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A free monthly newsletter that provides green news and views from the Gloucestershire Green party so that together we can create a better world.
QUOTES OF THE MONTH
1. GLOUCESTER'S FIRST EVER GAY PRIDE MARCH
2. GREEN COUNCILLORS BUY PEERAGES
3. STROUD GREEN: 100 BLOGS SINCE MAY
4. DEMO @ STAVERTON AIRPORT
5. NUCLEAR: HEATWAVE CLOSES REACTORS, WASTE, TRAINS AND ENERGY REVIEW
6. GREENS CALL FOR CEASEFIRE
7. TRANSPORT: FUEL PRICES MUST RISE, RAILWAYS AND CAR CLUBS
8. NEW SW EMAIL DISCUSSION LIST
9. GOVERNMENT GIVES ALL CLEAR TO GM
10. LATEST ON HEALTH CUTS IN COUNTY
11. WHY IS ENVIRONMENT GROWING IN IMPORTANCE
12. OTHER COUNTY NEWS
13. NEW ON 'BIG ISSUES'
14. WEBSITES THAT MIGHT INTEREST
15. COFFEE HOUSE GATHERING
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QUOTES OF THE MONTH
"I do have a disregard for the environment. I think the world can look after itself and we should enjoy it as best as we can." Jeremy Clarkson
"A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers but borrowed from his children." John Audobon
"For me, sometimes to do the ethical thing would be illegal." CEO, Nestle
"Therapy is the politics of the individual - politics is the therapy for society." Augusto Boal
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1. GLOUCESTER'S FIRST EVER GAY PRIDE MARCH
Hundreds listened to speeches before Greens joined the march - the only political banner present. Cllr Philip Booth who was also amongst the marchers said: "We applaud the County Council for it's support of this event - the first ever gay pride in Gloucester - we may indeed be the first County to fly the rainbow flag at our Shire Hall. Certainly next year I would love to see all 6 Gloucestershire District Councils flying their flags in support of this day." Read more at:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1409&Itemid=2
Letter challenging homophobic letter in press:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1365&Itemid=2
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2. GREEN COUNCILLORS BUY PEERAGES
The national Elect the Lords campaign is selling dozens of Virtual Peerages at "bargain basement" prices to highlight the need for reform. Cllr Philip Booth has joined others including Bristol Green party councillor Charlie Bolton in purshasing a virtual title from the national Elect the Lords campaign. Philip Booth is now Baron Booth of Bread Street while Charlie Bolton is Baron Bolton of Beauley - both named after the roads where they live. Read more:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1404&Itemid=2
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3. STROUD GREEN: 100 BLOGS SINCE MAY
Philip Booth, who was elected in May 2006 set up a Blog to cover mainly items in his ward - Randwick, Ruscombe and Whiteshill - he has made nearly 100 entries covering everything from local artists, committees he sits on at the District Council, changes to footpaths, traffic, health cuts, libraries and even the Randwick Donkeys. Read it at:
http://ruscombegreen.blogspot.com/
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4. DEMO @ STAVERTON AIRPORT
Stroud District and Cheltenham Green party members joined Friends of the Earth groups and concerned residents in an action organised by the Cheltenham-based Climate Change Action group, to highlight aviations' role in climate change and concerns about expansion at Staverton. See more at:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1366&Itemid=2
And the follow-up meeting:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1380&Itemid=2
Action was right:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1382&Itemid=2
Columnist encourages inaction around climate change:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1383&Itemid=2
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5. NUCLEAR: HEATWAVE CLOSES REACTORS, WASTE, TRAINS AND ENERGY REVIEW
The European heatwave has forced nuclear power plants to reduce or halt production in Spain and Germany and in Sweden reactors close after an incident described as almost as serious as Chernobyl:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1399&Itemid=2
The government has just fined two British nuclear operators £2m each over serious radioactive spillages. Yet all three organisations are state-owned: this merely sends £4m of taxpayers' money on a financial merry-go-round:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1408&Itemid=2
Nuclear waste 'Out of sight, out of mind' decision condemned":
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1390&Itemid=2
Nuclear emergency exercise exposes failures in emergency plans - Greens raised the very same problems in December 2002:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1401&Itemid=2
Energy Review comments: a dangerous dirty path, we should learn from history
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1369&Itemid=2
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1371&Itemid=2
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1374&Itemid=2
Glos Green party response to Energy Review:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1185&Itemid=72
Greenpeace published timetables of nuclear waste trains through Gloucestershire saying the public has the right to know what is going on, and to ensure the Government acts 'before terrorists do'. Plus Green party calls for inquiry into how a defective nuclear flask was carried through the area.
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1384&Itemid=2
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1407&Itemid=2
Since those news releases the British nuclear industry has reported 39 lapses in security against terrorism in the past year, including laptop thefts, internet misuse, a power cut and lightning strikes. The failings are revealed in a report from the Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS), the government watch dog responsible for ensuring nuclear power stations and radioactive waste facilities are protected from terrorist attacks. The revelations have disturbed experts and environmentalists, who are calling for security to be tightened:
http://www.sundayherald.com/57240
Nuclear letter: unanswered questions:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1386&Itemid=2
Clearly another busy month on nuclear issues. One issue not mentioned elsewhere is the shocking U.S. government support for the U.S.- India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Initiative. The agreement would facilitate an expansion of nuclear power in India, which is not a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. This will effectively blow up what's left of the NPT can they not see that India would be better off promoting energy efficiency than pouring scarce funds into nuclear power. The subsidies provided to nuclear power in the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005 are equal to the entire capital cost of the next six reactors." Amory Lovins comments that this "is similar to defibrillating a corpse: it will jump but not revive."
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6. GREENS CALL FOR CEASEFIRE
The Independent today has a story saying the Bush administration was informed in advance and gave the "green light" to Israel's military strikes against Hizbollah. The US reportedly considered Israel's actions as a necessary prerequisite for a possible strike against Iran. Cllr John Marjoram writes earlier when the paper covered the UN vote: "Front page of The Independent: 189 flags of countries that voted at the UN for a ceasefire and three that voted against - Israel, the US and the UK. Shameful!"
As the awful civilian death toll rises above 1000 in Lebanon and Israel, people around the world are seeking a place to voice their frustration and concern. Over the last 4 days, 200,000 people from 148 countries have signed the ceasefire petition. At this rate, it could soon be the largest global online petition in history. Consider signing now:
http://www.ceasefirecampaign.org/mo/en.html
Greens join Stroud Vigil:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1398&Itemid=2
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1389&Itemid=2
County terror threat identified: Tony Blair. Read letter to Citizen at:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1368&Itemid=2
Greens call for ceasefire:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1381&Itemid=2
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1372&Itemid=2
Green party leaflet - August 2006:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1411&Itemid=72
Meanwhile thanks to those who signed CND’s No Trident Replacement petition. The petition, with over 53,000 signatures, was handed in to Downing Street on Friday 4th August. On the same day, CND released an ICM poll showing that 59% of British people oppose a replacement of Trident. This is an increase of 5% opposed since the same poll was taken last autumn. You can view a selection of photos from the petition hand-in on our website:
http://www.cnduk.org/pages/4aug.htm
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7. TRANSPORT: FUEL PRICES MUST RISE, RAILWAYS AND CAR CLUBS
Petrol prices need to rise more:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1378&Itemid=2
A Green party statement re County transport plan:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1394&Itemid=2
Car Clubs expand in Gloucestershire:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1412&Itemid=2
Will Cameron repeat mistake re railways:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1375&Itemid=2
In Gloucestershire there has also been news re the railway timetable changes. Greens have concerns that this will leave some commuters stranded. Revised timings from operator First Great Western will come into force in December and will also see disastrous fare rises.
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8. NEW SW EMAIL DISCUSSION LIST
NEW LIST! SW 'Energy discussion board' with categories re nuclear and Severn Barrage:
http://www.greentalk.org.uk
Unanswered questions re Tidal Power:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1313&Itemid=72
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9. GOVERNMENT GIVES ALL CLEAR TO GM
Significant new study challenges benefits of GM crops - but Government give GM all clear:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1388&Itemid=2
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1376&Itemid=2
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10. LATEST ON HEALTH CUTS IN COUNTY
Letter re latest moves to privatise NHS and links to help write submissions re cuts:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1402&Itemid=2
Better news re Maternity?
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1400&Itemid=2
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11. WHY IS ENVIRONMENT GROWING IN IMPORTANCE
Cllr Philip Booth was asked by The Citizen for 350 words on this. Read them at:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1370&Itemid=2
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12. OTHER COUNTY NEWS
Forest of Dean gears up for next years elections:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1403&Itemid=2
Walmart movie shown in Stroud:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1367&Itemid=2
Stroud Town co-opts 2 new councillors:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1392&Itemid=2
Submission re Stratford Park in Stroud. What do Greens want to see there:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1393&Itemid=72
The start of the Green party's submission to Stroud District Council and the region re the Regional Spatial Strategy - one of the most important planning documents to be produced. Public consultation is open until the end of the month. Read more at:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1405&Itemid=72
Jack Guest, currently a Cheltenham-based Green party member writes about understanding the BNP vote:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1406&Itemid=72
Overseas aid does work:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1385&Itemid=2
Badgers: testing is the way forward:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1391&Itemid=2
Why composting is better than landfill:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1395&Itemid=2
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13. NEW ON 'BIG ISSUES'
Links to articles sent in my members: see under 'Big Issues' at:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk
Britain's obsession with flat televisions could require two nuclear plants
Rare beautiful cloud's effect on our climate
Supermarket initiatives on plastic bags is 'greenwash'
Roads transformed into solar panels
Why Nuclear Power Cannot Be a Major Energy Source
Britain's decision to build two new warships
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14. WEBSITES THAT MIGHT INTEREST
- What does your car say about you: film about 4x4 owners - and BAFTA winner, Thandie Newton trades in her SUV after a Greenpeace sticker:
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/gasguzzlerjul06
- Film re aviation and climate change:
http://www.undercurrents.org/reachforthesky/index.htm
- Statewatch (monitoring state and civil liberties in Europe) website redesigned:
http://www.statewatch.org
- Coalition 2010 is a united alliance of leading organisations committed to keeping the £3,000 cap on top-up fees for full-time undergraduate students:
http://www.coalition2010.org.uk
- Online documentary from ABC Australia re Peak Oil:
http://abc.net.au/4corners/special_eds/20060710/default_full.htm
- "Freedom from Nuclear Weapons through Legal Accountability and Good Faith" conference held in Brussels on July 6 and 7, 2006. Listen at:
http://www.radionizkor.org/
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15. COFFEE HOUSE GATHERING
Animal rights was the last topic. Read about the lively discussion at:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1387&Itemid=2
No Cafe Discussion for August. Next one is 22nd September: no decision on topic yet. . Read more about the previous coffee house discussions at:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=606&Itemid=96
Details of other Gloucestershire Green party meetings can be got from John Marjoram on 01453 751189
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GNN has grown out of a Green news service first established on 13th November 2001. To contribute to this news service (or to subscribe or unsubscribe) - contact the editor Philip Booth on press@glosgreenparty.org.uk
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