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

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.

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.

Green MEP condemns Turkey's decision to ban the country's largest pro-Kurdish party

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

Turkey's Constitutional Court has voted to ban the country's largest pro-Kurdish party because of alleged links with Kurdish separatist rebels. The DTP is the latest in a series of pro-Kurdish parties to have been closed down in Turkey.

Jean Lambert MEP, along with many others in the European Parliament, has expressed her deep concerns over the ruling:

"I am dismayed to hear that this decision has been taken to ban the DTP. This can only prevent progress towards to true democracy in Turkey.

"With the co-presidents of the DTP party being dismissed from their positions and prohibited from parliamentary activity for the next five years, the DTP has lost its statute as a political group in the national assembly. Like most European political groups, the Greens/EFA strongly supports the strengthening of democracy in Turkey and dialogue between the Government and the DTP.

"We regret the court's decision and call on the Turkish government to continue with furthering democratic development. It is vital that a new civil and democratic constitution is established in Turkey and that legislation concerning political parties is reformed - if Turkey wishes to join the EU it must conform to the European convention of human rights."

"The political expression of Turkish Kurds in the democratic institutions is crucial, which is why we are calling on the elected members of the DTP not to resign."

Jean Lambert backs Amnesty Christmas card campaign to support human rights prisoners

Jean Lambert — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Main Hall, Hornsey Vale Community Centre, 60 Mayfield Road, Stroud Green
Sunday 13th December 2009 from 3pm to 6.30pm

Justice and Human Rights MEP of the year 2005, and London Green MEP, Jean Lambert, is to attend an Amnesty International Greetings Card signing event at Hornsey Vale Community Centre to highlight the plight of prisoners of conscience, people under sentence of death, and human rights defenders at risk.

Jean Lambert MEP said:

"The simple act of sending these cards offers hope and encouragement to the people who receive them. Personalised international messages can help bring about positive change to a political prisoner's situation, helping to keep them safe, or even save their life, by making an impression on police, prison staff and political authorities. I would urge people to spare a moment on Sunday 13th December and pop into Hornsey Vale Community Centre to sign a few cards and help make a difference to the lives of those unjustly imprisoned or in danger."

Local Green Party candidates for Stroud Green, Sarah Cope and Anna Bragga, will be attending the event to add their support to the campaign. There will be mince pies, Christmas cake and the chance to meet others in the community who care about these human rights issues.

The Amnesty Greetings Card Campaign signing event is a joint partnership event organised by Haringey Green Party and Hornsey and Wood Green Amnesty International. Amnesty provides regular updates on individual cases proving that inspiring messages of solidarity can lead to cases being reviewed. See Amnesty's website for updates and feedback on cases.

Green MEP to push for strong Copenhagen climate deal at 'The Wave' demo in London

Jean Lambert — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

London's Green MEP, Jean Lambert, will be joining thousands of Londoners this Saturday 5 December to call for tough action on climate change from the Government and world leaders at the Copenhagen summit next week. As part of a series of public actions taking place around the globe, The Wave event in London is set to be the biggest climate demonstration ever in the UK.

Demonstrators dressed in blue will march through London then encircle the Houses of Parliament to demand a fair international deal to stop global warming exceeding the critical threshold of 2°C.

Jean Lambert MEP, who will be taking part in The Wave, said:

"According to climate change experts, an average global temperature rise of more than 2°C will lead to more extreme weather conditions, food and water shortages and grave health issues. To have a good chance of keeping global warming below the 2°C level, industrialised countries must agree to taking rapid and ambitious action and the Copenhagen summit offers our best hope of securing an international deal.

"The Greens are calling for the European Union to commit to at least 40 per cent emissions reductions by 2020. The UK, in particular, has vast amounts of untapped renewable energy like wind, tidal and solar power that we could be exploiting far more with the right investment and support for development. Green industry could also provide a large number of new jobs at all skill levels.

"Crucially, any emissions targets must be met on home territory, rather than through ‘off-setting' projects in developing countries. We must take responsibility for our past, present and future climate emissions, including by helping developing countries deal with more severe droughts, flooding and storms as a result of climate change.

"What we need at Copenhagen is strong leadership to ensure that the global community takes the necessary steps to prevent disaster. I encourage all Londoners who are concerned about this issue to join The Wave this weekend to demand tough action, not just words."

The event, organised by the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, will include a range of campaigning events throughout the day. Agenda as follows:

Feeder events from 10am - 1pm
Assembly & rally: 12pm, Grosvenor Square
March sets off 1pm
Climax: 3pm Encircling of Parliament

For more details go to: http://www.stopclimatechaos.org/the-wave

Green MEP to open Stratford launch of EU Year to Combat Poverty

Jean Lambert — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A major event is taking place in Stratford Town Hall tomorrow (1 December) to launch the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. Jean Lambert, London's Green Party MEP, is giving one of the opening speeches at the event where experts in the field will be discussing ways to reduce poverty and inequality. Local residents and groups are encouraged to join the debate with policy-makers and suggest positive ways forward for London.

Jean Lambert MEP said:

"It is simply unacceptable that four in ten children in London live in poverty. Many people across the capital are struggling to find work, or are on low pay or in casual jobs. Initiatives like the London Living Wage can go a long way towards ensuring that everyone earns a reasonable wage that they can live on and decent levels of income support, like the state pension and jobseekers allowance, are also vital for combating poverty and inequality.

"Despite rising pressure on national budgets, public spending on financial support and essential services, like social housing, education, healthcare and social care, must be safeguarded. If we fail to ensure their continued provision we will simply increase inequality in our society and that will benefit no-one."

The conference will also include an exhibition of work on the theme of anti-poverty and the whole event is free and open to the public. A crèche is available for children under five years of age.

Into 2010 The European Year Against Poverty will take place at The Old Town Hall Stratford, 29 The Broadway E15 4BQ from 10-4pm on Tuesday 1st December.

Notes to Editors

More than 78 million people in the European Union live in poverty (set at 60% of a country's median income). In March 2000, governments across Europe pledged to make "a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty" by the year 2010. This year has now been officially designated as the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (EY2010). See www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk/eu2010 for more details.

European Commission hints at further legal action over London's air pollution

Jean Lambert — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The European Commission has revealed this week that it is deciding whether it will take further legal action against the UK over plans to meet EU air quality standards in London. The UK missed its deadline this year for tackling high levels of harmful airborne particles (PM10) and has submitted an application for a delay until 2011. However, if the Government has failed to meet the Commission's conditions it seems that it will now face escalating legal action.

In February this year, the UK was sent a first warning letter concerning breach of the PM10 standards. The recent application for a delay will have to prove that the UK and London can meet the standards by 2011 - if the application does not meet the Commission's conditions then ‘appropriate legal action' will be taken. The decision is likely to be made by the end of this year, much earlier than previously expected.

While the Mayor of London published his Draft Air Quality Strategy in October, it is doubtful that the measures proposed for addressing transport emissions will produce the results required to meet the EU standards.

The Mayor's strategy reveals that a number of projects remain unfunded and are thus not credible. 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.

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

"Given the proposals in London's draft Air Quality Strategy it seems clear that the UK does not have a credible plan to fully comply with agreed EU standards for PM10. If the Commission also finds that London's plans are not satisfactory then it should waste no time in rejecting the Government's application to delay meeting the standards and proceed with legal action.

"Far too many Londoners are dying prematurely every year due to poor air quality and thousands more are suffering from chronic breathing problems. With Copenhagen just around the corner, it is time Europe showed its determination to urgently and dramatically reduce air pollution."