are asked to make irreversible or fundamental compromises.

 

Philosophical Basis last updated Spring 2004

 

Pollution

Major revision January 1990

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POLLUTION

Background

PL100 Uncontrolled economic growth and the increasing human population have led to a massive exploitation of natural resources and are reducing the quality of life on Earth. We have polluted the air, the land, the lakes, rivers and oceans. More importantly, we are destroying the natural restorative systems on which life depends for survival.

PL101 Exploitation of resources, energy demand and the pollution that results have greatly reduced the amount and quality of natural communities of plants and animals throughout the world. They have also led to a process of atmospheric warming which now poses a threat of climate change so widespread and rapid that natural systems stand little chance of adaptive evolution. The disastrous changes put in train by humankind since the industrial revolution threaten the future of civilisation and the future of a majority of species on Earth. (see 'Climate Change' section)

PL102 Pollution is not coincidental to economic activity, but is presently an integral part of it. Frequently it is caused by the activities of one group of people, while its costs and impacts are borne by others and by the biosphere. Economic growth will not stop the greenhouse effect. Increasing population pressure will not generate more land for sustainable food production. Changes of lifestyle and of government in line with the principles of the Green Party are essential to ensure a viable future and an end to pollution.

PL103 Pollution has to be stopped at source. Economic growth has to be limited and the health and safety of the planet must become the main criteria in political and social development. By adopting these Green Party principles, natural diversity can be maintained and the quality of life can be improved for all species on the planet.

Principles

PL200 Development and Maintenance of Sustainable Systems.

a)Pollution reduces our ability to manage resources and natural systems in a sustainable and ecological way.

b)Pollution damages natural restorative systems.

PL201 Resource Conservation a) The efficient use of resources, the recycling of materials and the establishment of binding timetables to reduce the use of toxic chemicals and the production of waste, wherever it is feasible to do so, will minimise environmental pollution and reduce absolute cost.

PL202 Global Rights a) Environmental pollution reduces the range of choice for future generations. b) Environmental pollution directly damages health and reduces potential lifespan. c) Environmental pollution directly and indirectly damages natural communities of plants and animals. d) Environmental pollution transgresses national boundaries both in space and through time. It is a global responsibility for all countries to accept full economic and environmental responsibility for their own pollution.

Objectives

PL300 To negotiate effective international and national agreements for pollution control and minimisation, and to ensure their implementation at local levels through industry, agriculture and society at large.

PL301 To continuously monitor the environment using agreed protocols to ensure comparability of data and to ensure the effective transmission of all relevant data on pollution between states through international agencies such as the United Nations.

PL302 To require industries to systematically audit and publish their use of toxic chemicals, and to establish binding timetables to reduce such use.

PL303 To guarantee the public's right to know about chemical usage and emissions.

PL304 To determine socially and environmentally acceptable levels for pollutants based on both chronic and interactive effects. Environmental and health considerations will be given precedence over economic factors in the determination of such levels.

PL305 To guarantee the public's right to know about the health and environmental aspects of pollution and to actively promote environmental education.

PL306 To introduce environmental impact and improvement analysis into all public planning decisions, and to ensure free public access to the evidence used in both the analysis and in the final assessment.

Policy

International

PL400 In principle, the import of toxic, hazardous or radioactive waste into the UK for treatment, reprocessing or disposal will be banned immediately. However, support will be provided for those less-developed countries which continue to have difficulty in dealing with such waste.

PL401 The import of products derived from hazardous industries and processes will be resisted by selective taxes and prohibitions.

National

PL410 A national Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) will be set up to promote and integrate research and development on public health and environmental protection. It will provide advice to district authorities, public bodies and individuals. It will also draft and promote public legislation for amendment and enactment as appropriate, and advise on international issues. The EPC will largely absorb the functions of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution.

PL411 The EPC will take responsibility for the control, storage and monitoring of all radioactive waste derived from manufacturing industry, medical sources and from nuclear power.

PL412 The EPC will establish a system for monitoring, approving and licensing new and established products and production processes. The criteria used will be based on the Green principles of minimum waste, minimum pollution, maximum energy efficiency, safety, and environmental improvement.

PL413 The EPC will issue guidelines to manufacturers and district authorities for the full labelling of all products for sale. These guidelines will provide for adequate warning of potentially harmful treatments, ingredients, dilutents, propellants and effects.

PL414. The Green Party deplores the intransigent attitude of the United Kingdom government to the damaging biological effects to those living in close proximity to high voltage power cables, caused by the associated electromagnetic field. This constitutes an electrical pollution. Immediate action should be taken to ensure that no high voltage cables are sited near habitation and that those that are should be re-sited as soon as possible, recognising considerable urgency.

Local

PL420 Each district authority will set up a Community Health and Environmental Council (CHEC) with professional staff and with elected representatives. It will be responsible for interpreting environmental impact and improvement assessments in local planning. It will define the operating conditions for local commercial and industrial enterprises, including agriculture, and make appropriate recommendations to the district authority. The CHEC will develop and greatly extend the role and functions of the Health and Safety Executive and the local Environmental Health Officers.

PL421 Industries will be required to systematically audit their production procedures and to publish details of their chemical usage and emissions. Binding timetables for reducing the use of toxic chemicals, for the recycling of materials in production and for reducing waste will be established for local industries by district authorities. These timetables will be monitored by the local CHECs.

PL422 Local enterprises will be required to maintain records of effluent quality and quantity. These will be available for immediate inspection by CHEC officers. CHEC officers will be empowered to inspect working practices and to take samples on and off site as they see fit. Medical records of all workers will be available for inspection by CHEC officers, but under conditions of the strictest confidence for the workers concerned.

PL423 The treatment, deposition and discharge of all industrial and commercial wastes will be licensed by the district authorities and controlled by the CHEC using guidelines provided by the EPC.

PL424 Threshold limit values for workers involved in hazardous working practices will be revised downwards to account for chronic, and long-term effects. Limits will be set by CHECs working on maximum levels determined by the EPC and paying regard to synergistic interactions.

PL425 Statistical information relating to worker exposure and to waste management will be available to the public on request.

PL426 In order to safeguard health and to protect the environment, CHECs will be empowered to revoke operating licences immediately if they see fit. There will be no Crown immunity.

PL427 It will be the responsibility of prospective CHEC licensees to establish that their operating practices will be safe, efficient and environmentally benign.

PL428 Waste disposal on the principle of 'dilute and disperse' will no longer be generally acceptable. District authorities will introduce schemes for separating, treating, recycling and processing domestic, commercial and industrial waste.

PL429 With the exception of sewage and biodegradable organic waste, no toxic material shall be discharged to the public sewerage system. If sewage and other organic waste must be discharged into lakes, rivers or the sea, it shall be fully treated in such a way as the effluent will not damage the environment. The eventual aim should be the recycling of all sewage.

PL430 Differential corporation tax will favour those enterprises causing minimal environmental damage. Taxes on the quantity and quality of industrial waste will be levied on producers.

PL431 Individuals and organisations concerned with generating pollution will be held responsible for the costs of control and for any damage caused, however remote in time or distance. There will be no Crown immunity.

PL432 If suggestive evidence emerges that a pollutant or product may have an adverse effect on the health of humans or the environment, a levy will be placed on the process sufficient to pay for scientific research on the link between pollutant and effect. If a causal association seems reasonable, but the harm is not sufficient to justify the banning of the pollutant or product, a levy will be placed on the process sufficient to pay for the extra health or environmental service work caused by the product.

 

Pollution chapter last updated Autumn 2002

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The following additional policy statements can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) on Pollution available on the Members webiste:

• Greens Welcome New Light Pollution Campaign (Spring 2003)
• Light Pollution (Spring 2004)

 

Population

Major revision January 1990

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POPULATION

Background and Principles

PP100 All Green Party policies are based on the principles of ecological sustainability, equity and justice.

PP101 There is a limit to the level of ecological impact the Earth can sustain. The number of people on the planet, their levels of consumption and their local and global impacts are key factors determining how far the Earth's ability to renew its resources and to support all life is compromised. Even within this limit, high rates of population growth, as well as local depopulation can have a damaging effect on sustainability, equity and justice.

PP102 'Carrying capacity' is the term used to describe the population that can be sustainably supported in any given region. It is not a fixed number but depends on consumption patterns.

PP103 There is a need to explicitly consider population since, if it is ignored indefinitely, the risk of over-consumption of natural resources will increase, leading to conflict and ultimately a reduction in carrying capacity.

PP104 There are many causes of population growth and some of these must be addressed to avoid overpopulation. Causes may be as basic as a lack of family planning information and contraceptives. Inequality and lack of opportunities can result in people having more children than they would otherwise want. On a wider scale, it has been observed that populations often increase following wars, social strife and environmental disasters.

PP105 Green Party policies as a whole aim to reduce inequality, both global and local and to make educational and work opportunities available to all, throughout life. Green Party policies also aim to avoid social and environmental disruption that can trigger population growth.

PP106 The Green Party holds that the number of children people have should be a matter of free choice.

PP107 Long-term trends in population size are proper considerations for public debate and government policy in order to plan housing, health, education and other needs.

PP108 The Green Party notes that the population of the UK currently supports its way of life by consuming more resources than can be sustainably supplied from within the UK, and more than its fair share of global resources - often to the detriment of the people and the environment in producing areas.

PP109 A measure of the impact of a population is its ecological footprint. The Green Party believes that it is essential to reduce the UK's total ecological footprint. To this end the Green Party aims to reduce total resource consumption, ensuring maximum use of renewable resources, in order to reduce per capita consumption. This will ensure that the UK population leaves a reduced ecological footprint, eventually enabling it to become sustainable.

PP110 The Green Party believes that it will be socially and environmentally beneficial for a decrease in resource consumption to be brought about by a range of policies. These policies will reduce overall resource use, maximise the use of technologies based on renewable energy, adopt a sustainable approach to economic development, design, planning and infrastructure, and will promote socially and environmentally sustainable population levels.

PP111 The Green Party has a liberal migration policy and wants greater global justice and equality, so people who migrate can do so on the basis of choice, not economic hardship. Where migration patterns increase or decrease population levels it is essential that social, economic and environmental pressures are mitigated in such a way which fully respects the rights of migrants and existing local populations.

PP112 There is a need for regional economic and land use policies that are sustainable with a stable or falling population rather than dependent on a continuing influx of, often exploited, labour from elsewhere in the UK or overseas. The Green Party seeks a more balanced and just approach to regional development in the UK so that there are not huge growth pressures in some areas and none in others.

PP113 As the birth rate falls, and the so-called "baby boom" generation approaches retirement, the population will be one with a higher proportion of the elderly and very elderly.

PP114 With Green health policies emphasising the need to further improve health with prevention rather than cure, we look forward to a society in which people of all ages continue to work as long as they wish. This, together with the reduced consumption of resources and the increased commitment to social welfare characteristic of a Green society, means that the increased proportion of elderly people will be economically manageable. We reject an economic order that supposes the need for an ever-growing younger population to support the retired.

PP115 The UK, as one of the world's richest countries, owes the rest of the world far more in overseas aid than it now gives. The UK casts its ecological footprint over the world reflecting the real costs of a high, and still growing, population with high consumption. A Green government would seek to help poorer countries to develop their economies in a sustainable way so that migration was based on choice rather than economic necessity.

PP116 It is essential that women have greater control over reproductive health care. Many of the world's poorest countries have formal government policies - often assisted by development agencies - which further this objective and also thereby lead to more stable, sustainable population levels. The Green Party acknowledges that poverty alleviation and education are crucial for women in poor countries to be able to exercise their reproductive health rights and take control over their own family planning. The UK and other rich countries should do more to support initiatives - both globally and locally - which uphold women's rights over reproductive health, increase education and which address poverty and potential pressures on the global environment. Given the much greater impact on the world's resources each person in a rich country has, the rich countries have a major responsibility to minimise their own impact as well as provide resources to poorer countries to ensure that they can develop sustainably.

Policy Objectives

Long-term

PP117 To achieve a level of consumption and, through education and the free provision of family planning services, a birth rate consistent with the goal of long term sustainability.

PP118 To achieve consumption and population levels that are globally sustainable and respect carrying capacity.

PP119 To work towards a world where people are free to move between countries and are not forced to do so by terror, hunger, environmental degradation or economic need.

Medium-term

PP120 To promote debate on sustainable population levels for the UK - to include consideration of levels of consumption and material comfort. The aim is to increase awareness of the issues - not to set specific population targets.

PP121 To reduce the ecological footprint of the UK, the rest of the EU and other countries in the developed world as an essential step towards reducing exploitation of the environment and the poorest peoples of the world.

PP122 The Office of National Statistics (ONS) will continue to monitor the UK population trends, and develop natural resource and footprint accounts to monitor the ecological impact of that population.

Short-term

PP123 To provide comprehensive sex education in schools that covers the wider emotional, personal and societal aspects of relationships not the mere biological. (See ED307)

PP124 To provide a comprehensive, free family planning service, available to everyone, in convenient high-street locations, funded by a separate budget within the NHS. This will include information, facilities and the materials necessary for people to plan their families. (See H315)

PP125 To ensure that condoms are supplied free on demand from chemists and at a subsidised price from machines in public places.

PP126 To support research into new methods of contraception.

PP127 To address the issue of an ageing population in the UK and the EU. Measures would include the removal of the compulsory retirement age and the introduction of more flexible working arrangements.

PP128 To encourage debate as to how sustainable lifestyles can be developed to provide meaningful and satisfying lives with or without children.

 

Population chapter last updated Spring 2003

 

Public Administration & Government

Major revision September 2007

Details

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PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION and GOVERNMENT

Introduction

PA001 We live in a state where over centuries of struggle some democratic rights and institutions have gradually been grafted on to a feudal monarchy. In that feudal monarchy all power flowed downward from the monarch, and the people were subjects and not citizens. Gradually some of that power has been delegated to bodies like Parliament, or to local authorities, and citizens have acquired some rights. However our constitution still has many of the elements of its feudal past, including some remnants of the royal prerogative. We believe that the basic principle of Government should be the reverse of this, that is that power flows upwards from the people, and from their most local levels of Government to the higher levels. Certain principles follow from this:

Principles

PA100 All decision-making and action throughout all levels of government, including international government, shall be governed by the principle of subsidiarity: namely that nothing should be done centrally if it can be done equally well, or better, locally.

PA101 A further principle is that any democratic and accountable authority may judge for itself which functions carried out at a higher level it can do equally well, or better, provided that the devolution of such functions does not threaten the sustainability of the wider area. Coupled with the principle of subsidiarity, this establishes the need for a structure that responds positively to demands for decentralisation from below, and that ensures that this proceeds smoothly and does not disempower other communities.

PA102 The highest form of democracy is direct participation. This is best achieved through the decentralisation of society, so that decisions can be made through face to face discussion. All the major political decisions which affect our lives should ideally be made with our active participation, which requires open and informed debate rather than simply voting without discussion. This requires that all economic and social activity should be carried out on a human scale; that is, in a way that allows individuals and groups access to, and influence over, such decisions. Direct democracy will encourage cross-party cooperation and weaken the hold of ideologies and factions.

PA103 Such direct democratic participation requires citizens to be able to access the information they need in order to be able to take part in decision-making. Freedom of information, and openness of government and its procedures, are therefore integral principles in the creation of a more democratic and decentralised society.

PA104 Given the scale of human activity in the world today, and the indirect impact that much of this activity has on people living in different areas, it is clear that not all decisions can be made locally. The best form of democracy for large-scale activity is voting, in elections and referenda, in such a way that the outcome reflects the pattern of voting and no vote is wasted. Delegated authority and trust must be accompanied by full accountability.

PA105 A community cannot be self-determining unless it is to a large extent self-reliant. Self-reliance is the ability to satisfy needs without being excessively or unequally dependent upon anyone; self- sufficiency is one way to achieve self-reliance, but is by no means the only way.

PA106 Co-operation and working together in order to achieve a state of harmony with the planet and the life it supports must be fundamental to all policy decisions. Divisions, power relations, intolerance, prejudice, wide inequalities and failures in communication all weaken communities and preclude such co- operation. A Bill to enshrine rights and responsibilities must exist to help protect against this; positive action to build a tolerant, global awareness and to empower oppressed groups is also necessary.

PA107 Government must therefore exist at many levels, each based upon geographical areas within which a given set of functions can be carried out and with which the people themselves have some common bond. These areas will in many cases be bio-regionally based, on the geographical and ecological boundaries already existing.

PA108 The Green Party views citizenship as a set of rights and responsibilities based on residence in and commitment to a community or geographical area. Those rights include the right to basic material security and shelter, and participation in the democratic process. The Green Party believes that the age of majority (at which full criminal responsibility and the power to make contracts is acquired) should be reduced to 16, to clarify the age at which children become adults in the eyes of the law, with accompanying full citizenship rights and responsibilities.

PA109 The basis for a decentralised society and the establishment of a Bill of Rights must be laid out in a clear and accessible written constitution; but in the years before the adoption of such a constitution there is much work to be done in dismantling such a hierarchical and centralised state. While this can only succeed with the active participation of communities and local councils, and while various international bodies and institutions will heavily influence the process, the key to a smooth transition will lie in the way in which Parliament surrenders its tradition of national sovereignty.

 

PA110 The above principles all relate to issues of democracy and participation in the democratic processes. Important as these are, it should not be forgotten that the primary purpose of government and administration is the provision of public services, including those institutions which maintain public order and national security.

PA111 Public services must always take account of the wider social impacts of their actions. All those involved in public service provision, be they elected representatives or public sector employees, should be working for the good of the community as a whole. They should be responsive to the needs, and respectful of the wishes, of their communities. In return, their efforts and commitment should be valued by the communities they serve.

PA112 Government actions must always be subject to the rule of law, which must be overseen by an independent judiciary.

 

Policies

Constitutional

PA200 A Constitutional Commission will be required to draft a written constitution, oversee and arbitrate the process of decentralisation, and take over the functions of the Boundary Commissions and the Electoral Commission. The Constitutional Commission will also be responsible for overseeing the appointment of an independent judiciary. The Commission must be accountable, representative, diverse, aware of practical requirements and grassroots concerns, and independent of Westminster. Therefore it will be formed at the earliest opportunity of elected members representing all levels of Government in all parts of the UK countries involved.

PA201 The Green Party will recommend to the Constitutional Commission that the structures laid out here for a gradual but complete decentralisation are written into the Constitution; that the Constitution is based on Green principles (see PA100-111); and that it fully guarantees political rights as well as wider human rights. (see RR)

PA202 In order for councils to be sufficiently legitimate and trustworthy to take on increased responsibility, large-scale electoral reform will be required, and immediate legislation for citizen's rights. (see PA250-308, RR301)

PA203 The Central Parliament needs to be prepared to surrender many of its traditional powers, and actively assist in the process of decentralisation. To this end, Parliament has a number of key roles to play - first, to devolve functions to more local bodies; second, to lift its hold over councils and enable them to realise their potential; and third, to work with the Constitutional Commission to meet demands from local Government to take on responsibility for resources and functions which are currently dealt with at too high a level by central Government and the private sector. (see PA100-101)

PA204 The Constitutional Commission will be responsible for keeping the boundaries and structures of local and regional government under review, taking account of the views of local authorities and residents. The aim should be to move towards structures which better reflect the ecology of the land and the character of local communities, and which enable better democratic decision-making and the effective provision of public services. Any significant proposed changes to such structures would be subject to a referendum of all residents affected.

Direct Democracy and Political Rights

PA250 A Bill of political rights will be enacted at the earliest opportunity to prohibit oppressive actions by unrepresentative Governments and inaccessible bureaucracies.

PA251 There will be a compulsory register of elected representatives' and senior officers' pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests, which will be open to public inspection.

PA252 Legislation will be introduced to provide for referenda to be held on any government decision at the instance of a prescribed percentage of that body's electorate.

PA253 When a Bill of Rights has been enacted, a prescribed percentage of the citizens of any area shall be able to take a Citizens' Initiative, whereby they place a proposition on a ballot paper for popular vote. Should the proposition succeed the result will, subject to the law, be binding on the relevant government body.

PA254 Government at all levels should be accountable to electors between elections. Accordingly, necessary legislative steps will be taken to provide for any representative's electors to be able to petition for the recall of any elected person. Specifically, a petition signed by 40% of the registered electors within an MP's constituency will trigger a recall by-election. Until this legislation is passed, Green MPs will voluntarily resign and trigger a by-election, if they are presented with a valid recall petition signed by 40% of the registered electors within their constituency. In the event of the elected representative having been elected by the Additional Member System, the recalled representative would be replaced by the next person on their party list not to have been elected..

PA255 It is accepted that such recall provisions as described in PA254 above may cause some difficulties under a proportional representation method of electing representatives and accordingly the Constitutional Commission will look further at this matter. Until, however, proportional representation exists for elections to all levels of government the Green Party will campaign for recall provisions under the current "First past the post" system.

Electoral Reform

PA300 Elections for all levels of government should be by systems of election that provide for high proportionality, few wasted votes and good accountability, so that the political aspirations and views of each area are represented.

PA301 The right to vote and stand in elections will be based on residence rather than nationality. (see also RR706)

PA302 The voting age for all elections, and the age at which people may take seats at any level of Government, would be reduced to 16.

PA303 The Green Party supports Electoral Reform in all levels of Government, with different systems being appropriate for different levels of Government. Of the various electoral systems available, we would consider the Single Transferrable Vote and Additional Member Systems to be entirely acceptable, whilst First-Past- The- Post or Supplementary Vote Systems are not.

PA304 The most appropriate system for elections to the Westminster Parliament is the Additional Member System (AMS). Electors would vote on two ballots: one for the party of their first choice and the other for their constituency MP. MPs would be elected from constituencies as at present, but each party's representation would be topped up on a regional basis by additional members to bring its number of seats up to its proportion of votes polled, provided that proportion was above a minimum qualifying level of 3% of votes polled. There would be a requirement that each party's list has to be elected by a system of 'one member one vote' of the party's membership.

PA305 The most appropriate system for elections to local Government is the Additional Member System (AMS). Electors would vote on two ballots: one for the party of their first choice and the other for their ward councillor(s). Councillors would be elected from wards as under first past the post, but each party's representation would be topped up on a council-wide basis to bring its number of seats up to its proportion of votes polled, provided that proportion was above a minimum qualifying level of 3% of votes polled. AMS would result in more proportional outcomes than STV and would enable smaller, more localised!wards to be used. AMS could either work through electing the whole council at once or by electing half the council at each election to enable elections to take place more frequently. Final decisions on these matters should reflect local circumstances. The Constitutional Commission will oversee the establishment of AMS voting systems for local authorities across the country and work out the exact details. It will need to consider what proportion of members should be elected from the top-up list in order to achieve proportional outcomes.

PA306 All terms for elected representatives to all levels of Government shall be fixed in length, except when a seat is taken following a by-election. Each Parliament at Westminster should normally be for a fixed term of four years, but if the Government loses a vote of confidence in the House of Commons before the end of the fixed term then an earlier General Election should be held. Under the Green Party's longer term proposals for central Government reform (PA452-459), such votes of confidence would not be necessary unless Parliament were unable to elect a First Minister or members of the Coordinating Committee.

PA307 UK political parties will be funded by the State. Such political funding will be calculated and administered on a regional basis, and funds allocated in proportion to the number of votes cast in the region in the last round of proportional representation elections held across the entire region. Parties would need to exceed a threshold of 3% of the vote to become eligible for this funding.

PA308 The democratic process should be as open and inclusive as is practically possible, and should not seek to put unnecessary obstacles in place which may prevent individuals from seeking election. To this end, candidates' deposits will not be required at any election.

 

Local Government Structure

PA350 The current organisation of local government, with some areas being covered by Unitary Authorities whilst others still operate two tiers of County and District/Borough Councils, has arisen for a number of historical and practical reasons. The Green Party believes that different areas may have different needs in terms of organisational structure, and that there is no reason why a situation in which different tiers operate in different parts of the country cannot work well. We are therefore opposed to any centralised imposition of uniform structures across the whole country.

PA351 In particular we oppose the drive by central government towards unitary councils and ever larger districts. The average population of British districts is already significantly larger than their equivalents in continental Europe, and this tendency serves to distance them from their people and make them seem less local. Some of the larger shire districts should consider whether or not partitioning them into two separate councils would enhance civic pride and local participation, without compromising their ability to deliver quality services (see PA204).

PA352 The county level of government can have an important place in strategic decisions too large for one district to deal with - particularly while there remains no popular will to introduce a regional tier of government. Popular support has been shown for maintaining what are largely county-scale police authorities. Many additional countywide bodies remain in the metropolitan counties after the abolition of their councils. Some responsibilities of unelected bodies could also be devolved to counties (see PA415).

PA353 All Councils will be asked to complete a review of the pattern of Town and Parish councils in their area within two years; and the legislation on Parishes will be extended to cover all parts of Britain. Every effort should be made to ensure that the boundaries of Parishes reflect local peoples' wishes; the Constitutional Commission will arbitrate in disputes.

PA354 Town and Parish Councils will have the option of whether or not to pay Councillors a salary, depending on the responsibilities taken by the Council and the resulting workload of its Councillors.

PA355 Adjoining districts may co-operate to any level for the joint exercise of specific functions, provided such co-operation does not impact on the accountability of decision making. Similarly, parishes may co-operate to act on common concerns not applicable to the whole district. We support cooperation between authorities across national borders, where necessary or appropriate.

PA356 The Green Party believes that local authorities run by single party cabinets, or by directly elected mayors, are not in the best interests of local democracy. They take decision making powers away from councils as a whole and place them in the hands of a few individuals, leading to the disenfranchisement of those councillors who are not in the ruling party and the citizens they represent. We would therefore reintroduce the committee system across local government at all levels, which provides for direct member involvement in decision making.

The Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Northern Irish Assembly

PA400 PA400 Provision will be made for increasing the roles of the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and the Northern Irish Assembly in accordance with the wishes of the people.

PA401 Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will enjoy the degree of autonomy, perhaps involving full self- Government or independence, which the citizens of each, expressing their views through referenda, wish them to have.

PA402 Where the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and the Northern Irish Assembly have taken decision making powers from central government,  so that citizens within those areas are no longer subject to central government decisions on particular issues, MPs from those areas should be excluded from voting on those issues in the House of Commons. Such a provision is consistent with the concept of subsidiarity.

PA403The Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and the Northern Irish Assembly regional assemblies should be able to assume tax-raising powers to replace the proportion of national taxation being allocated to regional block grant and other funding. They will also draw down more powers from UK and European Government in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity.

Regional Government in England

PA410 Many Government functions are already organised on a regional basis through the Regional Government Offices (GRO), the Regional Development Agencies (RDA), the Regional Chambers (RCh) and numerous other regional QUANGOs. Public acceptance of these agencies, and their subsequent usefulness, varies from region to region, depending on how closely the regions correlate to natural and cultural areas which people identify themselves as living within. Any such region should be able to decide, via a referendum of the citizens living within it, to create a directly elected regional assembly as an additional tier of government.

PA411 These regional assemblies would take over the powers of the GRO, RDA, the existing Regional Chamber and other existing QUANGOs, and adapt their existing bureaucracies to serve the new Assembly. Funding would, in the initial stages, come from diverting the existing block grant regional funding allocated by central Government.

PA412 The particular form and structure of these regional assemblies set up under PA410 will vary from region to region according to regional circumstances. They should be elected by a system of proportional representation. The appropriate form and structure will be determined by regional constitutional conventions drawn from all sectors of society, similar to the Scottish Constitutional Convention.

PA413 The powers of the regional assembly should be taken from those functions currently carried out by national and European Government, and should not take powers from local authorities, except where the local authorities within the region agree to pool some of their powers for strategic purposes.

PA414 In due course, the regional assemblies should be able to assume regional taxraising powers to replace the proportion of national taxation being allocated to regional block grant and other funding. They will also draw down more powers from national and European Government in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity. (see PA100)

PA415 In line with the Green Party's policy of allowing Citizen's Initiatives (PA253), a regional assembly or a regional government office could be abolished by a referendum of all all electorates covered by the body in question. In each case the powers would pass to individual county councils and/or unitary authorities.

PA416 Where regional assemblies in England have taken decision making powers from central government, so that citizens within those areas are no longer subject to central government decisions on particular issues, MPs from those areas should be excluded from voting on those issues in the House of Commons. Such a provision is consistent with the concept of subsidiarity.

PA417 The Green Party will work for the abolition of the City of London Corporation and the special statuses it enjoys, including its international ambassadorial role for the finance industries, its special status under freedom of information legislation, the postition of "City remembrancer" within the House of Commons, and its right to demand meetings with democratic institutions and the monarchy. It will work for the abolition of the Lord Mayor of London and for the dissolution of the City of London Police and bring the strategic functions of the City of London under the control of the Greater London Authority. Residents will decide on the future governance arrangements for the local functions exercised by the Corporation,  with the same division of roles between the local and the strategic as in any other part of London. Control of the funds held by the Corporation, particularly the City Cash, will be given to the Mayor and Assembly of London.

 

The Structure of Central Government

PA450 In a Green society, the UK central government will have less power than it currently has - with many of its functions being taken over by local authorities or the regions. The central Parliament's powers will be limited to those matters that have been delegated upwards to it, and which it in turn has not delegated onwards to the European Parliament.

PA451 Central Government currently revolves around the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, with the role of Parliament greatly diminished. The most important reform needed to redress this imbalance is the move to proportional representation. This will help to bring an end to the traditional dominance of two political parties in Britain. The central Parliament (House of Commons), elected under the AMS system (see PA305), will be far more representative of the diversity of opinion within the UK. There will be far less chance of an overall Parliamentary majority for one party, and, even without further reform, the resulting necessity for coalition governments would make governments and Prime Ministers much more accountable to Parliament.

PA452 In the longer-term, the Green Party would wish to introduce further reforms to increase the representative nature of central government. In order to create true cross-party working, and weaken the hold of political ideologies (see PA102), a different form of parliamentary decisionmaking would be required. Replacing the current system with one in which parties form coalitions in order to gain Parliamentary majorities, and therefore form a government, may still result in the disenfranchisement of large sections of the electorate, whilst minority partners in such coalitions may hold disproportionate influence.

PA452 Over the years the power of the Prime Minister in particular has greatly increased. Not only does the Prime Minister exercise the remaining elements of the royal prerogative in making vital decisions like war and peace and having effective control of the armed forces, but his or her powers of patronage - in particular choosing the members of the government - give the Prime Minister overwhelming control of both the overall direction and the minutiae of government. Reflecting the powers of Prime Ministers, general elections have come to resemble presidential contests, with the characters of the leaders of the main political parties coming under more intense scrutiny than their policies.

PA453 We do not believe that it is either healthy or democratic to concentrate so much power in the hands of one person.! We believe too that power, executive as well as legislative, is more properly exercised by a democratically elected body than by a cabinet appointed by the prime minister (see PB443).

PA454 Accordingly, the Green Party would want the central Parliament itself to become the principal decision making body of central government. To do so the central Parliament would elect committees covering each of the major areas of government, and each committee would have its own convenor elected by Parliament, who would take the place of the Secretary of State in the current system of government. The committee, assisted by a department staffed by civil servants responsible to the committee as a whole, would be responsible for day to day decisions in its area of responsibility. Major decisions, and new legislation, would need to be ratified by Parliament as a whole.

PA455 A First Minister would also be elected by the central Parliament as a whole, who would be responsible for chairing a committee, the Coordination Committee, of all the convenors of parliamentary committees. This body would be responsible for coordinating the work of the different committees, and for dealing with matters that affect them all, such as the allocation of public expenditure. The First Minister would act as Head of Government, in particular in dealings with other states. The central Parliament would also elect, as at present, an apolitical Speaker, who would act as Head of State (see PA600c).

PA456 All committee meetings, including those of the Coordination Committee, should be open to members of the public and media as observers, except when discussing issues which deal with confidential information or matters with security implications.

PA457. The First Minister and any of the convenors could be recalled by a no-confidence vote in the central Parliament at any time. There would be time limits as to how long any individual could hold any particular post, so as to diminish the corrosive effect of personal political ambition, a major fault of the present system.

PA458 In order to ensure that the business of Parliament better reflected the range of opinion in the country, time should be allocated fairly across the political groups for the submission of proposed Bills. Aside from the Parliamentary time which needs to be allocated to the essential functions of Government, the remaining time should be allocated to each political group in proportion to its representation within the central Parliamentary chamber.

PA459 We believe that such arrangements, combined with the introduction of proportional representation, would bring to an end the sterile two party jousting of current politics. Proposals would need to gain support on their own merit within the Parliamentary chamber in order to be approved, and the real policy debates will be open for all to hear. In particular, we would expect there to be much more genuine multi-party cooperation and working in the committees. Under such a system decisions are more likely to have the support of the overwhelming majority of the population than they are as at present when they are forced through by minority governments. In the longer run we would expect such arrangements to diminish the power of political parties as such, with individuals standing for election feeling freer to express their own views and to take an independent line once elected.

PA460 The House of Lords, as presently constituted, has no legitimate mandate because it is not elected. It should be abolished and replaced by a second chamber directly elected by proportional representation. In order to provide independence from the House of Commons, the electoral method should ideally be different for each chamber. With a Parliament elected by AMS, as above, the Green Party favours a second chamber elected by Single Transferrable Vote in multimember constituencies. Its function would be to scrutinise legislation devised by the central Parliament, and to propose amendments where it felt necessary. The final decisions would, however, rest with the central Parliament.

PA461 Members of the second chamber would be elected to serve for a period of ten years. In order to ensure that the chamber was able to make independent and objective assessments of proposed legislation, no member of the second chamber should be allowed to sit on it for more than one term of office - therefore meaning that they don't feel bound to follow the wishes of their party leaders to preserve their careers. Accountability to the electorate would be maintained by the option of recall (see PA254). In order to maintain some continuity, elections would be held every five years - with half the chamber being selected at each election.

Finance

PA500 In setting up or extending democratic practices, it is important to recognise that the finance available is not infinite. We need a system of government and administration which best fulfils the needs and aspirations of citizens and the challenges of the future, within the limits of the resources society is prepared to devote to it. A balance always needs to be struck. The majority of those resources will always be directed towards the provision of public services, rather than towards the maintenance of democratic procedures.

PA501 As the economy becomes more decentralised, more public expenditure decisions will be made at a local level. To facilitate accountability, and to ensure the gradual reduction in the scale of central spending, an independent commission should negotiate a rational allocation of taxation between different levels of Government, as well as any redistribution of wealth between different areas which is considered necessary (see EC550-551).

PA502 Discussion will be held with other countries within the European Community to encourage concurrent devolution of those functions and powers over finance, more appropriately held at the regional level. (see EU227, 228)

PA503 Within a list agreed by the Constitutional Commission, councils will have discretion over which (if any) revenue raising powers they wish to use (see EC550). Levels of taxation will thus be set by the persons answerable to the electorate from whom such funding is to be raised, and for whom such services are to be provided. There will be no limits set on the revenue a council can raise to carry out its mandate.

Monarchy and the Church

PA600 The Green Party believes that the hereditary principle should have no place in government. Therefore the Green Party advocates that:

1. No person shall acquire the right to any office of government by inheritance.
2. An hereditary peerage shall confer no right to sit in Parliament (see PA455).
3. The monarchy shall cease to be an office of government. The legislative, executive and judicial roles of the monarch shall cease.
4. Peers and members of the royal family shall have the same civil rights and fiscal obligations as other citizens.
5. A settlement of property held by the current royal family shall be made, to divide it between that required for the private life of current members of the family and that to be public property.

PA601 There shall be a complete separation of church and state. Society shall not interfere with the individual's freedom of belief, but it may by law regulate conduct arising out of that belief. In a multicultural society, a privileged position for the Church of England is inappropriate.

PA602 The Church of England shall be disestablished. It shall become self-governing, and the government shall cease to have any powers and responsibilities peculiar to that church. No person shall hold office in the state, or be excluded from any such office, by virtue of their or their spouse's membership or non- membership of any religion or denomination of religion.

The Civil Service

PA700 The functions of civil servants working within a ministry will be to support the Parliamentary subcommittee in its capacity as a coordinator of the national affairs which fall within the scope of the ministry, and enact decisions made by Parliament as directed by its sub-committees.

PA701 Senior Council / Government employees in a limited category of jobs shall not have the right to stand as candidates for the institutions in which they work. In all other respects they should enjoy full political rights. There will be a limited range of restrictions on the political and business activities of certain types of civil servants, members of the armed forces, the police service and people employed in certain public or private institutions.

Provision of Watch-dog Facilities

PA800 The remit of the various commissioners for public administration will be strengthened. There will be a Commission for Citizen's Rights, which will be empowered to receive complaints of maladministration in any public body, to investigate them and to recommend redress. The Commission shall be empowered to accept complaints from any citizen or group of citizens. Where a complaint raises a significant question of law, the Commission shall be empowered to provide all assistance necessary to enable the complainant(s) to pursue the case at law.

PA801 The function of the Ombudsman will be elevated and enlarged so that it will comprise a major part of Governmental practice. The powers of the Ombudsman and the Commission for Local Administration will be strengthened as follows:

1. The Ombudsman will be given power to investigate complaints which affect all or most of the citizens of a local Government area;
2. The Commission will be given power in appropriate cases to fund, or underwrite the costs of, legal test cases involving matters of importance concerning the actions of local Government.

PA802 Democratic participation requires the availability of independent information on which people can form an opinion. The Green Party would therefore introduce an independent body to audit national statistics, to avoid their manipulation by government departments.

Identity, Privacy and Freedom of Information

PA850 The Green Party believes that there must be a balance between the need of government on behalf of the community to obtain and hold information to identify individual citizens and the civil rights of individuals, particularly that of privacy. The individual's civil rights should prevail, unless waived by specific agreement or overridden by a specific public interest stipulated by law as overriding privacy. Information on individual identity so obtained should be held confidential, unless that confidentiality is waived by specific agreement or overridden by a specific public interest stipulated by law as overriding confidentiality.

PA851 Such information must be obtained and held only by government servants subject to appropriate regulations on privacy and confidentiality; the task must not be given to commercial organisations. In accordance with the Green Party's policy on a 'Freedom of Information Act' (RR401), information acquired by government agencies and other organisations for specified purposes must not be given to other such organisations or used for other purposes.

PA852 The need for the state and other organisations to obtain information on individuals for specific purposes must not entitle them to access unrelated information at other times for any other purpose. This would undermine the civil liberties of individuals. It would enable those in charge of government and other organisations to obtain and use the information to attack the legitimate rights and activities of those opposed to them.

PA853 Information obtained and held by the state or other organisations must not be used to subvert and attack the legitimate rights and activities of those opposed to them.

PA854 The Green Party opposes the introduction of a general identity card, whether on a compulsory basis or on a "voluntary" basis tantamount to compulsion, and would seek to abolish such identity cards if introduced.

PA855 "Identity" in this context means a name by which a person may be known, and where necessary an address through which they can be contacted. For the purposes of the Electoral Roll, a location for the purposes of qualification may be required.

PA856 The Green Party believes that citizens should be entitled to access to information held by all levels of government and public authorities and by bodies acting on their behalf. Information should be available except where specifically restricted, and quickly and at reasonable cost. Restrictions shall be limited to those necessary to protect the privacy of individual citizens, national security, certain international relations, and information properly provided in confidence. Information on policy formulation, the conduct of public affairs, the environment and health and safety should be freely available. In addition, restrictions should only apply where the government can show they are required to prevent real harm to the public interest. Provision shall be made for an independent commission to test the latter contention and require access if that contention is not sustained.

PA857 The circumstances in which access to council meetings and documents and files may be withheld from the public shall be clearly defined. In particular the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 will be tightened up in a number of ways, for example:

1. The creation by local authorities of 'working parties', 'panels' or other such bodies, which are not covered by the Act, will be ended. All such bodies will be defined as committees or subcommittees, to ensure that the Act applies to them;
2. The use of valid exemptions to public access to documents pursuant to the 1985 Act, to restrict public access to matters not intended to be covered by those exemptions, will be ended; for instance the practice of excluding the public from decisions about grants given to organisations - as distinct from individuals where genuine personal privacy may apply;
3. Steps will be taken to curtail decision-making in secret party group meetings as this practice makes the subsequent meetings of the council or its committees or sub-committees meaningless as the decisions ostensibly taken in public will in practice have been made beforehand. We would also wish to end the practice in which all members of a party are required to follow a whip imposed in secret, with penalties if they fail to do so.

Greening Local Government

The Current Situation

PA900 Local government exists in a permanent state of crisis, with neither the resources nor the sovereignty to implement effective Green policies.

PA901 Even within the current restraints, there are many things the Green Party will do to promote the decentralisation of power in our society and build a sense of real community within the areas in which we live.

The Work of Elected Green Councillors

PA910 One solution is to go outside the conventions of political office to mobilise the resources of the community. A priority for Green Party councillors is therefore to act as people who can coordinate initiatives coming from below, tapping and encouraging the ideas and potential that are latent everywhere. (see EC512, 620s)

PA911 Parish and Community Councils can be set up where they do not already exist, encouraged to take more responsibilities and empowered by the District Council to take decisions and action. Similarly, there is the potential for the establishment of town/community meetings, empowered where appropriate to take decisions.

PA912 Access to the Councils' records and information should be made more open. Also, the creation of special community forums to oversee the work of particular departments and committees may increase involvement. Where elected, therefore, Green Councillors will try to persuade their local authorities to write such provisions into their own standing orders, particularly as regards PA857 (i) & (ii), thus committing the local authority to implement them immediately.

PA913 The council can facilitate and make itself accountable to referenda and citizen's initiatives. Where elected, Green councillors will urge their local authorities to themselves, in advance of any changes in the law, set up the machinery for citizen referenda and citizen initiative as described in PA252-253above; to publicise this, to implement this and, subject to the existing law, to accept the results of such referenda and initiatives as binding. In such cases the prescribed number of signatures required on a citizen petition for either a referendum or an initiative shall be 20% of the electorate.

PA914 Individual Councillors can make themselves available for recall when petitioned to do so (see PA254). The Green Party recommends that all of its prospective councillors at future elections should voluntarily subject themselves to recall. Where the prescribed percentage of 40% of any councillor's electors petition for recall the party will (a) either organise a recall ballot of all the councillors' electors, (which will be supervised by independent persons of known integrity), and then encourage the councillors to comply with the result of any such ballot, or (b) urge its councillors to resign and fight a by-election.

PA915 Regular public meetings for neighbourhood and community councils and open agenda sections for all meetings give people a chance to make their voices heard.

PA916 Training of people within local authority professions with the help of trade unions and use ofalternative technology can help increase environmental sensitivity, resource efficiency, and the selfreliance of the community.

PA917 Councils can carry out community audits and draw up alternative indicators of well-being or quality-of-life as a basis for the council's service provision and for public information.

PA918. To make councils more responsive and effective, it will be necessary to encourage cross-party cooperation, and weaken the hold of dogmatic ideologies and factions. The Green Party will not operate a system of whipping councillors into line, and Green Councillors will call upon other parties to do the same. (see PA857 iii)

 

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Public Admin & Govt chapter updates:

Autumn 2011 PA 400 to 403 and PA416 amended
Autumn 2009 replaced PA254
created Autumn 2007 to replace previous Green Councils, Principles of Government and Public Administration chapters.

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The following additional policy statements can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) on Public Administration available on the Members webiste:

• Competitive Tendering ('95)
• Agencies, Trusts, Quangos ('95)
• Devolution of Power ('95)
• Citizens Charter ('01)
• Structure of Local Govt. ('02)
• Electoral Administration ('06)
• Peerages & Party Funding ('06)
• Regulatory Reform ('06)
• State Funding for Polical Parties ('08)

 

Refugees & Asylum Seekers

Major revision January 1990

Details

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REFUGEES & ASYLUM SEEKERS

(See also Migration chapter)

Background

RA100 There are millions of recognised refugees in the world today, the overwhelming majority in Third World countries.

Principles

RA200 As well as supporting the right to asylum, it is essential to address the underlying causes which result in asylum seeking. These include war, the arms trade, environmental devastation, the consequences of past colonial actions and human rights abuses.

RA201 Asylum and refugee policy should honour fully the right to asylum enshrined in the UN Declaration of Human Rights and the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (as amended by the 1967 Protocol). Refugee status should therefore be offered to applicants who, owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, are outside their country of nationality and are unable or, owing to this fear, are unwilling to return to it.

RA202 Refugee and asylum policy should be extended to use the 1969 Organisation of African Unity definition of a refugee. The Organisation of African Unity extends the definition of a refugee by adding "every person who, owing to external aggression, occupation, foreign domination or events seriously disturbing public order in either part or the whole of his country of origin or nationality, is compelled to leave his place of habitual residence in order to seek refuge in another place outside his country of origin or nationality".

RA203 Where residence is granted for humanitarian reasons to those who do not meet the definition of a refugee, they should normally be given equal rights to those with refugee status. Residence for humanitarian reasons (known as "exceptional leave to remain") should not be used to avoid granting refugee status.

Objectives

RA300 To build a world in which no one needs to seek asylum. Many Green Party policies aim to address the underlying causes of asylum seeking.

Long-term Policies

RA301 In association with other European countries, to adopt the Organisation of African Unity definition of a refugee (see RA202) as the basis for our refugee and asylum policy. The Green Party calls for the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees to be amended to use this definition.

Short-term Policies

RA400 To revise asylum laws, policies and practices and associated laws, policies and practices, in consultation with refugee community groups and agencies working with refugees, in order to honour fully the right to asylum. This will include effecting the following principles:

a)Asylum policy should not discriminate on grounds of race, colour, religion, nationality, political belief, disability, sex or sexual orientation.

b)People seeking asylum should not be prevented from reaching the UK by restrictions such as visas and fines on airlines.

c)Immigration officers should be specially trained to deal with asylum seekers, as well as in international human rights issues. Asylum-seekers should be given clear information about their rights and entitlements in English and their mother-tongue.

d)No asylum-seeker should be held in detention other than in the most exceptional circumstances.

e)Every asylum-seeker should have the right to legal advice and representation, supported by legal aid, for asylum applications and appeals.

f)Every asylum-seeker should have a right of appeal to an independent tribunal against detention and before deportation or removal.

g)Applications for refugee status should be dealt with quickly and fairly, normally within three months. After three months, an applicant should receive equal rights with residents in access to public services until a decision is made.

h)Asylum seekers and refugees should have the right to be joined by their partner and their partner's immediate family.

i)People seeking asylum should be entitled to full welfare benefits and to Citizens' Income when introduced.

j)There should be no restriction on an asylum seeker taking work.

RA401 To provide integrated support for newly-arrived asylum seekers to include reception facilities, temporary housing, language training and assistance with asylum applications and in access to health and welfare services. This will be provided by voluntary agencies or local government but funded and coordinated at a national level.

RA402 To help long-term settlement by funding refugee community groups and agencies working with refugees and encouraging such funding by the European Community.

RA403 Asylum seekers in the UK whose application for refugee status is rejected will not be deported to a country where they face ill-treatment or inhumane punishment. Normally, in this circumstance, they will be allowed to remain for humanitarian reasons. In exceptional circumstances, an alternative country will be sought. If no alternative country can be found and free residence in the UK is not appropriate (e.g. for reasons of public safety), they will be offered the option of detention.

RA404 The Green Party opposes any common asylum policy for the European Community which results in more restrictions on asylum seeking or in reduced rights for refugees. We support common asylum policies that result in better treatment of asylum seekers across the European Community. Any common asylum policies for EC member states should be formulated under the scrutiny of democratically accountable bodies.

RA405 The Green Party will oppose any person being left destitute after a failed asylum claim or if deemed to have not applied "appropriately". Any person in the United Kingdom should be entitled to the basic necessities of life, including but not limited to food, shelter and medical care, by legal means, whether this be achieved through employment rights or public funds.

RA406 The Green Party supports the recognition of lesbians and gay men as social groups within the meaning of the Convention. The Green Party further recognises that gender issues may be a rightful cause for an asylum claim, as where, for example, a woman or girl may be subject to female genital mutilation or forced marriage were she to be denied asylum. We will adopt this approach in our treatment of such asylum seekers.

 

Refugees & Asylum Seekers chapter last updated Spring 2008

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The following additional policy statements can be found in the Green Party Record of Policy Statements (RoPS) on Refugees & Asylum available on the Members webiste:

• Refugees (Autumn 2001)
• Green Party Conference Deplores Enforced Imprisonment (Autumn 2001)
• Asylum and Immigration Bill 2003 (Spring 2004)
• Condem Change in Youth Asylum Laws (Spring 2008)