The high cost of low price - Lagan Valley Greens

It seems like every advert on TV is from somebody who claims they are trying to save you money. With shop closures on every high street, more and more charity shops and value brands flourishing, it is hard not to see the effects of the worldwide downturn in Lisburn.

It is only natural that in circumstances where ordinary families are feeling the pinch that we tighten the belt. We plonk for BOGOF offers, value brands and supermarkets and clothes shops with reputations for thriftiness. There is of course no harm in that, but we need to be careful. When the goal becomes to sell as much as is possible as cheaply as is possible, corners will be cut. Once more, there is no harm in making savings due to cutting off the frills. However, there may well be a hidden harm in the manufacturing of your cheap – and not so cheap – goods. Many of our consumer products are sourced from, and manufactured from, overseas and developing economies. The problem is that these goods may be tainted by incredibly poorly paid labour, the use of children in the manufacturing process and unprocessed dangerous pollutants being released in large volumes back into the environment.

 For examples of this we can see cotton from Uzbekistan, (check the label of your T-shirts!) has been identified by the Washington Times, the BBC and many Non Governmental Organizations to routinely be harvested by Children and Adults who may have been subjected to violence and torture. Children go out and pick cotton rather than attending school. In effect, they are brutalized into cotton picking. China’s Sichuan province routinely has animals and plant kills due to chemical pollutants in its waterways, and there are stories of villagers who live downriver from processing plants getting cancers and having their skin dissolved slowly by these same chemicals in their water.

Even at home manufacturers are feeling the squeeze by the likes of supermarket Giant Tesco to reduce their costs. For instance, the squeeze being put on producers of canned value foods means that they are being put ever closer to actually losing money on the sale of each tin. The horsemeat scandal, to take another example, can be thought of in purely economic terms. Why pay a premium for a beef carcass when you can pick up a horse carcass for a fraction of the cost and hardly anyone can taste the difference? Sadly all of these are spurred on to capitalize on the huge market for low cost goods.

Premium goods are also not immune from this. It is a widely recognized fact that factories, which manufacture Apple’s very desirable Iphones, have high rates of worker suicide due to conditions in the factory – this was widely reported in the media.

These are sadly but a few examples of a widespread practice.

What can we do about it? We advise people to, as much as they can, investigate the products they buy and whom they buy them from. Most people would not knowingly support unfair or tyrannical practices if they knew about them. There are plenty of more environmentally and ethically safe products on the market, such as local, organic / biodynamic and fairtrade foodstuffs and clothing. It is very tempting to plump for the cheapest option in today’s Northern Ireland of reduced incomes, reduced government spending and increased cost, but do be mindful of what your purchases may be supporting behind your back! Another tip is not to overbuy – make shopping lists and think before impulse buying. Simple tips, but they work!

We encourage people to be mindful with their money beyond scrimping (!), and to support sustainable, environmentally sound and ethical purchases as much as they can. Capital is like the “breath of life” for many things, so please don’t give it to things you think are wrong in principle. We know its tough for everyone but if we plant the right seeds then we all share the benefit.
We have seen from the recession what happens when we let companies gallop towards short-term profits, and certainly we don’t want that to happen again. Lets support sustainable growth and then maybe we will take the steps away from boom and bust that we were promised during the growth years of the 1990s and 2000s. 

Hakenkreuzsprengung - A May 8th Celebration

You may not be aware of this, but the 8^th of May is remembered as the day that the Nazi Government of Germany was finally laid to rest.

With this in mind, it is a very good idea to reflect on the legacy that the poisonous tenants of Nazi ideology have had on Europe as a whole. Most people are aware of the genocides and conflicts that arose, and the sacrifice of the brave men and women who gave service and their lives to resist the Axis forces. One thing that is very much relevant to our current situation is the seductive lie of racist politics designed to get power for parties with destructive agendas.

We have seen recently in the victories of UKIP in English council elections, as well as the Queens speech that immigration has become a populist topic. Unfortunately, the dialogue on this seems to be very skewed, with popular sensationalist tabloid newspapers, such as the Daily Mail and the Express, routinely informing people that we have too many “foreigners” living in the UK who they claim are taking resources that could have been allocated to what the see as the rightful residents of the country. This is tied in with Anti – EU sentiment. However, it is far from the clear – cut and straightforward story that the media has portrayed. As we have seen in our own country, there have been many instances of racist attacks – such as on the Roma Community of the Lisburn road and Polish residents at the North Coast. Not only are these terrifying attacks a hark back to the bad old days of Northern Ireland, where no business would dare invest due to civil unrest, but they are being fuelled by this dangerous rhetoric.

 It is much too easy for a conversation on possible restrictions on EU migrants to spill over into racism, mistrust and Xenophobia. History has shown that these opinions always translate into making life worse for innocent people. In Lisburn there are many examples where our lives have been made better by people from other cultures and countries. They obtain work, found businesses which nearly everyone frequents and spend their money in our economy. They help us to form links with their countries of origin and expand our trade with their industries. This in effect brings untold amounts of money into Northern Ireland. If we lost this, then we would almost instantly see a much poorer country. It is not right that we become so insular that we fool ourselves into thinking we only need the money that locals provide. This quite simply would not be enough to support NI’s still developing economy. Many of our young people, especially graduates, are having to leave Northern Ireland to provide themselves with a living wage and career prospects that simply do not exist domestically. If we are happy to subject people wishing to enter our country to scrutiny and hostility, do we wish the same fate for our young emigrants?

Many churches also have links with other churches across the world. It is amusing to think that many people claiming to want to keep our society as it is with “Christian” (as opposed to multicultural) values perhaps would have been the same type who tried to chase away St Patrick and his “foreign” religion.

Violence against minorities is completely sickening and wrong. There is evidence that even in Lisburn people are putting racist stickers outside businesses and homes. Anecdotally, I have heard a few people in prestigious positions within their communities express racist sentiments coupled with the misconception that they are “bleeding the system”. This lie only furthers the desires of Governments and political parties whose ultimate aim is to eradicate all spending on the welfare state – so to them everyone is bleeding the system.

We urge people to see the opinions that we have outlined for what they are in many cases – a smokescreen for racism, which has been the cancer of Europe for far too long. Of course if anyone is a criminal regardless of race then they should face justice, but be very wary of seeing any criminal activity as a function of someone’s race or religion. People who are not immigrants, get most of the benefits that are going and perform the vast majority of crimes and foul play in NI. There is no evidence to suggest any one group is over represented in either justice or welfare. Please challenge any of these beliefs where you see them raised. Luckily, a lot of people with very extreme opinions are faking them to get a reaction or a laugh. We need to show all visitors and residents to our part of the world that we are welcoming friendly as well as open for business. We need to keep violence well away from our community. Let’s not kid ourselves that things were somehow better during the dark days of the troubles. No one wants to be a target merely  for going about their everyday business.

The Mayor's parade on the 11th of May contained many schoolchildren celebrating these diverse cultures - Chinese, Indian, Polish, Russian and more. It's great to see our young people taking part and learning about difference, and hopefully seeing through racist arguments. To sum up, with BNP elements allegedly taking part in violent protests and racist groups attacking settled communities in areas, there is a real danger of an increase on attacks on vulnerable people and other unacceptable incidents. We wish to see these totally gone from Lisburn for the benefit of us all. 

Acting to challenge racism and hatred wherever each of us sees it in our lives is still the best way that we can honour those who gave their lives fighting the cause of liberty against Adolf Hitler and his like.

Green Party Disappointed by Lack of Ambition and Progress on Shared Future

The Green Party has criticized the First and Deputy First Ministers’ lack of ambition and piecemeal approach to a shared future in Northern Ireland.

“This is a piecemeal approach which is knee-jerk reaction to the recent flag protests, the upcoming marching season and the threat by the UK government over funding,” Green Party Leader Steven Agnew MLA said.

“In my opinion, these are not the conditions to lay down solid foundations for a shared future in Northern Ireland.

“Yes, removing physical walls is important but it will be meaningless if communities remain politically and ideologically separated and in conflict.

“If we want a united society where differences are celebrated and accepted, then it must start at grass-roots levels and be applicable to all.

“That process needs to start with integrated education, shared housing and better political leadership where a generosity of spirit and co-operation is demonstrated more regularly.

“Waiting until children are 16 or over and not in employment, education or training to offer them a paid, one-year course on good relations and good citizenship is just not enough.

“In fact, it is a disingenuous move which tries and fails to roll two distinct problems – youth unemployment and sectarian division - into one when they need to tackled effectively and separately.

“What we need is an integrated society not necessarily a shared society because too often in Northern Ireland shared future means shared out.

“It is ironic and sad the plans for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration stalled because the DUP and Sinn Fein could not agree how to proceed.

“After the length of time the Executive parties have been discussing how to create a shared future, I am deeply disappointed that this is the best they can come up with.

“It will fail yet more generations of people in Northern Ireland who deserve a better post-conflict plan than this.”

UKIPPERS for Breakfast & a Well Done to the English Greens!

The Lagan Valley Green Party congratulates the Green Party in England on their recent increase in seats in local council elections. This equated to roughly ¼ more seats, and no significant losses in any area. This also confirms the Green Party as the 5th largest party represented in English councils – no mean feat!

However, the media clamour is likely to focus on the meteoric performance of UKIP, despite the fact that the real story was Labour's return to form with gains of 291 seats. UKIP’s success is not totally attributable to the public endorsing their policies, which aren’t clear in the first place. If you disagree then answer this - where do they stand on quantitative easing? Welfare reform? The rail network? And so on. Much as the Conservative coalition government was a result of a protest vote at perceived Labour mismanagement, the UKIP gains seem to be a protest vote by an England that has grown disillusioned with the failures of the Tories during their time in power.

People may ask why the Greens didn’t get a larger slice of this protest pie. This is in no small part due to the massive amounts of exposure and free publicity given to UKIP by the likes of the English Daily Mail, Express and other traditionally Tory supporting papers.  The Greens have traditionally not been a hot ticket for the media with their more down to earth approach. As a lot of UKIP supporters noted on their twitter feeds, “The BBC played a blinder” for them trying to make memorable TV debates between UKIP and Tory candidates. UKIP also has seemingly quite a large budget for publicity. Marketing is probably the strongest weapon in getting through to record amounts of apathy filled voters in a climate of poor turnout.

Secondly, as  Boris Johnson has proved, and many a spin doctor knows too well, no one will vote for an old, stuffed shirt conservative a la John Major, Michael Heseltine et al. Nigel Farage has succeeded by having a 'too cool for school' media persona, complete with quips and witticisms. Its unlikely 'BoJo' would have unseated 'Red Ken' if it wasn’t for his mercurial turn on Have I Got News For You, for example.

Thirdly the Greens were hamstrung by not having the resources to field as many candidates. UKIP's shrewd policy of fielding for almost every council seat needed the resources - and potential candidates - that the Greens would not be able to put forward. So a lot of fortuitous things came together for UKIP. 

UKIP's short history has already included a plane crash, several changes in management and numerous Basil Fawlty style right wing gaffes from prominent members leading to expulsion. But what are they likely to offer their constituents? As the UKIP policies are very woolly on everyday life subjects like planning, housing, environmental health and transport, its hard to gauge.

Remember, they were essentially founded as a single issue party - "save the pound" being their main objective, as their logo suggests. Its more the vibe they wish to portray which is significant, as economic liberals with a Euro-sceptic socially conservative bent. Its the fact that keeping so many new politicians, presumably with little previous experience as public officials, on topic which is likely to be their immediate problem.

It was well publicised that UKIP did not have policies that encompassed every aspect they needed to, and also well publicised is the fact that there appeared to be a "lunatic fringe" element with more unacceptable ideas, such as Geoffrey Clark (compulsory abortion) who was in fairness ejected from the party. But then again, more socially liberal elements within the youth section of the party have also been jettisoned - like Olly Neville, seemingly being maligned for supporting same sex marriage. It seems the battle will be for middle ground, and herding such vast numbers of new politicians will be a mammoth task for any whip.

UKIP are also now in control of some councils in very impoverished areas - such as Thanet in Kent. With their focus on economic liberalisation (which surely is what led to the recession in the first place!) and increasing punitive justice whilst backing out of the EU, it will be interesting to see exactly what they offer to the people they have been tasked with looking after.

The Green Party's gains are pleasing and look to be sustainable. People know what they will get with a Green councillor, and appear to be pleased with the results so far judging by repeat terms for many of our councillors. UKIP on the other hand are still somewhat of an unknown quantity. They will do well to be mindful of the old adage "easy come, easy go" and the real test will be whether or not they keep their seats next time round. After all, despite the English vice of being excessively tolerant of eccentricity in their public representatives, their lack of tolerance for incompetence may well mean that UKIP will be the recipients of the next protest vote. In the meantime we are looking forward to watching the new UKIP sitcom, coming to an English council near you!

Greens Express Support for New Wind Turbine

Lagan Valley Greens have issued a statement in support of renewable power generation, following concerns raised by Ravernet residents at a proposed new wind turbine:

The Green Party believes that renewable energy generation is vital to the future of Northern Ireland. Due to the increasing scarcity of fossil fuel reserves, a worldwide energy crisis is a very real possibility within the lifetime of a child born today. Fossil fuel generation also carries with it human health and environmental risks, as became frighteningly clear during the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.

Locally, the combustion of fossil fuels to generate heat and energy has created its own problems. On 6th March 2013, the Guardian reported that Belfast received a maximum pollution index of 10/10 for air pollution relating to these sources.

Robust planning is vital when choosing a site for a renewable energy generator of any kind. The Green Party's definition of environment is the human environment - the everyday life and world of people. Issues such as housing, welfare reform and provision for the elderly and vulnerable are of paramount importance to us. We are keen that the impact on people near to any proposed plant be minimised where possible.

Notwithstanding necessary transport links, access to the energy grid and other required infrastructure, we believe any plant should, ideally, be situated far enough from the community that local residents need not be aware of its existence.

Due to its proposed size, it is likely that the Ravernet wind turbine will be visible to some of the local community. Its proposed location, however, seems remote enough that noise pollution will not be a major problem. When compared with the pollution and effluent generated by power stations such as Ballylumford, and the proposed “fracking” that may soon be taking place in Ireland, perhaps even in Lagan Valley, these concerns do not seem to be on the same scale.

Finally, there are enormous benefits offered by the Green economy. These new technologies employ large numbers of people with a wide variety of skills, such as engineers, electricians and maintenance staff. A new wind turbine equates to new investment and more jobs in our local area. We believe that an investment in renewables is a sound economic decision as well as a socially conscious one. Regarding the Ravernet turbine, we remain hopeful for a resolution satisfactory to all parties.

Lagan Valley Greens Support Business Improvement District Schemes

The John Lewis and associated retail development at Sprucefield has been rumbling on for almost ten years. Arguments both for and against the proposed 500,000 sq ft retail development have been persuasive. While the development could bring 1,500 jobs to Sprucefield, the reduction in footfall could also decimate Lisburn’s remaining city centre retail businesses.

It is clear that Northern Ireland has been hit very hard by the economic recession, and one of the areas that have suffered most has been small business and city centre trade. It is a serious concern that Lisburn is above the national average for vacant retail space.

It is clear that Lisburn City centre needs help to survive. Investment, promotion and a truly local response is needed. To survive retailers will need to help each other on a local level to compete, revitalise their areas and address local issues.

The Lagan Valley Green Party believe that the best way to address this problem lies with the Business Improvement District Scheme (BIDS) currently being considered by the Social Development Committee at Stormont. This legislation has been spoken about favourably by NIIRTA (Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association) and has a proven track record in England, Wales and Scotland.

The Business Improvement District Scheme allows any retailer to suggest a BID is set up in their area. This then is put to a vote, requiring a threshold of approval from other retailers in the area. If successful, a BID area is established. The scheme is financed by the retailers in this area in the amount of 1% of the rateable value per year. This is not a tax on traders who are already struggling. It is best thought of as redistributing some of the money from rates relief and routing it straight back into the scheme with one aim - to increase revenue. As it is local, it is the most sustainable way we have of getting local people back into the city centre - the lifeblood of our local economy. Town and city centres need better planning and more control for local business. We see this as the best way to deliver both.

The Business Improvement District is democratic, a management committee is formed and each trader gets as involved as they want. Examples of BIDS in the UK have included creating a mobile cleaning unit, organising free transport to the town centre, creating festivals and running advertising campaigns. Each BID is reviewed regularly and ends after a set period. BIDS increase revenue and because they are run on behalf of the traders themselves, they are flexible enough to meet local needs.

The Lagan Valley Green Party wants to see Lisburn City centre restored to its full prominence as a place to do business, meet, shop and relax. We believe the best way for Lisburn City centre to be revitalised is for small and large businesses to band together and invest directly in themselves as a group and a product. Lisburn needs and deserves a stable and sustainable local economy for its whole community.

Green Party deeply concerned about Fracking

Green Party in Northern Ireland European candidate and European Shale Gas Working Group co-ordinator Ross Brown said: “Fracking is a dirty extraction process which involves injecting millions of gallons of chemicals deep underground to fracture rock to release gas.

“There are thousands of well-documented instances of environmental contamination and negative health impacts associated with fracking.

“In places where fracking has been permitted doctors are reporting cases of weakness, headaches, nausea, rashes and burning eyes from residents living in the area.

“The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment are just about to grant more prospecting licences which will mean that many areas in Northern Ireland will now be covered. (see map below)

“Fracking has been banned in France, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic and has been halted in a number of other locations including a number of US and German states.

“In 2011, the Northern Ireland Assembly passed a Green Party motion calling for the withdrawal of four exploration licences, which had been issued in Northern Ireland at that time. In spite of the real dangers highlighted during this debate, Arlene Foster, the DUP Minister has failed to act.

“The Green Party in Northern Ireland wants to make sure that citizens know exactly what it is happening before it is too late and they suddenly find their areas dotted with gas wells spewing out contaminants and chemicals.

“Fracking is an extreme energy which is akin to scraping the bottom of the barrel to reach gas reserves.

“Concerns are often rightly raised regarding fracking and contamination of water supplies but it must also be remembered that this is a dirty process which also can contribute to significant air pollution.

“Fracking also puts in jeopardy two of our biggest revenue-driving sectors of tourism and agribusiness.

“Not to mention the disruptive and negative impact it will have on people leaving close to well pads who will see their health put at risk and their house prices devalued.

“The people of Northern Ireland now need to come together and make it known to the Department of Enterprise that we do not want the process of fracking destroying our health and environment so multi-national energy companies can make money off the misery of communities living in close proximity to these wells.”