Latest news from Jean Lambert, London's Green Party MEP

Jean joins protest against controversial Ilisu Dam

Jean Lambert — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Jean Lambert, the Green MEP for London, will join the call to halt the development of the controversial Ilisu Dam at a demonstration organised by the Kurdish Human Rights Project in London on Monday.

KHRP and supporters will deliver a signed letter to the headquarters of Turkish bank AKBANK, who, together with GarantiBank, have recently pledged to give financial support to the project, which threatens to devastate the local environment and communities, while continuing to negate international safeguards related to its construction.

Situated 65 km from the border to neighbouring countries Iraq and Syria, its development will create a gigantic reservoir in the Kurdish regions of Southeast Turkey. Around 400 sq km of the as yet largely free-flowing Tigris River and its confluents will be gravely damaged or destroyed and Kurdish territory divided.

Jean, who is KHRP's Advisor on Environmental Rights and has been campaigning to halt the development of the Ilisu Dam since she was elected to European Parliament in 1999, said:

"I am greatly concerned that the Turkish banks AKBANK and GarantiBank have pledged funding to this potentially devastating project and urgently call on them to rethink their positions.

"If built, the proposed dam will displace up to 78,000 people creating devastating social upheaval completely submerging the historic town of Hasankeyf forever. Being situated on one of most biologically diverse rivers on earth, it will also cause serious environmental harm, health problems and curtail the downstream flow of water to Iraq and Syria.

"The dam is intended to produce hydro-electric power to cover the electricity shortages in Turkey, but there are other ways to meet this need, without destroying the people's lives and the environment.

"These and many other fundamental flaws have prompted strong opposition in the region and yet there have been little public participation, there is an acute shortage of resettlement land and a total failure to protect cultural heritage.

"As these flaws have been exposed funding from Britain, Germany, Switzerland and Austria has all collapsed and I encourage AKBANK and GarantiBank to take heed of these informed decisions."

Note to Editors

* The protest will be held from 1pm-2.30pm on Monday, March 15, outside AKBANK headquarters, 29 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5JX.

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.

The Kurdish Human Rights Project is an independent, non-political human rights organisation dedicated to the promotion and protection of the human rights of all people in the Kurdish regions. It is a registered charity, founded and based in London.
http://www.khrp.org

Green MEP welcomes vote adopting strong position of crucial report into Gaza conflict

Jean Lambert — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

GREEN MEP Jean Lambert has welcomed a European Parliament vote in Strasbourg on the Goldstone report [1], which saw a majority of MEPs supporting a strong Parliamentary position on the ongoing Israeli blockade of Gaza and breaches of international law.

Speaking after the vote, Jean said:

"As a longstanding advocate of a lasting peaceful and just resolution in the Middle East, I welcome the vote for a strong position on the Goldstone report as a positive step forward in the peace process.

"The Green Group has endorsed the report's recommendations from the beginning, including the call for both parties to respect and be held accountable for violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws, and the demand for both Israel and Palestine to conduct their own domestic investigations that must meet international standards of impartiality, transparency, promptness and effectiveness.

"Crucially, the European resolution [2] adopted by Parliament also asks the EU to work towards a strong common position to closely monitor and assess effectiveness and genuineness of these domestic investigations, as well as the implementation of the further Goldstone recommendations.

"I also welcome the call for the immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of the crossings along the Gaza-Israel frontier to allow for civilian reconstruction and the position on NGOs stating both sides should refrain from any measures restricting the activities of these organizations."

Jean concluded:

"The ongoing blockade of Gaza is an outrage and is robbing thousands of any sort of hope for a normal life. The Goldstone report is important: we now want to see real action from EU Governments and Council in response to Parliament's vote."

09/03/10

Jean released a statement ahead of the vote, in which she commented:

"I will endorse a European Parliament resolution which supports Israel being held to account; an end to the siege and an opening of crossings for civilian reconstruction; for steps to include Hamas in peace talks, removing them from the terrorist list as a constructive step and to help Hamas act in a way that assists the implementation of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Palestinian territory; and which supports NGOs and civil society to uphold human rights and call those in authority to account.

"I have been a longstanding advocate of a lasting peaceful and just resolution, which respects democracy and human rights. Along with Green colleagues, I will continue to press for progress in line with these principles."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

[1] For the full text of the Goldstone Report, see: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/specialsession/9/docs/UNFFMGC_Report.pdf

[2] The joint European Parliament resolution (put together as a result of resolutions from different political groups) can be read at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=B7-2010-0145&language=EN

London's Green MEP helps human rights theatre company raise age awareness

Jean Lambert — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

MEP FOR LONDON HELPS HUMAN RIGHTS THEATRE COMPANY RAISE AGE AWARENESS

Jean Lambert, Green MEP for London, will help raise age awareness by attending the theatrical launch of Getting On: true stories of growing old in 21st Century Britain at the Almeida Theatre in Islington on Friday.

Presented by acclaimed theatre company iceandfire, which explores human rights stories through performance, the production gives a voice to Britain's older generation who have struggled to retain their identity and dignity in a youth-focused society. The play was produced as part of the company's Outreach project, Actors for Human Rights in collaboration with Age Concern and Help the Aged.

Jean, who is a patron of iceandfire and Co-president of the European Parliament's Intergroup on Ageing, said:

"All too often people are overlooked, undervalued and disregarded because of their age, with far too many pensioners living in poverty and isolation. London in particular is a major offender in terms of age discrimination, with more than 60 per cent of older residents experiencing ageism of some form [1].

"We need to turn around this prevailing attitude in our culture to ensure that citizens should be treated with the respect they deserve, however old they may be and by innovative arts companies such as iceandfire engaging in this important discussion we can really push forward the debate."

Co-artistic director of the iceandfire, Sara Masters, who wrote the script based on interviews with the protagonists, said:

"It's ridiculous that we lump this huge, diverse group of people together and call them ‘older people' as though it is a one size fits all. How can this label describe a group that ranges from sixty-year-olds holding down full time work, to 100-year-olds who live in residential care? There are many issues about how we treat people who fall in to this group in the UK, I hope Getting On humanises some of them."

After the launch, the script will be available as part of iceandfire's Outreach project. Groups can request a rehearsed reading of any of their Outreach performances, for little or no cost. For more information, go to http://iceandfire.co.uk/

Note to Editors

[1] To read Age Concern London's full report, Older Londoners' experiences of Age Discrimination, visit:
http://www.aclondon.org.uk/documents/Age%20Discrimination%20A4.pdf

Jean Lambert is one of eight MEPs representing London and one of two UK Green representatives in the European Parliament. In October 2005 Jean was named MEP of the year for her work on Justice and Human Rights. 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.

iceandfire explores human rights stories through performance. Over the last six years they have become a theatre company with a distinct, contemporary voice creating work of excellence across our four work strands: production, outreach, education and participation.
http://iceandfire.co.uk/

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged. They help people enjoy a better later life - within the UK and in 70 other countries - by providing life-enhancing services and vital support.
http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/

London's Green MEP supports call for action on youth unemployment

Jean Lambert — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Jean Lambert, Green MEP for London, and the European Parliament's youngest MEP, Emilie Turunen, will meet with the Young Mayor of Lewisham on Friday, before travelling to Westminster to discuss Emilie's draft report on Youth Unemployment in the EU with a group of experts on the issue.

Over 5.5 million young people in the EU under 25 were unemployed in December 2009, the equivalent to 21.4 percent of all young people. Emilie's draft report, which was produced for the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, calls for a promotion of youth access to the labour market and a strengthening of trainee, internship and apprenticeship status.

As a fellow member of the committee, and a longstanding campaigner for worker's rights, Jean is keen to pledge her support and will join Emilie, 25, in meeting the Young Mayor of Lewisham, Jacob Sakil, at the Civic Suite, Lewisham Town Hall. The pair will then travel to Deptford, where there will be joined by Darren Johnson AM, to discuss youth unemployment with representatives from The Albany arts venue.

Jean said:

"Youth unemployment is one of the most acute problems facing Europe today, while Lewisham has one of the highest rates of unemployed under 25s in inner London, so I welcome the opportunity to draw attention to this worrying trend by backing Emilie's comprehensive draft report.

"This chronic problem has far-reaching consequences, from the increase in welfare costs to the erosion of the tax system, with young victims of the recession more at risk of long-term social exclusion and health problems.

"In response to this challenge I strongly support Emilie's call for Member States to work together to produce a coherent strategy of educational, financial, and social policies."

Emilie, who represents the Danish Socialist People's Party (Socialistisk Folkeparti, SF) in the European Parliament, added:

"Let's put youth at the top of the political agenda. Let's take up this challenge. Let's turn Generation Lost to Generation Hope."

Note to Editors:

Emilie Turunen has represented the Danish Socialist People's Party (Socialistisk Folkeparti, SF) in the European Parliament since June 2009. In 2008, Emilie became the national chair of the youth wing of the SF and in the same year was also made a member of the National Executive and Executive Committee of the SF. She graduated with a bachelor degree in social sciences and working life studies from Roskilde University in 2009.

EU Parliament scores victory for democracy in rejecting EU-US SWIFT agreement

Jean Lambert — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Today the European Parliament rejected (1) the interim EU agreement to supply SWIFT bank transfer data to the US authorities.

London's Green Pary MEP Jean Lambert, member of the EU Parliament civil liberties committee, commented:

"Today will be remembered as important today for democracy in the EU. The EU Parliament has shown that it is capable of meeting its new responsibilities as co-legislator on domestic affairs and security matters. Parliament's rejection of the EU-US SWIFT agreement has turned the tide back towards democracy and the respect of fundamental rights in the European Union. The Council presidency and the Commission must now cancel the interim agreement and launch a debate with the European Parliament on the minimum legal protection that must be afforded to European citizens on matters of international security cooperation.

"The EU Parliament has taken a stand to strengthen the rights of 500 million people in the EU. Data protection and citizens' rights are not an obstacle to fighting terrorism, but a bastion of the society we are trying to protect. Compromising on the most fundamental of rights devalues democracy instead of defending it. The Greens are ready to help shape a security policy that counters the threat of criminal or terrorist activity, while respecting fundamental rights.

"Council sidelined the European Parliament for asking difficult questions. National governments must now wake up to the new reality of the Lisbon Treaty: the European Parliament is a co-legislator on this issue and will not tolerate being treated as a junior partner when it comes to defending EU citizens' fundamental privacy and data protection rights."

Notes to editors:

(1) A move to postpone the vote was rejected by 305 votes to 290. The vote to reject the agreement was subsequently passed with 378 in favour, 196 against.

Background:

Council approved the interim agreement on 30 November, one day before the Lisbon Treaty came into force and granted the EU Parliament co-legislative powers on the issue. The interim agreement came into force on 1 February 2010, before any vote by the EU Parliament plenary.

Jean's speech at Anti-Whaling Protest, Japanese Embassy, London

Jean Lambert — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The Green Party is proud to be here at this protest against Japan's continuing slaughter of whales and their ramming of the Sea Shepherd's vessel Ady Gil.

The Green Party supports non-violent direct action: action that is taken in full conscience and fully aware of the consequences, with no intention of causing harm. Such action should not be met by violence: the Japanese whalers had a choice and chose violence, putting protestors lives at risk.

The Green Party's view on whaling is clear. We see it as premeditated, deliberate and an unnecessary cause of animal suffering, endangering the survival of some species right now - as we have just heard.

Last year, the European Parliament overwhelmingly passed a resolution demanding an end to commercial whaling. It is illegal in EU waters. If Iceland and Norway continue commercial whaling, that would be a barrier to any membership of the EU if they wanted to join.

The European Parliament also called for the end of so-called lethal scientific research, as carried out by Japan. No-one can really believe that the arbitrary slaughter carried out really contributes anything to science, but it does contribute to the economy: it is commercial whaling under a label that lies.

I want to see clear leadership from the new Commission against commercial and pseudo-scientific whaling.

Our seas are at risk from climate change: we don't know how it will affect the whale population but we do know that their food supply is already diminishing due to overfishing and our changing climate. Our biodiversity is under stress.

All countries must show responsibility and take action. A modern democracy, such as Japan, should think again about its policy on whaling. We call here today on the Japanese Government to stop the barbarity and stop the whaling.

Speech by Jean Lambert MEP, at the Anti-Whaling Protest, Japanese Embassy, London, Friday 15 January, 2010.

Image: Marc Votier

Guantanamo Bay: 8 years on it's time for closure!

Jean Lambert — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

London's Green MEP, Jean Lambert spoke at a demonstration outside the US embassy in London today - 11th January - the eighth anniversary of the opening of the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. (1) She has also submitted a parliamentary written question asking the European Commission to clarify what steps have been taken by Member States towards this end. Almost a year ago President Obama set a deadline of the 22nd January 2010 for its closure.

Jean Lambert MEP, who took part in the demonstration, commented:

"President Obama is not alone in believing that the very existence of Guantanamo is a recruiting device for violent extremists with a variety of goals. Why is the United States seemingly so intent on prolonging this injustice when it does not make their country safer?"

"The existence of Guantanamo has been used by oppressive regimes to justify their own denial of human rights such as arbitrary detention for long periods, the use of inhumane and degrading treatment and torture, and trials that are not worthy of the name. The US, with the assistance of the EU, needs to lead the way in the closure of Guantanamo and in securing a just settlement for the detainees to prove that it can live up to its rhetoric on human rights and democracy."

"Today I have asked the European Commission to clarify any steps which have been taken by EU Member States to assist in the closure of Guantanamo by agreeing to receive former detainees. It would be in the best interests of those individuals, and in our collective interest, to help heal the festering wound that is Guantanamo and restore the rule of law based on respect for human rights. I hope we do not have to return to the US Embassy to protest the ninth anniversary of the centre next year. Guantanamo must close!"

NOTE TO EDITORS
(1) The demonstration was organisted by the London Guantánamo Campaign, which campaigns for justice for all prisoners at Guantánamo bay, for the closure of this and other secret prisons, and an end to the practice of extraordinary rendition.

There are currently just under 200 prisoners held at Guantánamo Bay, including two British residents. Approximately 50 prisoners are due for release once suitable countries are found to accommodate them. Around two dozen prisoners are likely to face trial in the US mainland. Concerns have been expressed as to the likelihood of any prisoners receiving a fair trial after eight years of arbitrary detention and the likelihood of much of the evidence being tainted by torture and other illegal methods of obtaining it.

More information at http://www.guantanamo.org.uk/content/view/173/40/

Job Vacancy: Media & Public Relations Officer for London's Green MEP

Jean Lambert — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Jean Lambert MEP is seeking a dynamic and organised individual with at least 2 years experience of working with local and national media. You will need political and planning skills, an awareness of Green Politics and a knowledge of EU institutions.

Full time, £23,000 - £28,500 inc London Weighting. Based in London, but with some travel to Brussels and Strasbourg.

Completed applications must be received by Friday 15 January at 12 noon.

We prefer to receive your completed application electronically, by emailing it to application@jeanlambertmep.org.uk.

You will need to download/access the following documents:

- Covering letter
- Information on the application process
- Job description (including person specification)
- Application form
- Equal opportunities monitoring form

You should read the Covering letter first, as it includes some important information.

The Office Of Jean Lambert MEP (JLMPR2010), Suite 58 The Hop Exchange, 24 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TY

European Parliament condemns proposed death penalty for homosexuality in Uganda

Jean Lambert — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The European Parliament has today adopted a resolution condemning a proposed law in Uganda that would make homosexuality punishable by death and would impose prison terms of up to three years for any person who fails to report (within 24 hours) the identities of everyone they know who is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

London's Green MEP Jean Lambert, who is a Member of the European Parliament's cross-party Intergroup on LGBT rights, commented:

"I am profoundly shocked by the parliamentary bill in Uganda, which proposes to introduce the death penalty for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and imprisonment for those who do not denounce others. The proposal in the Ugandan Parliament goes against the most fundamental principles of human rights and democracy. It is indefensible to threaten people's lives on grounds of who they are.

"I welcome the European Parliament's condemnation of the proposed law and call for the EU to take a strong stance on worrying developments elsewhere. In Rwanda, amendments have been submitted to the penal code with a view to criminalising homosexuality, as well as any activity which could be seen as promoting it."

Jean Lambert MEP recently wrote to the Ugandan High Commission to raise issues of concern with regards to the proposed law, including over human rights and the ability for NGOs to operate in the country.

Click here for the full text of the resolution.

European Commission to take legal action against UK over London's air quality

Jean Lambert — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The European Commission has revealed today that it will be taking further legal action against the UK over air quality standards in London. The UK missed its deadline this year for tackling high levels of harmful airborne particles (PM10) and recently submitted an application for a delay until 2011.

However, the Commission has found that this does not meet their requirements and it will now be taking legal action for breaches of EU legislation.

Jean Lambert, London's Green Party MEP, said:

"I welcome the European Commission's decision to take further legal action against the UK. Far too many Londoners are dying prematurely every year due to poor air quality and thousands more are suffering from chronic breathing problems.

"This decision should be a wake up call to the Government. It is clear that there is no credible plan for London to meet the agreed limits for dangerous airborne particles, so-called PM10, which are particularly harmful to human health.

"Today Europe has showed its determination to urgently and dramatically reduce air pollution; this decision comes not a moment too soon for London's residents."

London Mayor Boris Johnson published his Draft Air Quality Strategy in October. However, the Commission has decided that the measures proposed for addressing transport emissions will not produce the results required to meet the EU standards.

Phase 3 of the London Low Emission Zone initiative, which was due to commence in October 2010, has been postponed until 2012, as have proposed measures aimed at reducing the negative impact of London's taxi fleet on the city's air quality.

The Mayor has also repeatedly stated that the Western Extension of the Congestion Charge will be removed by the end of 2010 with only vague measures being outlined as to how the negative air quality impacts of this move will be mitigated.

Further details about the European Commission's decision can be found on the Europa website.