Global and Local

Two events yesterday (Sat 24th): The first was a protest organised by the World Development Movement outside Royal Bank of Scotland in Chorlton. The protest was against the appalling tar sands exploitation in Canada, which is being funded by RBS amongst others. They invited the Withington constituency candidates; however the only two who came to express their support for the campaign were myself and Lib Dem John Leech; in fact as Margaret Westbrook the Green candidate for Stretford and Urmston joined us there were two Greens and only one from every other Party put together - the 3 of us are pictured below.

My statement for the protest:
"I strongly support the campaign by the World Development Movement and other groups against the Canada Tar Sands exploitation and the role of British Banks, including RBS, in funding it.

This is arguably the most damaging project on earth at the moment. As well as devastating the environment in Canada and destroying the health and culture of the native people, it will cause a major increase in the world's carbon emissions. Far from being just a local impact, that will affect humanity worldwide, including in Manchester.

Banks, including RBS, have benefited from a bailout using our money. Rather than the Banks cleaning up at our expense, we need to clean up the Banks."

So although this is the 'Global' half of the post, it will also have local implications.

Gorton Candidate's Cycle Ride.

Justine Hall, the Green candidate for Manchester Gorton did a 'round the constituency cycle ride', yesterday. Amazingly the 'Gorton' constituency stretches as far as the border of Chorlton, so I accompanied her from the end of the Fallowfield Loop as far as Alexandra Park. I did something similar in the 1989 European election; part of the idea is to highlight issues along the way - in this area that includes the Metrolink extension work (this deserves a post of its own), and the availability of housing.

Picture of me with Justine taking a short break from campaigning at 'The Hilary Step' (and thereby supporting the Campaign for Real Ale)

Busy Night Tonight

Another hustings event - this time at Chorlton Central United Reform Church,7.30 pm organised by 'Faith in Government'. Questions on inequality, refugees, and debt (plus others).

This means I will miss most of a special gig by famous comedian Mark Steel (plus supporting acts), being put on for 3 broadly-progressive candidates standing in the area including the Green Party's Gayle O'Donovan (Manchester Central) Facebook event here