Green MP candidate in Brighton Pavilion. Pushing Sadiq Khan with new ideas since 2016. Champion of youth services, justice and council homes. Renter. She/her
April's always busy as spring comes to life, but the community in Brighton has really excelled this year at bringing people together, and bringing me in to listen and see all this excellent work. Here’s a tiny selection of what we’ve all been up to recently:
#Brighton
1/🧵
A transphobic protest group visited the Heath in my ward today. It doesn’t deserve my attention or amplification, but I want to record that it was not welcome and doesn’t reflect the loving and inclusive values of the people in Camden at all.
#TransRightsAreHumanRights
💚🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
Failure upon failure from Met leadership.
There was literally no chance of this being a violent event if it had been left in peace. And given what prompted it, these scenes are just abhorrent and traumatic to see for so many of us.
They will be held to account.
The police are assaulting women grieving a woman allegedly murdered by one of their own.
This is a disgusting affront and we should all march tomorrow.
Inciting disorder, directly causing disgraceful scenes, stoking division - literally the opposite of her job. I don't say lightly that we absolutely have the worst Home Secretary I have ever seen.
The scenes of disorder we witnessed by the far-right at the Cenotaph are a direct result of the Home Secretary’s words. The police's job has been made much harder.
The Met have my full support to take action against anyone found spreading hate and breaking the law.
Full, blistering speech by
@CarolineLucas
tonight. The PM has no mandate for his vicious Brexit. His team of elitist bullies showed not an ounce of respect for Parliament, which she rightly showed up, and he was rightly voted down.
#DefendDemocracy
Junior doctors are NOT being unreasonable - doesn't it make sense that we train and retain doctors with decent pay, not lose them to the private sector or abroad?
That's why we have to defend the NHS, and why I have absolute solidarity with their action.
#JuniorDoctorsStrikes
Right London. One good thing about the weather is it lets us see in *real life* how much space the traffic really uses. This is called a ‘Sneckdown’
Your mission - if you have a vantage point - is to send me all your Sneckdown photos for my files today!
#londonsnow
#sneckdown
To stop a Tory Mayor...
(A) voting SianThenKhan
is *exactly* as effective as
(B) voting KhanThenSian
So, London, who is up for doing (A) and putting the Conservatives in THIRD place?
That really would be something.
❎💚
#VoteGreen2021
🚮
I went to see the Queen ceremonially open Crossrail and she seemed very happy and sweet. But clearly monarchy should have no future place in our country’s government. We need to make a proper constitution as a republic where we elect heads of state and both houses of Parliament.
All the polls have put the Greens on track for a record result in London, but it will only happen if you use your vote before 10pm tonight.
Be part of something huge. Get to that polling station, and vote Green.
Speaking to defend the right to protest with
@MollyMEP
and
@TheGreenParty
MEPs in Trafalgar Square. You can’t just sweep away our human rights across a whole city. And if your house is on fire, don’t outlaw the alarm!
This is utter chaos. What on earth were the police commanders thinking? Charging people with horses is no way to create order or calm and is hugely dangerous.
The Met appears to have extended its Section 14 order against protests to *all* of London, not just the whole city *except* Trafalgar Square. How can they justify this? Why has the GLA not kept the square (that they run) open for
@XRLondon
as before?
@MayorofLondon
@metpoliceuk
?
In a democracy we have a right to peaceful protest
Tonight I stood in solidarity with the
@ExtinctionR
protestors in Trafalgar Square 🌻
I exercised my right to protest and have been arrested alongside brave climate activists
This is a
#climateemergency
❗️
Seriously. No-one aiming to be Mayor of London should use a seat in Parliament to do this to our city, or our 1 million EU citizens. Put away your selfie stick Rory and go home.
#LondonisRemain
#LondonIsOpen
#VoteGreen2020
I voted against the Letwin amendment. Parliament now meets again Monday to debate the new deal. Will post a video over the weekend laying out my thinking.
On his birthday too -
@jon_bartley
standing up for our right to peaceful protest. In a democracy this is the very definition of not a crime. Proud of my
@TheGreenParty
Co-leader and those he was arrested alongside today.
Shocking. What started with unjustified violence against gatherings at a holy site in Ramadan is now large scale destruction. The govt in Israel bears responsibility for this deadly escalation and must lead on ending it. Our govt must also take action, particularly on arms sales.
Even assuming, as the Israeli government claims, that a 13-storey residential tower in Gaza housed "an office that is used by the political leadership" of Hamas, how is it proportionate for an Israeli air strike to destroy the entire building?
'We do not view him as a police officer' is very far away from 'We are ashamed that he was a police officer and we are going to find and stop all the others like him'.
Here it is, everyone.
@DawnButlerBrent
’s exclusive statement for Byline TV on today’s events in Parliament.
She called Boris Johnson a liar and was thrown out for it - but decided it had to be done to highlight the erosion of our democracy.
Because trans men exist and deserve respect, and so do non-binary people, and because the context in which people shout out this kind of rhetoric is usually at the NHS, whenever it tries to put out properly inclusive screening messages to help save lives.
Qu is not that hard.
At last! Huge congratulations and respect to Biden, Harris and their teams.
And good riddance, Trump you racist, sexist, tyrannical nightmare. To a better world ahead! 👏💚🌍
I want to swim in the sea this summer knowing the water is safe.
But the private water companies have helped make our coast filthy and unhealthy.
Profit has no place to play in such an essential service. Let’s bring water back into public hands.
To the millions of EU citizens in the UK:
We’ve stood and campaigned alongside you for the past 5 years. And deal or not, and whatever happens next, this is your home.
We want you to stay with us, and Greens will always fight for your rights.
#StrongerThanBrexit
#WeLoveEU
I think of the difficulties, hardships and heartache many people have gone through to keep others safe and stick to the rules.
The level of hypocrisy shown by Cummings is a clear resignation matter. We simply cannot let this level of hypocrisy stand.
You HAVE to watch this BBC Electioncast on the
@TheGreenParty
manifesto right now.
In a stunning 11 mins, the BBC correspondents sum up our ideas so incredibly well. I have never been more convinced to
#VoteGreen2019
!
Why do people in politics who find themselves at a bit of a loose end think Mayor of London is just some random title they can go for on a whim?
For Londoners it’s the most serious job there is. City Hall needs people with a record and a plan, not just a PR team and a gimmick.
I am so sad that all of us, especially EU citizens here and our young people, now face a future under this Brexit deal.
For some HOPE, let’s work for a thing most people actually do support, and really take back control by winning EQUAL VOTES.
#TakeControl
#MakeVotesMatter
Doing politics differently is not easy. But together, working with local parties, we found our way to an agreement. Full details at 10.
In key seats across the country Greens will be the single strong, principled, remain candidates who can win.
#UniteToRemain
#VoteGreen2019
London bus fare 2019: £1.50
Bus fare 2022: £1.65
🚃🔼10%
Annual zone 1-4 travelcard 2019: £2,020
Annual zone 1-4 travelcard 2022: £2,208
🚅🔼9%
ULEZ charge 2019: £12.50
ULEZ charge 2022: £12.50
🚗🔼0%
Prices go up for public transport, polluters pay the same price.
This is the moment MPs shout at
@Jacob_Rees_Mogg
to 'sit up' after his body language and attitude during the ongoing Brexit debate is criticised by Green Party MP
@CarolineLucas
.
Read more:
Today a temporary basic income plan is urgent. Full UBI in place already would have massively simplified dealing with the job effects of virus protection measures. Without it millions are at risk, and the benefit claim system will soon break down. What is the best way to do this?
Some very welcome common sense words from Owen 🙏
Real emotion when he says he’s scared what Labour will be like with the huge majority and unchallenged power it is pushing people for.
The Tories ARE toast and, as PM, the Labour leader will need a strong opposition.
#VoteGreen
I just quit Labour after 24 years.
We deserve better than the race to the bottom between Labour and the Tories.
Labour want you to think there's no alternative. But there is.
Join it:
I am one of four cross-party politicians taking this action with
@GoodLawProject
.
We shouldn’t tolerate ultra-rich people and a handful of companies secretly and excessively influencing politicians and policy. It’s a basic democratic need to know who funds what, and why.
People are asking why I am wearing a white poppy on TV. Along with many other people I want to remember all the victims of war and say with a crystal clear voice ‘never again.’
The
#LondonFlooding
hashtag shows far too many people driving through significant depths of water. Some even seem to be doing to it make videos to post. Please don't take risks Londoners - if you see flood water ahead, stop, divert or turn back!
A bizarre and dangerous tax cut for the most unnecessarily wasteful flights that it is easiest to avoid.
To ‘reduce the cost of living’ cut rail fares for the many instead of airfares for the few.
Flights between airports in Eng, Scot, Wales & NI will be subject to a lower rate of air passenger duty. Making domestic flights relatively cheaper.
(Strange announcement pushing domestic flights pre Cop-26?)
#Budget2021
Everyone remembers this 🔥 clip.
But today remember the clear warning
@GreenPartyMolly
was giving at the start - about the risk and reality of Johnson’s ‘oven ready’ spin:
“Years of difficult negotiations and the risk of a cliff-edge Brexit at the end of 2020” 🇪🇺🇬🇧⌛️
“As far as I’m aware she does not have any degree in economics.”
“I was and I remain a professor of economics.”
This is what happened when a Brexit Party MEP questioned the expertise of Green MEP Molly Scott Cato over post-Brexit trade.
More formally,
@TheGreenParty
is delighted, excited and firm in our call for urgent and immediate reversals in US climate policy before it is too late. 👏💚🌍
At the very least we are the most polite and appreciative party when you trust us with your vote! 💚😇
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has voted Green today. And those who still will in the next ten minutes...
As a true campaigner at heart, I am delighted to see this. There are signs of a real cross party consensus emerging that, for a real social safety net, designed without holes to fall through and respecting human rights, a Universal Basic Income is the right policy.
#UBI
Proud that
#LDConf
has voted to endorse a Universal Basic Income tonight.
#UBI
is one of many tools to help kickstart a post-Covid recovery across the UK and build a fairer society for all.
Big thanks to all those who spoke in the debate.
Oh, this message from the Mayor. ‘Business as usual’ is the worst possible phrase to use. He should instead be urging the Govt to declare a climate emergency as
@ExtinctionR
are asking - so reasonably, and as he and the London Assembly already have done.
My final 24 hours as a leader of the
@TheGreenParty
. Though very sad about leaving a year early, I have genuinely loved this job.
People asking about 'best bits' and it's undoubtedly this night. The privilege of welcoming our best ever council results:
A year ago, hard work by
@TheGreenParty
local teams across the country won a record result and hundreds of new councillors. Here I'll share clips of my long, exciting night being so proud of everyone. First - 1am on LBC as the first results were coming in:
Trans men are men. Trans women are women. Non binary identities exist and are valid.
I promise to do everything in my power to ensure that every single trans person in London has a safe, fulfilling and joyful life.
The policing decisions around this have been beyond awful.
From the practical need to keep things calm and coronavirus safe, to recognising the moral necessity of space to mark this horrific crime, protest wider problems, and remember Sarah.
The Met has failed on every level.
Our core values respect everyone’s right to inclusion and to be who they are. We stand against discrimination and stand up for every oppressed and marginalised group. Today our trans and non-binary siblings are the targets of abuse that no Green should be part of. 4/ 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️😰
🙏💚 Thank you Caroline and thank you so much members of
@BHGreens
for choosing me. Our campaign starts right now, knocking on every door, listening to every voter, building on your legacy and continuing your service.
So delighted that the amazing
@sianberry
has been selected as the
@TheGreenParty
candidate for
#Brighton
Pavilion! She’s passionate, principled, fantastically hardworking & a great listener. If you live in the constituency, Sian and I will be on your doorstep very soon 🙂💚
Shouting out a BIG thank you to everyone who voted Green, all our hardworking members, and all the Green candidates standing up to put bold policies forward at hustings.
Everything crossed for a bigger vote, new MPs - and a better Parliament tomorrow.
💚🤞🤞💚👏👏💚
He may seem to use his words carelessly, but I don’t think the PM can have used ‘thug’ inadvertently here. It’s a very well known racist trope that a former writer and former Mayor would be aware of. Unfitting and disgraceful to see.
People have a right to protest peacefully & while observing social distancing but they have no right to attack the police. These demonstrations have been subverted by thuggery - and they are a betrayal of the cause they purport to serve. Those responsible will be held to account.
Caroline Lucas has been a personal inspiration, leader and guide through my whole political life for more than 20 years. When she leaves Parliament she will do so as one of the best ever MPs to sit on those appropriately green benches. With so many today, I am SO grateful to her.
Fracking moratorium is thanks to years and years and years of work by local communities, campaigners and fierce *political* pressure.
Banning fracking is for life, not just for Christmas.
If you agree...
#TheTimeIsNow
#VoteGreen2019
Very happy to have a new job today, with such a great new colleague in
@jon_bartley
too. Thanks absolutely loads to everyone who put their faith in us!
I have been so disgusted to see both the volume and intensity of hateful abuse here aimed at
@EddieIzzardLab
in the past few days. She doesn’t deserve it, nobody does, and it was this platform at its worst IMO. Solidarity from me to you Suzy, and respect. 💚
Gloomy day for solar in UK
1) households who fit solar in future will have to give their excess solar power away for free, under
@beisgovuk
decision
2) households who already have solar will pay more for their energy as
@ofgem
forces them to pay more for access to grid
The Chancellor literally just said “new bypass” and “less traffic” in the same breath, proving he knows nothing about transport at all.
#SpendingReview
@OwenJones84
@maliharz
Solidarity Owen. Finding it increasingly hard to bear how far so many on the left are willing to bend to accommodate this hate campaign. I have not done anything like enough to stop this.
In the current conflicts I want to ask everyone to distinguish carefully between this hellish, oblivious Government (which is based in London) and London the city and region. And the millions of Londoners I represent who are also ignored and face appalling poverty and inequality.
“Orderly” people seldom make history, Home Secretary. I’m sorry, but justice is what happened to the statue and was long overdue. I really hope no-one faces action as a result of determinedly carrying out this important act of protest.
BREAKING: Home Secretary Priti Patel says the toppling of a statue of slaver Edward Colston in Bristol is "utterly disgraceful", adding the police should 'follow up' on the incident
BREAKING: We just disrupted
@Keir_Starmer
's speech to say, 'No more u-turns, we need a Green New Deal now!'
We need politicians who will take our futures seriously and tackle the climate and economic crisis facing us all.
It's time for Labour to be bold.
Rumbled.
And now imagine the unlikelihood of one of our own major UK broadcast interviewers giving him this kind of cold scrutiny and think about what trouble our country is in.
See below and the link in the ALT text for an open letter to members of
@BHGreens
from me today.
After speaking with local members over the past few days, I am planning to put in an application to be your next MP candidate for Brighton Pavilion constituency. 💚
Sneckdown: 'A natural curb extension caused by snowfall. They show where a street can potentially be narrowed to slow motor vehicle speeds and shorten pedestrian crossing distances'
(by
@otucis
)
An end to the rail class system is absolutely needed. We don’t have first class on the tube or Overground, we won’t have it on Crossrail, it would be unthinkable for buses. Transport for London doesn’t divide people, and the same is right for the rest of the transport network.
I am glad to see a wise decision made today by the party executive. And again apologise to members and allies that I was not able to ensure our actions matched our values at a much earlier stage in what I know has been a personally painful process for many of you. 🙏🏳️⚧️💚
Boris Johnson dares to say ‘integrity’ while showing what a poor leader he is.
He disregards impossible choices made by a heartbroken and scared public, and makes it clear he applies different standards to his friends.
The public interest is nowhere to be seen today in No.10.
Thank you again to everyone who voted Green - and to our amazing candidates who stood up so well for our bold manifesto. Join us now as a member and you could be standing in the next Green Wave:
You can vote for something hugely positive today.
✅ Lower rents
✅ A higher living wage
✅ Good, green jobs
Be part of something huge and vote for me as your first choice for Mayor today.
Upsetting proposals aimed at excluding trans people from rights and services are being put to Green conference by an organised, loud but small group.
Greens we need YOU to show up for our trans siblings this weekend. 1/ 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️👇
If I'm elected Mayor, London will end the use of the weedkiller glyphosate within two years.
We can't go on spraying this poison where children play, and where nature could thrive.
My pledge on pesticides in
@the_ecologist
:
Greens will never give up on freedom of movement.
@LonGreenParty
will keep working to restore UK citizens’ rights and those of the 1 million EU citizens who have made our city home.
#FreedomOfMovement
#FOM
Why say this? I never jump to conclusions when seeing clips in isolation but there is no way of seeing the vast range and length of footage from Westminster and Hyde Park today and sensibly pretending the violent fascists were a ‘small minority’.
Or indeed ‘demonstrators’.
"We have seen a small minority behave in extreme thuggery and violent behaviour today"
Home Secretary Priti Patel condemns protests in London after some demonstrators clashed with police
This is not a symptom of a normally functioning climate. History won’t forgive if tomorrow’s UK news media once again treats a dramatic and dangerous heatwave like an ‘and finally’ village fete story.
This map shows exactly what I have been saying - both Greens and LibDems can gain MEP seats (us to build on the three we already hold). You don’t have to settle for second best or hold your nose while voting. Back who you believe in :)
#VoteGreen2019
The Trump era is over. A new beginning for the world. The Green movement is at the heart of fighting for a future that is equal and united, and democratic. Join us - if not now, when?
It has been obvious, and many of us were calling for circuit breakers a month ago.
BUT it is absolutely unacceptable to hear this via rumour and private briefings to selected papers, not in a clear public announcement or through communication to elected leaders in local areas.
Can’t be put more simply: Greens would scrap Ofsted. Keeping single-word ratings? I can’t believe what I am reading this morning. I grew up with teachers and have governed a wonderful school and this is not serving better standards.
My rating of this Government: Inadequate.
The organised far right are a disgusting shower of evident fascists and they are not welcome in London. Love, humanity and solidarity will always win out against their horror show.
#BlackLivesMatter