The new rules threaten the large teaching English to foreign students industry in Brighton and Hove, which provides significant employment, and contributes around £105 million to the local economy more broadly.

After fears of terrorism and scam student applications, the previous Government tightened visa rules in February so that foreign students who wanted to come to the UK to study need to speak ‘passable' English.

Students who wanted to learn English - and who may have had little initial knowledge of the language - would have found themselves ineligible for a visa.

Much of the market for basic English tuition to foreign students in the UK would have collapsed.

Yesterday, 26 July, Caroline met Damian Green, Minister for Immigration, and the Chief Executive of the UK Border Agency to seek a solution.

Caroline said, "Concerned MPs had a productive meeting with the Minister.

"He listened to our points that the new visa rules are a sledge hammer to crack a nut and aren't the right way forward.

"We put the case that concerns about illegal immigration can be dealt with through a more rounded approach to a person's general education, whether they have a sponsor in position of trust who can vouch for them, and whether the country they come from is deemed to be high risk.

"Given that Autumn is a critical time for the English language school industry to recruit students, I'm pleased that the Minister has agreed to fast-track a review of how the visa rules affect English language schools so we may have a much clearer position soon.

"Meanwhile we'll keep up the pressure."

Notes
For more information please contact Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

In June English language schools won a court battle over the issue of whether the UKBA could tighten visa rules.

The judge ruled the former home secretary was wrong to allow the UKBA to introduce fresh restrictions against foreign students studying in Britain. As a result, the Minister of State for Immigration has confirmed that the B1 entry requirement will remain.
_____

Driving straight fingers into the child's face and groin.
Raking shoes down the child's shins.
Forcing knuckles into the child's sternum.
Making a child kneel, with his forehead held on the floor, while handcuffs are applied behind his back.
The Observer article also describes how the court of appeal has recently declared illegal "distraction technique" of repeated sharp blows to a child's nose, used in young offender institutions.

Notes:

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

1. "Revealed: brutal guide to punishing jailed youths", http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/jul/18/guide-punishing-jailed-youths

Caroline said: "Brighton and Hove, at the last census in 2001, had 21,800 people who self-identified as carers.

"With an aging population generally, that figure is likely to have increased.

"As well, in a city the size of Brighton and Hove, 8000 new people become carers each year.

"It's vital that we make sure that they are properly supported."

The 10 minute Rule Bill, Carers (Identification and Support), would ensure that doctors and other health bodies identify patients who are carers or who have a carer, and that they are referred to sources of help and support, as necessary.

It also makes provisions for schools and local authorities to take into account the needs of young carers and their families.

Caroline continued: "We need to improve the quality of life for carers and young carers. Six million people in the UK care for a relative or a friend.

"And research this year by the Princess Royal Trust for Carers and the Children's Society found that young carers looking after a disabled or sick family member can often feel stressed, bullied, and misunderstood at school.

"This bill should be part of a wider effort in changing how we support carers who are shouldering heavy responsibilities." (1)(2)

The bill, introduced by Barbara Keeley MP, will receive its second reading in November.

Notes

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

1) www.carersuk.org/Newsandcampaigns/Media/Factsaboutcaring

2) Sky News, 17 May 2010 - news.sky.com/skynews

During the school's mock election on 4th May, the Green Party was supported with an overwhelming majority by the student body so when Caroline Lucas was famously elected to represent Brighton Pavilion she was immediately invited to meet the students.

Topics covered today included how Caroline proposed to make a difference being a lone voice for the Green Party in Parliament; why she thought there were so few women in Parliament; how to make old school buildings more environmentally friendly and why she thought Brighton was the first to vote the Green Party into Parliament.

Answering the last question she noted: "Brighton is an intrinsically unique place and wants to be ahead of the curve. It is a city at the forefront of change and enjoys being different.

Lots of people also move to Brighton as they want to be a part of that culture - it is a tolerant city and has a young demographic which all contributed to me becoming an MP here, plus it a politically aware city."

During the Q&A session, Caroline Lucas criticised the current coalition government for cutting public spending and said she believed the country's debt was being used as an excuse to make further cuts.

She cited the Labour government after WW2 as having a bigger debt, yet it created the National Health Service as a worthy example of investing in the state at a time of economic crisis.

She also talked about a ‘typical day' in Westminster and in her constituency and said she advocated lowering of the voting age to 16.

Caroline Lucas noted that she was very impressed with the quality, depth and maturity of the student's questions.

During her time at Varndean, she also visited the school's Eco Quad to see how its permaculture project was working and met with William Deighan, Headteacher.

Commenting on Caroline Lucas' visit he noted: "I am really appreciative that Caroline was able to give of her time to speak directly to our students about their concerns and their intense interest in sustainable living. I know that the students enjoyed meeting her very much, as did I."

Caroline Lucas visited Varndean School on Friday, 9 July 2010.

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party Office on 01273 766 670.

Caroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, is seeking a meeting with supermarket giant Tesco over plans for another store on a site - until this week - used by community gardeners, in her constituency.

Caroline and local Green councillors Pete West and Ian Davey will tell the retail giant that another supermarket would have a devastating impact on smaller shops in the Lewes Road area of the city.

Tesco wants to take a proposed retail unit on the site of a former petrol station which recently served as a community garden.

The MP will use the meeting to try to persuade the company to look elsewhere and to find a way to enable the garden to survive.

She is also lobbying the Coalition Government to bring in a competition test to protect neighbourhoods from supermarket dominance.

Meanwhile the community gardeners have been told to vacate the site this week.

Caroline said, "Local residents don't want or need another chain supermarket in the Lewes Road area.

"There's already a Sainsbury's and a Co-op and plenty of excellent independent shops.

"People are rightly concerned about the threat to the community garden - such a well-loved feature of a neighbourhood that is so short of green space.

"They are also concerned at the impact of another supermarket on the diversity and character of the area.

"The fact is chain supermarkets drive out competition and kill off smaller shops.

"We don't need another supermarket here.

"Tesco will naturally aggressively expand as long as they are permitted to by the Government.

"So the best way to approach this is to talk to them and try to persuade them to look elsewhere, while at the same time lobbying government to change the planning rules.

"So I am also putting pressure on Eric Pickles the Tory Communities and Local Government Secretary to introduce legislation to protect high streets from the impact of the giant chains.

"In particular I want to see urgent reform to the antiquated planning system to ensure that the diversity of the retail landscape becomes a planning consideration, which it isn't at present.

"For example, legislation could make the identity of the proposed retail occupier a consideration for planners.

"The Government could introduce a local economic yield test to assess how much any new development will benefit the local economy and a retail diversity test to ensure that all types of shops are protected.

"It could force planners to assess the contribution to the community of a proposed development, for example whether it would increase accessibility to healthy food for families on low-incomes."

"I hope we can succeed in persuading Tesco but if we fail to persuade them I, with my Green council colleagues, will encourage a community boycott of the store."

-ends-

Notes

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

In a letter to Mr Pickles and Planning Minister Greg Clarke, Caroline said: "The Competition Commission concluded that the dominance of any one retailer in a local area has a negative impact on consumer choice.

"It recommended a competition test to stop supermarkets opening a new store in places where they already control the local market.

"I am disappointed the Government is now delaying implementation of the competition test."

(1) The Community Garden was opened in 2009 by Guerrilla Gardeners on the derelict site of a former ESSO petrol station. It is in constant use as a local meeting place and for community events

(2) Keith Taylor MEP and a former Brighton and Hove Green councillor negotiated a leave of stay for the garden last year when developers locked the site gates. Green councillors have regularly attended meetings and events at the gardens and Caroline Lucas addressed a rally at the garden opposing the supermarket plans.

(3) Greens have launched an online pledge on boycotting the stores should it be built. http://www.brightonhovegreens.org/localsites/bh/campaigns/pledges.html

You've earned it! Students showcase city's talent for employers

On the day, it was announced that Liz had beaten entries from across the country to win the national award for South East Learner of the Year in the under 25 age group.

The VQ Awards celebrate the success of those who have achieved vocational qualifications in Further Education.

Liz gained a BTEC National Diploma in Media (Games Development) at City College and worked as a retail manager for a well known video game store.

Julie gained a NVQ Level 2 qualification in Children's Care Learning and Development at City College.

Julie is registered blind and demonstrated to judges how she uses her other senses to support the team and communicate.

Caroline said, "Liz and Julie are two of the most inspiring students I've met.

"I'm proud that Brighton and Hove's vocational training sector produces some of the most talented students in the country.

"Our local service-based economy depends on just the kind of high quality vocational training provided by City College.

"Liz and Julie demonstrate clearly the type of talent and skill base we can offer employers here in the city. Congratulations."

The students received their awards in the Royal Horticulture Halls, Lindley Hall, Elverton Street, London from 12 - 3pm.

-Ends-

Notes

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

Biographies of Liz and Julie

Liz Bedwell

South East Learner of the Year, BTEC National Diploma in Media (Games Development)

Liz, a triple Distinction level student, has not pursued further education since 2003 instead working as a retail manager for a well known video game store. Liz's progress has been remarkable and she has proved herself a real asset both to the Games Development course and to the college.

The level of professionalism shown in her work generated enthusiastic attention from key games industry figures, with the possibility of internships within the industry. Meanwhile Liz is continuing her studies at the University of Wales studying for a BA in Computer Games Design at the Newport School of Art Media and Design.

Julie Bishop

25 and over - South East Learner of the Year, NVQ Level 2 Children's Care learning and Development

Julie's journey has been more remarkable than most due to the fact that she's registered blind. At preschool, Julie demonstrated how she uses her other senses to support the team and communicate with the children.

Julie has demonstrated that she can function to any standard through her determination to provide a loving and caring environment for the children while studying for her NVQ and supporting a home and young family of her own.

More about VQ Day
http://www.vqday.org.uk/about-vq-day

Commenting on Tuesday's Coalition budget - a "budget for pointless austerity" - the UK's first Green MP Caroline Lucas said:

"In spite of the Chancellor's protestations, this budget was neither unavoidable nor fair. Instead it was a massively failed opportunity to shift the economy onto a fairer, greener pathway.

"Devastating public spending cuts of the sort announced today are not ‘unavoidable.' They are not an economic inevitability - they are an ideological choice.

"Nor was this budget fair. A VAT rise, benefits cuts for all, a public sector freeze, and swingeing cuts in most government budgets of 25%, will all of them hit some of the poorest hardest."

Cuts are "unnecessary and destructive"

This week Caroline Lucas published a new report (1, 2) arguing that the cuts are both unnecessary and destructive - and saying that by cracking down on tax evasion and avoidance the government could raise tens of billions of pounds a year.

"It's been demonstrated that any efforts that are needed to address the deficit, once the economy is back to better health, can be paid for through progressive tax reform, so that the poorest are not forced to pay the highest price for the excesses of the bankers."

The Green Party leader and Brighton Pavilion MP continued: "We need a Green New Deal - a major investment package to rapidly modernise the UK economy for a low-carbon future, while seeing off the recession through large-scale job-creation. That's the kind of policy the new government should have put centre-stage."

Vote Blue, get Blue

Caroline Lucas concluded: "Any notion that by voting Blue you get Green was nailed today by the stark absence of any serious measures to promote urgently needed environmental measures."

Notes  

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

1. See http://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2010-06-19-callous-cuts-report.html

2. The full report - called Cuts: the callous con trick - can be read at http://www.financeforthefuture.com/TaxBriefing.pdf

3. A briefing on the main points of the budget can be seen at http://www.greenparty.org.uk/assets/files/reports/Budget_response_June_2010.pdf

On Monday 21 June Britain's first Green MP issued a new report - Cuts: the callous con trick (1) - in which she makes the case that cuts are unnecessary "because the economy could instead be rebalanced using additional tax revenues."

The report, written jointly with tax expert Richard Murphy and Colin Hines of Finance for the Future, condemns the government "for failing to put to the electorate the option of fair tax instead of cuts," and accuses ministers of increasing the likelihood of a double-dip recession.

Cuts "are not an economic inevitability but an ideological choice"

Caroline said: "Cuts are not an economic inevitability.

"They are an ideological choice. Politicians of all parties are now sharpening their axes to slash public spending, forcing those on lower incomes, who depend on public services the most, to pay the highest price for the recent excesses of the bankers.

"There is a choice. We should ask those best able to pay to foot the bill through fairer taxation. That's the challenge I'm issuing: for that political choice to be made.

"It must be clearly asserted that we are not all in this together: that some had more responsibility for this crisis than others, and some benefited more from the boom that preceded it.

"Those who enjoyed the largest benefits must pay up now.

"For that to happen, fair taxes, not cuts, must become the new big idea to replace today's callous and uncaring cuts fanaticism."

Tax avoidance and evasion "truly staggering" - could be as high as £100bn a year

The Brighton Pavilion MP continued: "The UK is currently one of the most unequal societies in Europe.

"But the financial crisis offers us an opportunity to rebalance the tax system.

"We could do it, for example, by applying the 50% tax rate to incomes above £100,000, abolishing the upper limit for national insurance contributions, raising capital gains tax to the recipient's highest income tax rate, and helping lower earners by reintroducing the 10% tax band.

"Moreover, the huge extent of tax avoidance, tax evasion and unpaid tax in the UK economy is truly staggering. HM Revenue & Customs themselves admit that tax evasion and avoidance together come to at least £40 billion a year, whilst in November 2009 they also admitted there was £28 billion of unpaid tax owing to them.

"Shocking as these numbers are, some experts have suggested that tax evasion - that's deliberately breaking the law to not pay tax - might be as high as £70 billion a year, and tax avoidance - in other words, exploiting loopholes in tax law - might be £25 billion a year.

"That would take the total target for necessary action to collect tax due and owing to more than £100 billion a year"

Cut tax abuse, not tax-collectors' jobs

Caroline Lucas continued: "Whilst these appalling losses to the nation's coffers are occurring, HM Revenue & Customs are pursuing a programme of job cuts which will ultimately reduce their own staff by 20,000 - close to one quarter of the total.

"This makes absolutely no sense.

"This programme should be reversed, staff re-employed, and local tax offices re-opened in order to tackle tax abuse.

"It has been calculated that at least £15 billion of extra tax could be collected each year as a result.

"That could prevent a massive range of cuts".

Richard Murphy, tax expert, chartered accountant and co-author of the report said: "Our report sets out a range of additional options for changing the tax rules for the UK so that more than £40 billion of additional taxes could be raised each year by the end of the life of this parliament.

"That, together with the tax collecting efficiency savings already noted, would together deliver more than £60 billion of tax revenues for the UK - so preventing the need for any cuts at all."

Richard Murphy added: "A government really can spend to save the economy when in a recession.

"During this one, borrowing has been smaller and unemployment lower than forecast because of the measures taken by the last government to stimulate the economy.

"This report argues that a Green New Deal involving public and private investment in a massive labour intensive UK wide energy saving programme and a rapid shift to renewables should be the basis for continuing that programme of support for our economy.

 " This would ensure that we come out of the recession better equipped for the future we're going to face."

Caroline Lucas concluded: "Fairer tax not cuts must become the real battleground of this new Parliament. It is the debate the Coalition and Labour alike must embrace.

"As the full ghastliness and unfairness of the cuts become ever clearer, the public clamour for fairer taxes rather than cuts can only grow."

"Here in Brighton and Hove our economy is to a large extent composed of small and publicly owned enterprises, including the two universities.

"That means our city's economy is disproportionately exposed to public sector cuts.

"We don't yet know where the cuts will fall at the city council but they are coming."
ends

Notes

1. The report can be read at: http://www.financeforthefuture.com/TaxBriefing.pdf.

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

Policies for City Academies effectively take the schools out of local education authority control, leaving parents and staff with little say over how they are run, said Caroline.

Speaking at a meeting last night (Wednesday 16 June) organised to highlight concerns about proposals for another Academy in the city of Brighton and Hove, at Portslade Community College, Caroline made the case that the decision over Portslade would affect education provision across the city.

She appealed to the new Government to ‘think again' before allowing schools to apply for Academy status without consulting parents, staff or students.

She said, "New Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove is planning to introduce legislation before the summer holidays that may well result in significant numbers of our schools becoming academies.

"Under the Government's proposals, schools could become Academies without any real consultation with pupils, parents, school staff or the local authority.

"A board of governors will be able to decide if a school should become an Academy and then they could just announce it.

"All those people with an active and very real interest in the future of the school can be by passed and their concerns just overlooked."

She urged a rethink before any more schools in the city become Academies and said that there was no evidence that academies by themselves improve performance. .

"The priority has got to be the best possible local education for our children," she said, "but the evidence suggests, time and again, that academies are at best a distraction, and at worst, they undermine that aim"

"Yes, the national curriculum is not perfect. Yes, teachers need greater flexibility and teaching should be focussed on genuine learning and achievement rather that jumping through hoops and ticking boxes.

"But giving away control of the curriculum to a private business which may have absolutely no educational expertise at all - Is that really the best way to raise standards?

"I think that properly funded state schools can best help meet their and all our young people's educational needs, not schools where the balance sheet takes precedence over a balanced curriculum."

NOTES TO EDITORS

For more information please contact Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

Caroline beat David Cameron, and former climate secretary Ed Milliband, in picking up the award for the third time.

Her previous two wins were in 2009 and 2007.

Caroline said: "I am delighted to have been chosen by readers of the Observer a third time

"It means a great deal to be recognised by such a prestigious award.

"I am proud to represent a party in parliament which is committed to putting people and our planet first. I'd like to thank Observer readers who voted for me.

"At a time of economic upheaval and environmental challenge, the Greens' positive vision for the future has never been more needed."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/10/2010-observer-ethical-living-awards

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

Brighton Pavilion constituency's Green MP Caroline Lucas who is also Green Party leader has tabled an amendment to the Queen's Speech which would put the future of the UK's nuclear arsenal in the balance by forcing the government to reconsider the issue of Britain's WMD.

The Greens have always passionately opposed the holding of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.

Caroline has tabled the amendment jointly with MPs from Plaid Cymru and the Scottish Nationalist Party.

And the three parties have called on Liberal Democrat and Labour MPs to support the amendment, under which the £100 billion Trident renewal would be included in the forthcoming strategic defence and security review.

Current government plans are to exclude the Trident renewal from the review - as a done deal.

The parties hope to gain further support from the ranks of Labour, the Lib Dems and the Conservatives before pushing the amendment to a vote this evening (Monday 7 June).

In the coalition agreement for government the Liberal Democrats claimed that they "will continue to make the case for alternatives" to Trident.

All three parties have issued public statements made by Caroline plus the Westminster leaders of the Scottish and Welsh nationalist parties, Angus Robertson MP and Elfyn Llywd MP.

Caroline said: "As we begin a new parliament with a new government, the time has come to rise above party politics and fundamentally challenge the decision to renew Trident.

"We cannot continue to lecture countries such as Iran on the implications of their nuclear programme whilst proceeding blindly with our own - a move which would be both hypocritical and dangerous.

"Moreover, nuclear weapons remain a costly distraction from the real security threats we face, like climate change.

"The billions being spent on Trident replacement could be much better spent on investing in developing the infrastructure we need for a zero carbon economy, as well as in protecting public services.

"To use the money on a project that will make Britain and the world a far more dangerous place is politically irresponsible, morally bankrupt, and economically obscene."

Notes

1. The amendment, which will appear on Monday morning's order paper, reads:

As an Amendment to the Address, at end add-

"but respectfully request that the Government include as part of its Strategic Defence and Security Review a full examination of the Trident nuclear missile system, and any possible replacement."

2. The Conservative/Liberal Democrat Programme for Government document states, at page 15:

"We will maintain Britain's nuclear deterrent, and have agreed that the renewal of Trident should be scrutinised to ensure value for money. Liberal Democrats will continue to make the case for alternatives."

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766670.

In a strongly worded message to Foreign Secretary William Hague, she has demanded that he urgently contact the Israeli authorities to demand an end to the attacks, and that he ensure that Israel is held fully to acount for an illegal and unprovoked attack.

Caroline said: "I completely condemn this deadly attack on the humanitarian aid convoy.

"I am deeply shocked by the brutality of the assault, which has left a still unkown number of people dead and wounded. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.

"This attack is a serious infringement of the principles of international law.

"The Green Party calls on the UK Government, and the EU, to apply pressure to lift the ongoing blockade of Gaza, which makes essential humanitarian aid for the population of Gaza virtually impossible to deliver.

"We also call for the quick establishment of an international inquiry to shed light on the circumstances of this attack."

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

Location: Brighton

We need an experienced constituency senior secretary and caseworker to support Caroline as she begins work as Britain's first Green MP serving Brighton Pavilion constituents.

You will need excellent organisational and communication skills, be flexible and calm under pressure, and enjoy working in a high-profile role. You should have a strong understanding of the main issues facing constituents in Brighton.

You do not need to be a member of the Green Party.

Role includes:

• Managing the Brighton Pavilion constituency office.
• Providing secretarial and administrative support at a senior level to ensure the smooth running of the constituency office.
• Providing advice and support to constituents on a variety of issues through liaison with Government agencies, the voluntary sector and others to resolve matters.

This post is fixed term and full time.

We actively encourage people from ethnic minorities and with disabilities to apply.

We are also open to job sharing and flexible working.
Some evening working and travel may be required.

The post is based in Brighton.

Upon appointment you will be required to comply with the Baseline Personnel Security Standard, undertaken by the Members' Staff Verification Office (MSVO). See www.w4mp.org/html/msvo/main.asp for further info.

Closing date: 12 noon, 7th June 2010

To apply please send a CV and personal statement which addresses, including giving evidence, each element of the key responsibilities identified in the job description.

Applications should be sent by email to caroline.lucas.mp@parliament.uk

Thank you

If you need any other information in first instance please call Caroline's local party office on 01273 766 670.

_____

Senior Constituency Secretary /Caseworker

Job Description

Key Tasks

• Manage the Brighton Pavilion constituency office.
• Provide secretarial and administrative support at a senior level to ensure the smooth running of the constituency office.
• Provides advice and support to constituents on a variety of issues through liaison with Government agencies, the voluntary sector and others to resolve matters.
• Supervise the day-to-day work of other office staff, as required

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a full range of secretarial and administrative support including: managing and monitoring all incoming telephone and visitor enquiries, responding to e.mails and letters, efficient data and file management
• Manage Member's Diary commitments
• Ensure the office is fully equipped and office supplies are maintained.
• Support the Member in complying with the provisions of the MPs' Expenses Scheme.
• Liaise on behalf of the Member with relevant groups/personnel at Westminster and within the Constituency, including liaison with outside organisations and the general public.
• Drafting and signing letters on various issues on the Member's behalf.
• Deal with daily queries from members of the public by phone or in person, taking the appropriate initial action to resolve or document or escalate their concerns or enquiries.
• Ensure queries from constituents are dealt with in a sensitive and confidential manner and all records of contact with constituents are kept, with details of each case by adhering to the Data Protection Act principles and respect the confidentiality of data at all times
• Attend surgeries and other meetings to assist the Member in dealing with constituents' issues.
• Gather information from constituents to progress or close the case in a sensitive and confidential manner.
• Attend tribunals as required.
• Manage own caseload and progress of casework, ensuring all cases are logged updated with any actions taken and outstanding queries are followed up, with urgent cases reported to the Member.
• Analyse patterns of enquiries and produce reports.
• Supervise the day-to-day work of other constituency office staff, as required
• Maintain, update and develop knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance.
• Communicate effectively with both internal and external contacts.
• Competent use of IT including Microsoft Office package, casework management systems, email and internet to: draft correspondence and reports; set up and maintain spreadsheets; support caseworking; and undertake research.

___

MPs are required by law to swear or affirm their allegiance to the Queen, but there is no requirement to state they are beholden to anyone else. Today (Thursday) in the House of Commons Caroline stated her commitment to her constituents and the country as a whole.

The pledge will form the cornerstone of her work as a Member of Parliament.

She said: "I commit to serve all those who live or work in the constituency of Brighton Pavilion;

"To further the principles and priorities of those who voted Green across the country;

"And to speak out for those who are affected by the work of Parliament but have no direct voice there, including people in other countries, future generations, and the natural world."

After making her pledge Caroline said: "My first formal task as an MP was to elect the Speaker, and my second was to swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen.

"However on Thursday afternoon I also made a broader pledge to my constituents and the country as a whole.

"It was also important for me to show my respect to the peoples of other countries and to future generations."

For more information, please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

Caroline will hold her first advice session for residents or 'surgery' on Friday 21 May 3.30 - 5pm at the Brighthelm Centre, North Road, central Brighton

Map location: http://bit.ly/a4Ba4l

Not sure which constituency you live in? You can find out at www.theyworkforyou.com

To help ensure that Caroline and her team can provide a good service, it would be appreciated if anyone who needs to meet her could ring the Green Party office in advance to book an appointment.

Tel 01273 766 670

E-mail: caroline.lucas.mp@parliament.uk

Caroline's office will publish dates and venues shortly of regular surgeries in locations in the constituency.

CONTACT DETAILS

If you're a Brighton Pavilion constituent who needs support or advice from Caroline, please contact her by one of these ways:

E-mail: caroline.lucas.mp@parliament.uk

Tel: 020 7219 7025 House of Commons - a message will be passed on to Caroline.

Post:
Caroline Lucas MP
House of Commons
London SW1A 0AA

Please ensure that you always provide a full postal address however you choose to contact Caroline.

This will help Caroline and her team respond to your enquiry.

If you live outside Brighton Pavilion

If you live outside Brighton Pavilion constituency and want to contact Caroline in her role as a Green Party MP or as the Green Party Leader please contact the National Green Party office:

t: 020 7272 4474

e:office@greenparty.org.uk

Write to: 1A Waterlow Road
London N19 5NJ

For any other enquries, please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

Caroline Lucas has won the Brighton Pavilion seat with an 8.5% swing from Labour to Green.

The election of the first ever Green to Parliament represents a historic moment.

Hundreds of thousands of Green voters across the country now have, for the first time, a voice in Parliament, and genuinely progressive views on issues such as the economy, health, and the environment will now be heard.

After the result was declared Caroline said: "The emphatic support of voters in Brighton Pavilion show that they do want to support a party whose values represent fairness, social justice and environmental well-being.

"They have shown that they are prepared to put their trust in the Greens, despite the overwhelming national media focus on the three largest parties and a voting system that is fundamentally undemocratic.

"I feel humbled..."

"I feel humbled by their trust in me, and I am excited by this vote of confidence and I'm looking forward to the challenging task of fully representing the voters of Brighton.

"This victory is no accident: it is the result of the hard work and commitment of thousands of Green Party members and supporters not only in Brighton but from right across the country over the past months and years. It is their work and support that has helped deliver this win, and the victory is as much theirs as it is mine.

"Thanks to the confidence that the voters of Brighton Pavilion have shown, Green principles and policies will now have a voice in Parliament.

"Policies such as responding to climate change with a million new ‘green' jobs in low-carbon industries, fair pensions and care for older people, and stronger regulation of the banks will be heard in the House of Commons.

"I will also use my influence as an MP in the city of Brighton & Hove to push for affordable housing for the city, a new secondary school for the city, and greater backing for the city's creative industries.

"Finally, as the overall result of this election shows, the first-past-the post voting system used for general elections is utterly discredited.

"I will be strongly backing calls for a referendum to replace it with a form of proportional representation that properly reflects the needs and views of 21st century voters.

"If a form of proportional representation is introduced, the Green Party is confident that its true level of support nationally can be represented properly."

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.
RESULT

Name Party Votes % +/-
Caroline Lucas Green 16,238 31.3 +9.4
Nancy Platts Labour 14,986 28.9 -7.5
Charlotte Vere Conservative 12,275 23.7 +0.4
Bernadette Millam Liberal Democrat 7,159 13.8 -2.2
Nigel Carter UK Independence Party 948 1.8 +0.6
Ian Fyvie Socialist Labour Party 148 0.3 -0.1
Soraya Kara Citizens for Undead Rights and Equality 61 0.1 +0.1
Leo Atreides Independent 19 0.0 +0.0
Majority 1,252 2.4

The trade unionists, including reps from Unison, UCU, Unite and the NUJ say: "None of us are members of the Green Party.

"In the past, most of us have worked to get Labour candidates elected.

"Today, however, we believe that we have no choice but to oppose Labour in Brighton Pavilion.

"Labour's 13 years have given us the illegal war in Iraq, attacks on public services, the NHS, social welfare provision and pensions in order to pay for the bankers' crisis; an assault on civil liberties and no action against speculators or bankers bonuses.

"It has been 13 years that have brought us more privatisation of public services, more council homes sold off, and a stricter use of the anti-union laws than in the previous years of Tory rule.

"Over the last 30 years of Tory and Labour governments, we have had appalling financial and ecological disasters created by the crazy celebration of market greed and the erosion of the values of solidarity, sociability and planning.

"All three main parties also say that it is we who must make sacrifices to stop climate change, instead of creating green jobs in public transport, in building carbon-neutral social housing, providing effective home insulation, and in green energy production.

"None of us want to see a Tory Government. Voting Green in Brighton Pavilion will not let the Tories in.

We believe that the election of Caroline Lucas will do more for working people and trade unionists than a Labour MP whipped into line to keep Brown in office, or who pretends a social conscience while in opposition.

"Caroline has an excellent record of standing alongside those who are resisting cuts in jobs, services and pay, as well as in opposing war, racism and climate change.

Labour, the Tories and the Liberal Democrats promise us more cuts in jobs and services, more attacks on pay and pensions, and ineffectual measures to deal with climate change. In Brighton Pavillion, we have a chance to elect an MP who will give a voice to all of us who aren't prepared to pay for their crisis."

Caroline Lucas said: "I'm naturally pleased and encouraged by this support from our local trade unionists. This is clearly a sign that Labour has betrayed its core supporters, and now the Green Party is recognised as the party of social justice and fairness."

The statement has been signed (in their personal capacity) by Dave Jones, rep for Brighton and Hove Unison; Andy Richards, chair of Brighton & Hove Unison; Tom Hickey, Chair of Brighton University UCU and NEC member; Steve Guy, Branch Committee member for Unite SE 397 branch (Gatwick Airport workers); Dave Fellows,East Sussex Unison steward, convenor for school support staff; Holly Smith, GMB steward, Hollingbury bin depot; Steve McLean, Senior Steward,Unison, Sussex community and mental health branch; David Chivers CWU youth committee South Downs; and Phil Mellows, Treasurer of Brighton NUJ.

In addition six trade unionists who are already Green Party members have pledged their support.

These are Nigel Tart, Liz Wakefield, and Rob Jarrett, all of the NUT; Tammie Cook of the RCN; and Sven Rufus and Phelim MacCafferty of the GMB.

For more information please contact Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

The paper says, "There are ....two secondary battlegrounds, where the Liberal Democrats or other minor parties pose a threat to Labour and the Conservatives. Anti-Tory voters in the seats in List 2 should vote for the Lib Dems (or the Green Party in Brighton Pavilion), who are best placed to beat a likely Tory winner..."

Matt Follett, Chair of Brighton and Hove Green Party, said, "That the Independent on Sunday is backing us shows we are best placed to stop the Tories in Brighton Pavilion, whatever's happening in national polls.

"The bookies have us as odds-on favourites and professional polls and results point to a Green win over the Tories here.

"It's clear that wavering voters who want to keep the Tories out should vote for Caroline Lucas in Brighton Pavilion."

Independent on Sunday - electoral-reform (2 May 2010)

For more information, please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

Caroline Lucas, Leader of the Green Party and Parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion, will be on the bus to appeal directly to voters to back her at the polls on 6 May.

Caroline Lucas said: "We're feeling confident going into this final weekend before the election, as all the feedback we're getting on the doorstep is showing that the momentum is with us.

"We've seen no evidence of the 'Clegg-effect' here in Brighton where the Green Party are seen as the party of change.

"The bookies have us as clear favourites to win in Brighton Pavilion, but I'm not taking that for granted.

"We'll need every vote and we encourage people to come down and visit us on the Bus this weekend."

The converted Routemaster ‘Battle Bus', which is powered with recycled vegetable oil, will be on the promenade at the old paddling pool site (just east of West Pier) from 11am until 6pm on Sunday 2 and Monday 3 May.

It will also be touring the constituency on the day of the election Thursday 6 May.

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766670.

Green Party Leader and Brighton Pavilion candidate Caroline Lucas addressed a community LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans) hustings in Brighton this evening. 

The hustings were organised by LGBT community organisation Spectrum and supported by media outlets Gscene and RealBrighton.

Caroline said: "Our general election manifesto includes the strongest commitments of any party to extend the rights and freedoms of LGBT people.

"We say quite plainly: much remains to be done to rid society of the scourge of homophobia and other hatred of people's sexuality and that struggle must continue.

"But the Greens also remain deeply concerned about the impact of savage cuts in public spending proposed by the other parties will have on the local LGBT population.

"These cuts could affect provision for the elderly LGBT population and even funding for the city's HIV projects.

"Initiatives such as ‘Count me in Too' have shown the LGBT population's access to services is restricted.

"Our pledges to cut wasteful projects such as ID cards and Trident can make available the finance needed for services needed by LGBT people."

The Green Party Manifesto proposes 14 LGBT rights policies.

Our six key LGBT policies are:

(1) Open up civil marriages and civil partnerships to both same-sex and opposite sex couples.

(2) Require all police forces to have LGBT Liaison Officers with time allocated within their work schedules to tackle homophobic and transphobic hate crime.

(3) End the blanket, lifetime ban on gay and bisexual blood donors.

(4) Expand the Equality Act to provide explicit protection against harassment of LGBT people.

(5) Refuse visas and work permits to ‘murder music' singers and others who incite homophobic and transphobic violence.

(6) Ensure safe haven and refugee status for LGBT people fleeing persecution in violently homophobic and transphobic countries.

http://www.lgbtgreens.org.uk/

More information on policies www.greenparty.org

or www.onlygreen.org.uk

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party press office on 01273 766 670.