East Lothian City Deal must look beyond business as usual

We're calling for the South-east Scotland "City Deal" to be firmly focused on a local economy which is both greener and fairer.

This major programme is a partnership of Edinburgh, East Lothian, the two other Lothian councils plus Fife and Scottish Borders, which have come together to work up a £1 billion funding package to improve the economic fortunes of the city region.  

 

Similar models are in place in Glasgow and various English cities.  Under the model, UK and Scottish governments and local councils borrow money up front to improve the economy, on the assumption that future higher tax receipts will pay it back.  

 

However, we say that the kind of investment needed must be based on a vision of what a more sustainable economy looks like decades ahead. 

Isla and Jason of East Lothian Greens

 

Musselburgh-based Green campaigner Jason Rose said: 

 

“The City Deal is a major opportunity to get funding into the local economy. The benefits need to be spread through all six participating councils and jobs created for people who need them most – our younger people and those who need help to get back into work. 

 

“However, the kind of economy also matters.  If the investment was to be for more roads andout­of­town shopping centres, for example, then that locks us into an economy which simply won’t work in 2030 or 2040, even if it worked now. 

 

“I have already asked East Lothian Council officials how they intend to measure the success of this deal, how they will ensure geographic spread of investment and how they think this deal will tackle inequality. I look forward to meeting with officials soon to discuss these issues.”

 

North Berwick-based Green campaigner Isla Aitken said:

 

“A major driver of the City Deal has to be a low carbon economy: for example, investing in public transport and walking and cycling to work; or spending on technology which allows people to work at home or remotely; or creating jobs from major investment in energy conservation, freeing up other funds for direct economic benefit.

 

“We need a city deal for East Lothian that is more than business as usual.” 

 

 

Keep Up To Date With Our Westminster Campaign

Visit VoteJasonRose.com for regular updates from Jason Rose, East Lothian Green candidate for Westminster.

EAST LOTHIAN GREENS QUESTION LABOUR MP'S STANCE ON FRACKING

Jason Rose, East Lothian Green candidate for Westminster, is questioning the stance taken by the county's MP on the risky gas drilling process known as fracking.

During last week's Commons debate on the UK Government's proposed Infrastructure Bill, which will enable drilling companies to run pipelines under property without permission, Labour MPs including East Lothian member Fiona O'Donnell abstained.

Labour's energy spokesman Tom Greatrex stated "shale gas may have a role to play". By contrast Green MP Caroline Lucas tabled an amendment pointing out that the Bill would be inconsistent with the urgent need to prioritise low carbon energy and would encourage oil and gas extraction when the UK should be reducing its fossil fuel dependence.

This came during a week when Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People stated that fracking threatens children's right to health, and as unions including the PCS and Unite restated their opposition to fracking.

Jason Rose, East Lothian Green candidate for Westminster, said:

"While Labour MPs like Fiona O'Donnell appear to think this is not an important enough issue to vote on, communities across East Lothian and the rest of the central belt are rightly alarmed at the prospect of fracking and other unconventional methods of gas extraction. In recent weeks I've been speaking to people throughout the county who support the Scottish Green campaign against fracking, and are appalled to learn of Labour's wishy-washy position on the issue.

"By contrast Green MP Caroline Lucas took a tough stance against the Bill, and it is that sort of constructive and principled approach I would take as MP for East Lothian. I believe we should prioritise clean technology and energy efficiency to give us long-term, high-quality jobs, a point strongly recognised by many trades unions."

Labour energy spokesman says "shale gas may have a role to play":
http://www.scottishlabour.org.uk/blog/entry/no-fracking-without-scotlands-approval

TUC blog on shale, confirming "PCS, along with other UK unions such as Unite is opposed to fracking":
http://touchstoneblog.org.uk/2014/12/uk-shale-gas-a-trade-union-view/

Commissioner for Children and Young People briefing on fracking:
http://www.sccyp.org.uk/ufiles/Fracking-briefing.pdf

Caroline Lucas on the Infrastructure Bill:
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/08/caroline-lucas-infrastructure-bill-british-green-policies-15bn-roads-pollution

Scottish Green Party campaign to stop fracking in Scotland:
http://www.scottishgreens.org.uk/campaigns/fracking/

EAST LOTHIAN GREENS SELECT JASON ROSE FOR WESTMINSTER

The East Lothian branch of the Scottish Green Party today (4 Dec) confirmed that it has selected local campaigner Jason Rose to be the party’s candidate for the Westminster election in May.

Jason (centre) with fellow East Lothian Greens

Jason (37) lives in Musselburgh with his wife and young daughter, and is originally from Tranent.

Since 2012 he has worked for the Green MSPs in the Scottish Parliament; before that for Scottish Water, winning a UK-wide award for his corporate communications work. Mr Rose began his career as a radio journalist and presenter. He also founded the Inverness Book Festival and was its director for the first five years, and helped set up a community cinema in the Highlands.

Jason's local campaigning includes revealing the extent of Musselburgh's air pollution problem, and he was heavily involved in Yes East Lothian activities during the referendum. Mr Rose is a member of Friends of Musselburgh Links, Fisherrow Waterfront Group and East Lothian Community Rail Partnership, and advises the Trustees of the Brunton Theatre.

Jason Rose said:

“Everyone accepts the next Westminster election will be like no other. Everything's up for grabs and I have an extraordinary opportunity to get across Green ideas about creating jobs, improving wages and protecting public services.

"As a Belter I'm proud to be running for election in my home county of East Lothian. I’m grateful to East Lothian Greens for selecting me, and for the support I’ve had from party members at recent meetings in Dunbar, Musselburgh and North Berwick.

“The Conservative-Libdem government has punished the poorest in East Lothian and squeezed our public services, and Labour have been a feeble opposition. Labour's sense of entitlement in East Lothian is seriously misplaced, and their very public meltdown follows them abandoning their founding values a long time ago.

"By contrast the Scottish Greens are seeing a surge in membership, a steady rise in the polls and are mounting much-needed opposition on issues such as austerity, fracking and TTIP. I look forward to meeting many more people over the coming months and discussing their priorities for East Lothian."

Susan Moffat, Co-convener of East Lothian Greens, said:

"East Lothian Greens are delighted to have Jason as our candidate. After the referendum this important UK election is expected to provide a real challenge to the Westminster parties.

"The Greens offer the only distinctive and radical alternative to the mainstream parties and we look forward to working hard with Jason in his election campaign in East Lothian."

Get The Fracking Facts

At last night's fracking meeting in Musselburgh we had this briefing available. Please download a copy to get informed, and please share widely.

We also recommend this briefing from Friends of the Earth Scotland.

Further campaigning on this issue soon! If you'd like to join us you can do so here.

MUSSELBURGH POLLUTION: GREEN CAMPAIGNER SAYS COUNCIL DRAGGING FEET

Responding to a briefing paper provided for East Lothian Council cabinet members on the issue of Musselburgh's air pollution problem, East Lothian Greens are calling for swifter action.

Musselburgh-based East Lothian Greens campaigner Jason Rose said:

"East Lothian Council really is dragging its feet on this important issue. Public health is being harmed, as is local quality of life and the economy. Traffic congestion in Musselburgh town centre is a longstanding problem and it's appalling that only now the local authority is trying to establish what's really going on.

"The report showing the extent of problem was presented to councillors in the summer of 2012 but wasn't made public until East Lothian Greens used Freedom of Information laws in summer 2013. It's almost 2015 and only now is the council bringing in a consultant to do a proper traffic survey. This whole issue stems from 1995 legislation - who knows what damage has been done in the twenty years since.

"I find the lack of action on bus emissions baffling. Lothian Buses have said quite clearly that they will roll out their low emissions fleet if the case is made yet I see little sign of East Lothian Council pressing Musselburgh's case. The proposed Action Plan says liaison with transport operators is a possibility when of course it's something the council could be doing right now. The report to councillors claims buses are responsible for 29 per cent of pollutants, which may be the case, but how can they know without a proper survey?

"You also have to question how seriously the council takes the notion of reducing traffic in Musselburgh town centre given the current revamp of the High Street from Pinkie Pillars to the Tolbooth. It involves creating additional car parking rather than less, and it moves bus stops further away from homes and shops. 

"I look forward to the consultant getting started on identifying where the traffic's coming from and going to, what the main sources of pollutants are, and what impact the new housing off Pinkie Road will have. We can then, as a community, get cracking with action to reduce through-traffic and make our town centre a better place to live, shop and go to school."

East Lothian Greens' work on the Musselburgh air pollution problem has been raised in the Scottish Parliament.

You can sign our petition calling for low emissions buses in the town.

GREENS HOST MUSSELBURGH FRACKING MEETING WITH MSP

East Lothian Greens, along with Green MSP Alison Johnstone, are urging people in the Musselburgh area to attend a free public meeting on fracking next week.

A vast swathe of Scotland, from Ayrshire to East Lothian, has been earmarked by the UK Government as ripe for the controversial gas drilling technique with laws due to be passed to allow fracking companies to drill below people's homes without consent.

The public meeting, hosted by East Lothian Greens, will take place in the Musselburgh East Community Association (MECA) centre on Haddington Road on Tuesday 28 October, starting at 7pm.

In addition to hearing from Alison Johnstone MSP - who sits on the economy and energy committee in the Scottish Parliament - the meeting will hear from leading expert, Dr Richard Dixon, director at Friends of the Earth Scotland.

East Lothian Greens campaigner Jason Rose said:

"Communities such as ours are rightly alarmed at the determination of Westminster to allow fracking. It's also a concern that Scottish Ministers aren't taking a tougher line.

"There's huge interest in this issue and I'm pleased that East Lothian Greens are able to give local people an opportunity to find out more and discuss how they can help oppose the threat we face.

"As well as the potential local impacts from drilling for gas, we would also add massively to the world's stocks of fossil fuels - stocks we simply can't afford to burn if we want to limit climate change and move towards a sustainable economy."

NUCLEAR WASTE: EAST LOTHIAN GREENS RAISE TORNESS QUESTIONS

East Lothian Greens are raising questions about proposals by the operators of the Torness nuclear power plant to change the way that radioactive waste is handled.

Multinational EDF Energy want to vary the authorisations for Hunterston and Torness to enable radioactive waste to be moved between the sites for "accumulation" before being disposed elsewhere.

East Lothian Greens campaigner Jason Rose said:

"EDF put in their application to Sepa eight months ago. It's not good enough that most local people are only learning about it now thanks to the media.

"The disposal facilities EDF have in mind may not be based in the UK. How can we be sure the waste will be disposed of properly and why do EDF want to remove the authorised limits relating to radionuclide activity, when we know about the risks to human health?

"Buried within the Sepa consultation is EDF's intention - to allow for accumulation of what they call economic loads prior to disposal. In other words, the company is looking to cut the cost of managing the radioactive waste it generates. This from a firm whose profits are £53 a second and whose chief executive gets a cool £1million in salary.

"Safety of the environment and people's health should be paramount, not a very wealthy private firm's budget.

"It's also worth noting that the accumulation of waste is outwith Sepa's control, and falls to the ONR. This sort of disjointed regulation isn't ideal."

Mr Rose concluded:

"Sepa say it will reach its decision based on responses from the public, so it's important people make their views known. They also say they'll consider government policy, and of course government policy is for the volume and activity of nuclear waste to be minimised, along with the risk of exposure. Trucking this material around the country doesn't strike me as in keeping with those aims."


Sepa consultation

Energy giant raked in massive profit while pushing up costs to struggling customers (Mirror)

Download your copy of East Lothian Green News - Spring 2014 - here!

Download your copy of East Lothian Green News - Spring 2014 - here!

Vote Maggie Chapman for MEP - 22 May 2014

http://www.votegreen2014.org/

A Fresh Voice On IndyRef

Congratulations to Dunbar Grammar for winning the recent schools debating competition!

And well done to all the students from across the county who took part.

Some months ago we wrote to all 6 secondary schools saying we were keen to engage in any discussions or events around the independence referendum but to date we’ve had no reply. It was therefore a surprise to learn that the topic for the debate competition was the referendum, and a further surprise that it was to be chaired by a Labour MP. 

We have since spoken with the local authority’s head of education who insists the MP was the “host” and not the chair. Even so, how odd to choose to a politician to host a debate on a hot political topic.

Scottish Greens campaigned strongly for votes at 16, and we believe young people should have access to a wide a range of information ahead of September’s vote. If school classes or other groups of young people want to hear why we support a Yes vote we’re happy to visit and talk.


You can also chat to us on Twitter at @elothiangreens and here are great stories from Greens such as singer-songwriter Karine Polwart, former athlete Alison Johnstone and E-Politician of the Year Patrick Harvie.

In fact, Alison Johnstone, MSP for Lothian, will be speaking in Dunbar at the Bleachingfield on the evening of 17 April. Do come along and hear a fresh voice on this vital subject.

MUSSELBURGH POLLUTION AIRED IN SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

Musselburgh's air pollution problem has been raised in the Scottish Parliament by the co-convener of the Scottish Green Party.

Patrick Harvie, Green MSP for Glasgow, used a debate on air pollution to highlight the work carried out by East Lothian Greens who last year revealed the seriousness of the Honest Toun's situation.

East Lothian Council has since had to declare Musselburgh town centre the county's first Air Quality Management Area in light of samples showing levels of toxic exhaust fumes breaching World Health Organisation guidelines.

Speaking in the debate Mr Harvie said:

"In East Lothian, my colleagues in the local Scottish Green Party branch have been campaigning on high street air pollution. They used freedom of information requests, which resulted in the revelation that the local council had been sitting on a report on the issues for a year. Since the report’s release, there has at least been the declaration of a management area and there have been the beginnings of a recognition that action is needed."

East Lothian Greens campaigner Jason Rose said:

"Successive administrations of East Lothian Council have ignored this issue and even now there's no sense of urgency. There is no time limit set on the council to come forward with a plan of action, so we could be waiting many months or even years before we see any actual action.

"At the very least we should be getting a survey to identify the cause of Musselburgh's chronic traffic congestion and pressing bus operators to prioritise low-emissions vehicles on routes through the town."

EAST LOTHIAN GREENS AIM TO GROW

Members of the East Lothian branch of the Scottish Green party are pledging to step up their campaigning in the county following a successful Annual General Meeting in North Berwick.

Over the past year East Lothian Greens have highlighted a range of local issues relating to the economy, public health and democracy. These include revealing the extent of air pollution in Musselburgh, calling for local communities to have a say in the decision to replace the Cockenzie power station, and backing local residents who opposed the Dunbar incinerator development.

Party members have also been involved in local campaigning for a Yes vote in the Scottish independence referendum in September.

The branch will continue to be co-convened by Susan Moffat and Eurig Scandrett, both from North Berwick.

Newsletters highlighting the work of East Lothian Greens are due to be distributed to households in several parts of the county in the coming weeks.

Co-convener Susan Moffat (right) said:

“We look forward to building on the work we’ve done over the past year. With the opportunity to help elect Scotland’s first Green MEP in May, and help secure a Yes vote for independence in September, it’s going to be a busy year ahead.

“We have recently welcomed some new members and would encourage anyone interested in supporting our work to get in touch.”

East Lothian Green News

Hot off the press! The first edition of East Lothian Green News.

If you'd like to help us deliver it please get in touch. Email info@elothiangreens.org or DM us on Twitter @elothiangreens.

Appearing through letterboxes soon!

Fracking Update

So, a few weeks back we issued a challenge to local politicians on the hot topic of fracking.

Scottish Greens want a ban on drilling for shale gas given we already have more fossil fuels than we can safely burn if we're serious about limiting climate change, and then there are the risks to the local environment.

SNP MSP for Musselburgh Colin Beattie appears to have reservations about fracking, although his party leader has described it as an undoubted opportunity.

Labour's Fiona O'Donnell and Iain Gray are quoted in this article in the Courier. Ms O'Donnell says we need to examine fracking's potential; Mr Gray says it shouldn't be ruled out, and says we "need" fossil fuels for some time to come. Useful to know. We can add those comments to his existing support for another nuclear power plant in the county.

And Libdem Jim Hume (MSP for South Scotland in case you're wondering) gives a long answer involving renewables but doesn't really answer the question which was about a ban on fracking. Perhaps he forgot that at his party conference in Glasgow last autumn the Libdems came out in favour of fracking, as well as new nuclear plants.

So, it's looking pretty clear. If you want a firm focus on energy efficiency and clean power elect some Greens; if you fancy the folly of fracking in your neighbourhood, take your pick of the other parties!

AGM

Our AGM takes place on 4 March in Musselburgh. We have lots to talk about with plenty of plans for the year ahead.

Members should have email notification.

If not, please email info@elothiangreens.org for details.

And we're always keen to welcome new members on board so if you feel like joining us sign up here: http://www.scottishgreens.org.uk/join-donate/ and drop us a wee email.

EAST LOTHIAN GREENS CHALLENGE ON FRACKING

East Lothian Greens are challenging the county's politicians to state whether they support a ban on fracking, after the First Minister failed to rule out allowing the controversial process.

East Lothian is included in a map recently produced by the UK Government suggesting areas for shale gas exploration by hydraulic fracturing, otherwise known as fracking.

In the Scottish Parliament last week Patrick Harvie MSP, Co-convener of the Scottish Greens, said there can be no safe buffer zone for such developments and that they have no place in Scotland.

The First Minister described shale gas as providing "undoubted opportunities". This appears at odds with SNP MSP for Musselburgh Colin Beattie who has said he has "deep concerns and worry" over such exploration.

East Lothian Greens co-convener Susan Moffat said:

"Fracking poses unnecessary risks for East Lothian communities. It won’t deliver long-term jobs and won't bring down energy bills.

"The SNP's failure to rule out the development of another form of fossil fuel undermines our opportunity for low carbon industries and sustainable jobs. I think people in East Lothian will want to know where the county's politicians stand on this important issue.

"Climate scientists and financial experts are already telling us we have access to more fossil fuels than we can safely burn if we're serious about limiting climate change, so fracking for gas is the last thing we need."

At their party conference last October Scottish Greens agreed a call for a moratorium on so-called unconventional gas developments. By contrast a month earlier Libdems agreed to support fracking.


Official Report from First Minister's Questions

Scottish Green Party condemns Scottish Government for opening the door to unconventional gas developments such as fracking, October 2013

Libdems back fracking, September 2013

EAST LOTHIAN TRUST FUNDS SUPPORTING TAX DODGERS AND POLLUTERS

East Lothian Greens are raising concerns after discovering 48 county trust funds are benefiting global corporations accused of dodging taxes and polluting the environment.

Using a Freedom of Information request East Lothian Greens obtained a list of the trust funds, of which East Lothian Council is the majority or sole trustee. They include personal bequests and parish funds.

Accounts recently published by the council reveal that the trust funds hold £2.8million in shares in companies including:

- Shell, accused of hundreds of oil pipeline leaks in Africa, under investigation for alleged price-fixing, and preparing to drill in the fragile environment of the Arctic.
- HSBC, under investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority amid concerns of mis-selling.
- JP Morgan, the USA's biggest bank which recently agreed to pay regulators $13billion to avoid being taken to court over risky mortgage deals.
- And Vodafone, which has paid no corporation tax in the UK for the last two years.

Eurig Scandrett, co-convener of East Lothian Greens, said:

"I'm sure many people in East Lothian will be shocked by this discovery. You have to wonder why these investments weren't questioned before, either by officials or councillors.

"These funds were created to benefit local communities but it would appear they are also delivering a bonus for some dubious multinationals. Now that we have exposed what's going on I hope East Lothian can join the global trend for considering the ethics of financial investments."

More details...

Page 107 of East Lothian Council statement of accounts 2012/13 shows the shares held by the trusts.

£99,000 in UK Treasury
£87,000 in Shell
£77,000 in HSBC
£98,000 in JP Morgan
£82,000 in UBS
£78,000 in Vodafone
£67,000 in Threadneedle
£2.2million in other stocks, shares and cash



FoI request reveals the 48 Trusts are:
Bankton (Prestonpans) Bequest
Bankton(Tranent) Bequest
Belhaven Bequest
Helen Bridges Bequest (North Berwick)
Mrs Bridges Bequest (Musselburgh)
Brown Bequest
Mrs M. Brown's Legacy
Dr Bruce's Fund
Brunton Bequest
Caplan Charity
Thomas Carse Fund
Clark-Campbell Bequest
Coronation Fund
W.S. Davidson Trust
Jessie Dickson Mackay Fund
Dirleton Parish Fund (also known as Lady Hamilton Bequest)
Dunbar Memorial Trust
James Easton Bequest
Gourlay Trust
John Gray Trust
Guildry Fund
Guns Green
Haddington Combined Trust
Hamilton (Innerwick) Bequest
Hamilton (Pencaitland) Bequest
Hamilton (Stenton) Bequest
James Hislop Legacy
Humbie Parish Fund
John Hume Fund
Jimmy Harrison Fund
Lewisvale Park Trust
James McKelvie Bequest
Christina Milne Bequest
Lady Milne Memorial Fund
Museum Purchases Fund
Midlothian Education Trust
Agnes Neillan Bequest
New Hall Fund
Oldhamstocks Parish Fund
Richardson Bequest
Sailors Park Trust
T & AR Taylor Trust
Frank Tindall Trust
Wrights & Masons Trust
Yester Parish Fund
Yester Precious Lands
Burial Grounds Funds
Inveresk Churchyard Funds

When asked if East Lothian Council had concerns about investments in large companies, the council replied:
"The Trusts (sic) investments are managed on behalf of East Lothian Council by external investment managers. They have not raised any issues with us."

MUSSELBURGH POLLUTION - GREEN WARNINGS PROVED RIGHT

Warnings earlier this year by East Lothian Greens that people in the county’s biggest town were being exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution have been proved right.

In a report going before the East Lothian Council cabinet next Tuesday (12 Nov) – a report that had been expected seven months ago – environmental protection officers recommend a legal order to declare Musselburgh High Street the county’s first Air Quality Management Area.

In July a Freedom of Information investigation by East Lothian Greens revealed that a report for the council by consultants last year suggested that levels of nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant from vehicle exhausts known to increase the chance of respiratory problems, were breaching World Health Organisation guidelines on the High Street and on Bridge Street.

The report going before councillors next week confirms the results of monitoring showing parts of the High Street are exceeding the guidelines.

Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian, said:

“Musselburgh has so much potential and the fact that the High Street is set to be declared an Air Quality Management zone was entirely avoidable. The Council has had its head in the sand and put the health and wellbeing of local people at risk. It’s appalling that the authorities are only now facing up to the reality of the situation.

“Air pollution is hard to see but its impacts are real, especially for children and the elderly. I want to see this issue move right up the agenda and I will be writing to East Lothian Council asking for clear timescales for action.”

East Lothian Greens campaigner Jason Rose said:

“This is a massive embarrassment for the town of Musselburgh, the gateway to East Lothian. If East Lothian Greens hadn’t asked for the earlier reports using Freedom of Information local people would have been in the dark until now.

“I remain concerned that despite knowing of this problem for some time East Lothian Council has done nothing when it could have been doing traffic surveys and working with bus operators to make Musselburgh the priority for low emissions vehicles. And even if the council does declare an air quality management area it could be years before we actually see any action.

“In the meantime people who live, shop and work in and around Musselburgh town centre will have to put up with exposure to poor quality air. Local people must be fully involved in what happens next and must be kept better informed.”





Report to East Lothian Cabinet

East Lothian Greens petition for low emissions buses in Musselburgh

East Lothian Greens Freedom of Information results from July

GREENS CALL FOR FAIRER FARM PAYMENTS

East Lothian Greens are welcoming a recent speech in the Scottish Parliament by Green MSP Alison Johnstone calling for a fairer Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). In the speech she explained how Scottish farmers receive lower CAP payments than those in other parts of Europe.
Alison said: "CAP subsidy is geared towards farms that already have the best chance of being profitable. If the CAP continues to reward those on the best land, Scotland will continue to lose out. "Scotland is in an excellent position to argue that subsidies should be delivering profitable farms in tandem with the marginal and most biodiverse land. That is a big shift away from the argument for ever more direct payments and towards a CAP that delivers subsidy that is based on the public good." Commenting on Alison's speech, East Lothian Green campaigner Jason Rose said: "Greens support sustainable agriculture and local food production. That is why we welcome Alison's efforts to highlight the need for a fairer system of CAP payments. "We also welcome the motion passed at the recent Scottish Green Party conference which proposed a limit on the maximum CAP payment to any single landowner of 300,000 Euros. This would allow CAP funding to be redistributed to benefit the many smaller farmers in the South of Scotland who are more geniunely in need of support."