CLIMATE CHANGE MUST BE AT HEART OF ENERGY POLICY, SAYS GREEN MEP

CLIMATE change will spiral out of control, worsening poverty, inequality and conflict – unless we put renewables and energy conservation at the heart of energy policy, London's Green Euro-MP Jean Lambert warned today.

“Of course we need to tackle the obscene profits and high domestic energy prices for Londoners as we do so, but by reorganising the sector, increasing public funding for domestic energy-saving devices and community renewable energy generation – not by cutting the so-called 'Green Crap',” said Ms Lambert.

She made her comments after scientists published the latest International Panel on Climate Change report today.

The report warns that the poorest around the world will be disproportionately affected, warning of food shortages, heatwaves, flooding and other weather-related disasters, unless Governments act to reduce carbon and other emissions now.

The UN report also warned, for the first time, that climate change was fuelling conflict, and that no-one would be immune unless greenhouse gas emissions are reduced.

“The report makes stark reading,” said Ms Lambert "London is a global city and many will already be aware of the effects of climate change in other countries.

“It's clear that if we act now we can avert some of the worst impacts – and we'll have a chance to draw up a new global deal on reducing emissions fairly when world leaders meet in Paris next year.

“But the EU will really need to play a leadership role: championing the targets proposed by the Greens: to reduce emissions by at least 60% by 2030 - probably much more - and to set targets for adopting energy conservation and renewable energy generation measures.

“We'll need strong voices for the environment in the European Parliament after the election in May for that to happen.”

Images of today's UN Anti-Racism protest

Trafalgar Square was full of protesters seeking and end to Racism.

Today people of good conscience gathered at Parliament Square to start a peace procession to Trafalgar Square, where a concert had been organised to engender tolerance and togetherness.    The UN Anti-Racism Day event was well organised with at least 1000 participants.  Many of the usual groups were in attendance including the TUC and Unison.  The Green Party were well represented and Green MEP Jean Lambert was one of the guest speakers.

Ms Lambert, who is Vice President of the European Parliament's Anti-Racism Intergroup, explained that racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism are on the rise across Europe.  She urged voters to back progressive candidates in May's European election to combat right-wing extremism.

Wilson Chowdhry one of our local activists was in attendance, he said; "Being part of such a successful event was a matter of great pride.  I hope if will sow seeds of hope and unity that will impact on future generations."

People of all diversities joined the procession, this wheelchair user inspired peace campaigners.

Bright flags of unity made a great spectacle.

A large screen displayed pre-recorded messages and reinforced live performances and speeches.

Wilson held a board decrying the use of an offensive email by the Islamabad Office of the Pakistan UNHCR; pakis@unhcr.org.pk.  His board explained the malapropism symbolized the disconnect between the UNHCR and the communities they are commissioned to protect.

Many were astounded by the email faux-pas that displayed great naivety.

The reverse of Wilson's board gained great attention. Fee Fi Fo Fum, I have the blood of an Englishman it read.

Another angle...

This is the last we promise...

Their was a good buzz in the crowd.

People took up the whole of the square.

Diverse communities stood together. 

Wilson Chowdhry with Actress Somi De Souza and other peace campaigner.

LONDON MEP WARNS OF RISE IN EXTREMISTS LONDON'S

Green MEP Jean Lambert will address an anti-racism rally in Trafalgar Square tomorrow (Saturday) to mark UN Anti-Racism Day.

Ms Lambert, who is speaking as Vice President of the European Parliament's Anti-Racism Intergroup, will say racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism are on the rise across Europe – and urged voters to back progressive candidates in May's European election to combat right-wing extremism.

Ms Lambert will speak at the rally alongside other politicians, as well as musicians and comedians – allspeaking out for diversity and against the politics of hate. "Racism is on the rise across Europe - and we need to embrace an international approach to solving economic, social and environmental problems and stop scapegoating immigrants if we are to reverse this trend. “But there is a real risk that we will see exactly the opposite, with a rise in the number of xenophobic and racist politicians elected to the next European Parliament in May," she said.

"To make sure this doesn't happen we need everyone - and their families and friends - to go out and vote for progressive candidates to reduce the political space for those that don't believe in equality. Your vote counts."

The rally, which is entitled 'Stand Up to Racism and Fascism', will start at the statue of Nelson Mandela in Parliament Square at 11am before marching to Trafalgar Square for speeches.

 Ms Lambert added: "We need all governments, and EU institutions, to make clear their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion if we are to see much-needed progress on reducing hate-based behaviour, whether directed at people because of their faith, race – or just hatred of 'the other'. "But here in the UK we are seeing exactly the opposite to what is needed: barely a day goes by without this government saying it will deny health-care, or welfare benefits, or even the right to free movement or a private family life, to citizens of some nationality or another. “The Government has to stop dealing in numbers and start seeing people."

'TURKEY MUST REVERSE TWITTER BAN' – EURO-MP

LONDON'S Green MEP Jean Lambert has condemned Turkey's decision to ban social media website 'Twitter' ahead of this weekend's Newroz celebrations.

 “This weekend millions will celebrate 'Newroz' – New Year, celebrated today, March 21st – in Turkey and around the world. “And yet it is reported today that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan has banned the use of the 'Twitter' website - which is expected to carry reports of many of these Newroz events, and even simple good-will messages.” 

She made her comments ahead of a celebration to mark Newroz taking place in Finsbury Park this Sunday. Ms Lambert added: “This latest move – which comes hot on the heels of recent concerns about the state of democratic institutions in the country – is an absurd attack on fundamental freedoms in Turkey, and must be reversed.

 “If Turkey won't reverse this ban, the European Commission must act to condemn the move. Freedom on the Internet is an essential component of free speech, and it is simply unacceptable to limit it for political ends.” 

Jean Lambert is one of eight MEPs representing London and one of two UK Green representatives in the European Parliament. Jean was first elected Green Party Member of the European Parliament for London in the 1999 European elections and was re-elected in 2004 and 2009.

Area 6 Update

Last night at the Area 6 Committee Meeting, which represents Clementswood, Mayfield and Loxford Ward, activist Wilson Chowdhry highlighted the following concerns:

Safer cycling measures:

Need for repainting bicycle signage on cycle lane paving within subways off Philpot Path.  Pedestrians are casually walking onto the cycle lane creating a danger for cyclists and themselves and clearer signage will prevent accidents.  We also sought the introduction of cycle lanes through the town centre.  Clearly marked lanes would prevent pedestrian accidents/annoyance and would improve cyclist safety.

Drainage Unblocking:

We  described serious concerns about the number of streets that were subjected to excessive puddles due to blocked drainage, during the recent heavy rains.  We asked for a report on what was being done to resolves this situation going forward.

Street cleaning outside schools:

We suggested that the Street Cleansing team reschedule their operations to avoid having their vehicles operating outside schools during opening and closing times.  During such hours, parents dropping their children to school prevent efficient access to road edges, causing litter build up.

Swimming Pool in Ilford South:

We raised concerns about the lack of swimming facilities in Ilford South.  We confirmed that we favoured Brownfields sites as a preferred location for a swimming pool and objected to the loss of any Green Field location in deprived Ilford South.  We expressed a desire for parks to continue to inspire other Olympic sports such as; cricket, football, tennis and athletics or simply being used as a place for rest and recuperation.

Other News:

• A agreement was reached to fund improvements to Woodlands Road and Gordon Road shopping areas.
• A development plan for Ilford Hill was presented, we called for appropriate measures for cyclists, preservation of Ilford Chapel heritage site, and for the development to include for further infrastructure to support the increasing population.  The design included improving Ilford Station to include a new entrance directly opposite Exchange Shopping Centre and a larger pavement area with improved lighting.

Hoax NICE emails create cancer scare!

BBC News is reporting that spam emails are doing the rounds purporting to come from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and wrongly warning people they may have cancer.

NICE is advising people who have received the email – the subject line of which is "important blood analysis result" – to delete it without opening and not to click on any links.  For more info see link below: 


http://www.redbridgeccg.nhs.uk/RedbridgeNews/HoaxNICEEmailsawarning.htm

Children from deprived Ilford South prove Ilford has talent!

Children met at the Clementswood Community Centre to celebrate their new qualifications.

Young children form Ilford South benefited from a series of free Gymnastics workshops held at Winston Way Primary School for a period of 20 weeks.  The programme organised by Redbridge Carnival and funded by Help a Capital Child, developed participants from beginners to eventual attainment of both the grade 8 and grade 7 British Gymnastics Proficiency Awards.  

Gym Instructor Stephanie Thomas led the clasess, she said;

"Although many of these children had not learnt Gymnastics before, you simply could not tell.  They adapted well and learnt the new skills with great ease.  It was a privilege to work with this group of children who illustrated a strong desire to learn and have fun."

Organiser Wilson Chowdhry praised the role of the young Gymnasts and their parents, he said;

"These children proved that there is a wealth of talent locally, they where all wholly committed to the programme and developed better co-ordination and healthier lifestyles, whilst on the course.  The parents of the children made our job easy by arriving on time and collecting the children in a timely fashion.  Our thanks also to Winston Way Primary School for the use of their facilities."

He added; 

"If we are to develop the next potential British Gymnastics Olympians or Olympians in any sport, then facilities and resources must be made available to all.  So often those living in deprived areas have less access to opportunities such as these.  To date Ilford South has no new swimming pool, yet we see a temporary pool operating in the more affluent west of the borough. We will continue to do what we can, to raise the standard of living for those in the South of our borough."

The Classes addressed a distant lack of opportunities for learning this Olympic sport in Ilford South, where no current clubs are in operation.  Redbridge Carnival intends to continue classes and support further students should funding continue. 

 If you are a parent who would like your children to be involved in future classes please contact Wilson Chowdhry on 020 8514 0861,  or email redbridgecarnival@yahoo.co.uk.

All smiles! This talented bunch proved that hard work gets you results.

Children hard at work learning balances (image taken in September courtesy of Ilford Recorder)

Ready for the next Olympics.

Anti-knife UK awards Wilson Chowdhry T-shirt for tackling Ilford knife crime.

Danny O'Brien, PSCO Heidi and Wilson Chowdhry at the presentation of the T-shirt.

After Green Party candidate Wilson Chowdhry held a local crime meeting involving Redbridge Trading Standards, Local Police and Chairman of Anti- Knife UK Danny O'Brien, he was presented with a surprise gift for his ongoing work with young people and adults.

Wilson is well known for his work towards the  promotion of peace and tolerance locally and Danny O'Brien presented him with one of his new T-shirts.  Mr O'Brien had last year also awarded Wilson an Award for his crime fighting endeavours (Click Here for Yellow Advertiser Article).

Danny Obrien said;

"Often the hardest workers in our community are not noticed.  Wilson's work with various youth arts projects and chairing Redbridge Carnival for 9 years has changed lives and tackled serious social issues. I was present at his latest project involving Youth Offenders and saw how their perceptions of other members of society changed during the art course. It is work like this that makes a difference."

(Read Recorder article about the transformed young offenders by clicking here)

(Click here for more info)

(Last article on this subject here)

Wilson Chowdhry said;

"I t was a great honour receiving the T-shirt, I look forward to wearing it with pride this summer.  Anti-Knife UK undertake a necessary role in fighting knife crime and I am encouraged that they have noticed my small effort."

Wilson Chowdhry was also responsible for the Redbridge Peace Monument.  Working with the mothers of victims of violent crime, he created deprived Ilford South's first Permanent Public artwork, that know acts as a beacon of hope whilst illustrating the futility and impact of violent crime.  (Further details can be found by clicking here)

(and here too)

(Here is a further interesting article)

Local bogus caller advice surgery highlights need for better vigilance.

PCSO Heidi advises an elderly resident on how to avoid Distraction Theft.

Local Police and Trading Standards officers joined forces to advise local residents of Clementswood and Mayfield, how to protect themselves from "bogus callers" and distraction theft.

The meeting was held at the East Ilford Betterment Partnership's "Mayfield and Clementswood Community Centre, from 7pm - 8pm on Tuesday 10th March.

The meeting was opened by local Green Party Activist Wilson Chowdhry the organiser of the event.  He described a number of scams that had seen local residents lose 1000's of pounds. He then invited Adrian Simpson of the Redbridge Trading Standards Team to provide advice to local residents.

Mr Chowdhry said;

"Our communities need to be more vigilant it is essential we share concerns with the Police and Trading Standards team more dilligently.  We must enable them to undertake their work more effectively."

Mr Simpson, Described the different operations undertaken by Trading Standards Officers:

• Tackling Distraction Burglary
• Assisting Police with arrests.
• Financial Investigations
• Seizing Assets
• Tackling Doorstep Callers

He explained that in recent months increased visits were being undertaken with the police to check on work being undertaken by builder, to ensure they are working legitimately.

Adrian Simpson passed around his ID badge and emblem badge holder so that local residents could see it first hand and not be fooled by forgeries,  He explained that men impersonating Trading Standards Officers were conducting fraud scams.  He explained that there are no occasions when a Trading Standards officer would visit someones home and ask them for money.

Mr Simpson said;

"If someone calling at your door has no appointment, they should be given no entry!"

He also warned that victims can become repeat victims after a first scam.  It was known for false Police men, trading standards officers and other authorities to appear at the door.

Trading standards had approached all local banks asking them to undertake further checks of large cash withdrawals especially those made by vulnerable customers, after a spate of these crimes.  Unfortunately only 15 banks agreed to undertake further checks, despite significant prompting by the Trading Standards Team.  MR Simpson has agreed to share the list of banks that have not agreed the extra security measures so that we can petition the banks to make the necessary changes.

Mr Simpson advised residents of the types of scams to avoid:

• Roofing scams - where a builder tells you there is a loose tile on your roof.
• Driveway scams 
• Bogus telephone calls form Microsoft & PPI Companies.
• Emails from Applestore and your Bank Manager - often seeking personal details.
• Emails describing false deceased inheritances or lottery scams.
• Bogus Callers asking for work calling your home and them asking you to call 101 to verify with police that their work is through the Government.  The callers do not place their phone down so when you call back your line is still engaged with the previous caller.
• False Income Tax rebate emails
• Mattresses being sold from the back of vans - generally poor Chinese imports that are death traps.

If you are unsure about any caller or contractor you can call Trading Standards for advice;  020 8554 5000 or email: trading.standards@redbridge.gov.uk

If you are experiencing excessive sales calls you can sign up to the "Telephone Preference Service" which should reduce the calls.

Their website for further information is www.tps.org.uk

Police Community Support Officer Heidi Coupe-Wilson, from Mayfield Neighbourhood Police Team, spoke of the need for better vigilance against crime of this nature. She referred to distraction theft and bogus callers as artifice burglary.

 

PCSO Heidi Coupe-Wilson, said: "If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don't let them in. Ask them to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person. Please ensure you treat every stranger with caution. If you are worried call Redbridge police on 101 who can help verify the caller. In an emergency dial 999 immediately and ask for the police."

Local viictim Leonard Smith described the drainage scam that saw him lose £5000 three weeks ago.  He bravely answered questions in an attempt to save others from a similar fate.  He was applauded for his courage.

Danny O'Brien from Anti-Knife UK spoke on knife crime and how to trace it within the family.  He spoke of the tell tell signs and the fact that largely it is not a crime that is undertaken by minors.  

At the end of the meeting several crime concerns were raised including:

• A brothel at 74 Gordon Road.
• Antisocial Behaviour at 39 Gordon Road

Local Residents continued to ask for advice after the meeting.

Young and old listened to way to avoid being scammed.

Danny O'Brien (Anti-knife UK), Wilson Chowdhry, Adrian Simpson Senior (Trading Standards Officer), PSCO Heidi Coupe-Wilson.

Adrian Simpson and PCSO Heidi.

Local Police shared advice with local residents.

Timely advice is sure to prevent scams.

London Green MEP: Defend Diversity, Not Dividends

The future shape of Europe is at stake in May, London's Green MEP Jean Lambert warned in a hard-hitting speech launching the Green Party's European election campaign.

 Highlighting where European Greens have made a difference - from capping bankers' bonuses to fighting discrimination, Ms Lambert said Greens were the only party offering a positive vision for change - and warned of the dangers of a rise in right wing extremists.

Ms Lambert said:

"Europe makes a difference - and Greens make a difference in Europe. From capping bankers' bonuses to protecting workers' rights, we are at the forefront of the battle for a fairer society.

"The next few years are crucial for the future of Europe - whether we move towards increased division or enjoy our diversity. There will be struggles over energy policy, over citizens' rights and freedoms, and to protect our public services from privatisation.

 "We don't need more MEPs who will defend the City of London but won't combat poverty - or who will support fracking but not free movement. We need people who will protect decent standards of welfare, housing and human rights - who will fight to protect our environment and build a future economy based on sustainable jobs, not asset bubbles. 

"After suffering years of appalling austerity policies people feel let down by politicians and think there are no real choices. This is happening in many countries, including here with the Coalition of the willing-and-the-slightly-reluctant, and Labour not looking any better. But this leads to the danger that the only choice they see is between the status quo and those right wing parties who'd erode our rights and leave Europe altogether. 

"Make no mistake - the future direction of Europe is at stake in May. Greens want a place where people are treated with respect and dignity - we cannot let these xenophobic parties gain ground. We defend diversity, not bankers' dividends. "Greens are the only party offering a positive vision for the future of Europe, and who are making change happen. Europe needs more Greens."