Mid Sussex and Crawley Green Party https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/ The local Green Party in Mid Sussex UK Sat, 30 Aug 2025 14:31:55 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 Heat pumps and giant cars https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/2025/08/30/climate-and-environment-news/ Sat, 30 Aug 2025 14:27:26 +0000 https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/?p=2234 Heat pumps could save households hundreds of pounds a year on heating bills, if the government took simple measures to reform the energy system, according to the thinktank E3G.  The number of giant cars in England’s cities has increased tenfold in recent years, according to Clean Cities, who warn the vehicles are taking up excessive […]

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Heat pumps could save households hundreds of pounds a year on heating bills, if the government took simple measures to reform the energy system, according to the thinktank E3G. 

The number of giant cars in England’s cities has increased tenfold in recent years, according to Clean Cities, who warn the vehicles are taking up excessive public space and posing a threat to public safety. 

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Brexit weakening environmental protection https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/2025/08/20/brexit-weakening-environmental-protection/ Wed, 20 Aug 2025 15:58:03 +0000 https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/?p=2202 The UK is using Brexit to weaken crucial environmental protections and is falling behind the EU despite Labour’s manifesto pledge not to dilute standards, new analysis reveals. Green MP Ellie Chowns tells the Guardian: “The Green party warned that Brexit could see the UK reduce regulations in a race to the bottom. Unfortunately, the election […]

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The UK is using Brexit to weaken crucial environmental protections and is falling behind the EU despite Labour’s manifesto pledge not to dilute standards, new analysis reveals. Green MP Ellie Chowns tells the Guardian: “The Green party warned that Brexit could see the UK reduce regulations in a race to the bottom. Unfortunately, the election of a Labour government a year ago hasn’t prevented that happening… We could have clean rivers, breathable air, farmers encouraged to work with nature and consumer products designed to last and be recycled. We could work more closely with our EU neighbours and join the customs union to better align our regulations upwards. And that is what it boils down to – a political choice. The government has made the wrong choices and needs to change direction.”  

Ellie also reacted to Professor Steve Koonin, former chief scientist at BP and now Trump advisor, declaring that the UK public is being “deliberately ill-informed” about the government’s plans to cut emissions and claiming net zero is “killing the economy for nothing”.  She told Desmog: “Climate denial is at the heart of the Trump presidency with oil pumping through its veins. Koonin is a former chief scientist with BP, in denial about the realities of climate change. Such dangerous and toxic views – driven by self-interest, not by science – have no place in politics.” 

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Green opposition to airport expansion https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/2025/08/12/green-opposition-to-airport-expansion/ Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:47:15 +0000 https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/?p=2183 Responding to the release of detailed proposals for Heathrow Airport expansion, Green Party MP, Ellie Chowns, reiterated the Green Party’s opposition to airport expansion, saying, “Heathrow Airport expansion is a flightmare on Downing Street for people and planet. On one hand, this government is saying they’re taking the climate crisis seriously, and on the other, they’re backing […]

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Responding to the release of detailed proposals for Heathrow Airport expansion, Green Party MP, Ellie Chowns, reiterated the Green Party’s opposition to airport expansion, saying,

“Heathrow Airport expansion is a flightmare on Downing Street for people and planet. On one hand, this government is saying they’re taking the climate crisis seriously, and on the other, they’re backing a project that will release a reported 4.4m tonnes of CO2 a year. These expansion plans would see the number of flights at Heathrow Airport go up to 720,000 from their current capped number of 480,000 a year.

These expansion plans are, at their heart, aimed to deliver profit for shareholders to enable a small group of people to fly more and more. In the UK we have a few frequent flyers that make up less than 3% of the UK population but take 30% of all journeys. On top of this, they seem oblivious to the impact that these plans will have on the communities currently living around Heathrow. Government must be grounded in reality and look hard at the climate science. No credible net-zero plan can include rampant airport expansion, and it’s time Labour looked to the many, many alternative ways to create high-paid green jobs.”

In February this year, responding to the Transport Secretary’s decision to pursue a positive decision for Gatwick Airport to bring its northern terminal into constant use, Siân Berry Green MP for Brighton Pavilion said:

“The Labour government is trashing its climate credentials one absurd decision at a time. Only one day after receiving critical advice from its own climate advisors on the need to lower flying demand, ministers continue to support yet more unnecessary expansion for the benefit of wealthy investors.

“Pushing through these damaging plans shows such poor economic judgement. Over 100,000 extra flights a year won’t deliver for our communities. Labour should listen to the public who think airport expansion is the wrong priority. Most of us fly once a year if at all and would rather see cheaper train tickets and more bus routes instead to help with our daily journeys and create jobs where we live, in contrast with frequent flyers leaching money out of the economy.

The green economy grew by ten per cent last year, and this is where Labour should be investing to deliver high-wage, long-term jobs across the entire country.”

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Green’s Leadership Election Underway https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/2025/08/12/leadership-election-underway/ Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:25:15 +0000 https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/?p=2180 The Green Party of England and Wales is currently undergoing a leadership election and local Green Party members are in the throes of voting, and some will have done so already. Voting is open from 01 – 31 August and the results scheduled for 02 September 2025. These elections are usually held every two years […]

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The Green Party of England and Wales is currently undergoing a leadership election and local Green Party members are in the throes of voting, and some will have done so already. Voting is open from 01 – 31 August and the results scheduled for 02 September 2025.

These elections are usually held every two years but last year’s was postponed avoiding a clash with the UK general election. This biannual schedule ensures that the party frequently engages its members in the democratic process, allowing for periodic reassessment and renewal of its leadership.

Democratic Process in Action

The Green Party’s leadership election is structured to ensure broad participation and transparency. Candidates can either run individually or as part of a co-leadership team, reflecting the party’s inclusive approach to leadership.

The election process includes several key stages, such as the opening of nominations, campaign periods, and hustings held across the country, both in-person and online. This extensive process ensures that all members can engage with the candidates and make informed decisions. The use of an alternative vote system further emphasises the party’s commitment to fair and representative elections.

Grassroots Contributions

The Green Party of England and Wales prides itself on being a grassroots-driven organisation. Unlike many political parties that rely heavily on financial contributions from millionaires and large corporations, the Green Party emphasises the importance of individual contributions and community involvement. This approach not only democratises the funding of political campaigns but also ensures that the party remains accountable to its members rather than wealthy donors.

The party’s manifesto and policies are developed through extensive consultation with its members, ensuring that the voices of ordinary people are heard and reflected in the party’s platform. This grassroots involvement is crucial in shaping the party’s direction and priorities, making it a truly member-led organisation.

The Leadership Election

The current leadership election is between Zack Polanski (current Deputy Leader and member of the London Assembly), and the co-leadership team of Adrian Ramsay MP (current co-leader) and Ellie Chowns MP both of whom sit in the House of Commons representing Waveney Valley and North Herefordshire respectively. Each candidate brings a unique vision for the party’s future, emphasising different aspects of the Green Party’s core values. The hustings and debates provide a platform for these candidates to present their ideas and engage with the party’s members, fostering a vibrant and participatory democratic culture within the party.

Other key roles within the party up for election include: Deputy Leader, Chair of the Green Party Executive (GPEx); Elections Coordinator and External Communications Coordinator. These and the other roles available are essential for the effective operation and strategic direction of the Green Party, ensuring that it remains a dynamic and responsive political organisation.

Democratic and member-driven

By prioritising grassroots contributions and ensuring a transparent and inclusive election process, the party demonstrates its commitment to being a truly democratic and member-driven political force. This approach not only strengthens the party’s internal democracy but also sets a benchmark for how political organisations can operate with integrity and accountability.

Naturally only party members (as of 31 July) can vote in these internal elections and if you are not yet a member but intend to join, you can be part of the process the next time around.

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GE2024: The Urgent Need for UK to begin Transition towards a Plant-Based Food System https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/2024/06/07/ge2024-the-urgent-need-for-uk-to-begin-transition-towards-a-plant-based-food-system/ Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:01:00 +0000 https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/?p=1997 The post GE2024: The Urgent Need for UK to begin Transition towards a Plant-Based Food System appeared first on Mid Sussex and Crawley Green Party.

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As we approach the UK 2024 general election, the nation faces an increasingly urgent food security crisis that demands immediate action: a crisis is not discussed by establishment Politicians nor the mainstream media.

The impacts of climate change are accelerating; global crop yields projected to decrease by an alarming 30% by 2050. However, a new threat has emerged that could further jeopardise the UK’s ability to feed its population: the collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).

Recent scientific studies [1] indicate that the AMOC, a critical ocean current system that regulates global climate patterns, is at risk of collapsing within the next decade. If this occurs, the UK will experience a dramatic 5°C drop in temperature, leading to significant disruptions in agricultural production and food supply chains.

The combination of reduced global crop yields and a potential AMOC collapse creates a perfect storm that could severely undermine the UK’s food security [2]. To mitigate these risks and ensure a stable food supply for its citizens, the UK must take swift action to transition towards a more efficient and resilient food system.

The Green Party is the only political party in the UK that fully acknowledges the severity of this issue and has proposed comprehensive policies to address it [3]. Central to their strategy is a shift towards a predominantly plant-based agricultural system. In fact, Green Party councillors have already taken action at the local level, with Haywards Heath Town Council becoming the first town council in Europe to sign the Plant Based Treaty in 2022, recognising the critical role that plant-based diets can play in addressing the climate crisis and ensuring food security.

Plant-based food production offers numerous advantages over traditional animal agriculture, including greater efficiency in land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing our reliance on livestock farming and dedicating more land to crop production, we can significantly increase our domestic food production capacity and reduce our vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.

Moreover, adopting a plant-based food system would bring substantial public health benefits to the UK population. Studies have consistently shown that plant-based diets are associated with lower rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. By encouraging a shift towards plant-based diets, we can not only improve individual health outcomes but also alleviate pressure on our already strained NHS healthcare system and enhance overall societal resilience.

The Green Party recognises that transitioning to a plant-based food system must be managed carefully to ensure that it supports the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities who currently rely on animal agriculture. They propose bold policies and investments in programs that help farmers transition to sustainable plant-based agriculture, while also providing financial support and retraining opportunities for those affected by the shift.

In addition, the Green Party plans to raise public awareness about the urgency of the food security crisis and the benefits of adopting a plant-based diet through targeted education campaigns, collaboration with health organisations and environmental groups, and partnerships with the food industry to promote plant-based options.

In this crucial general election, the British public has the opportunity to vote for a party that truly understands the severity of the climate crisis and the impending food security challenges we face. By voting Green, you can support a comprehensive plan to transform our food system, protect our nation from the worst impacts of climate change, and ensure a stable, reliable, and nutritious food supply for generations to come.

The urgency of the climate crisis and the looming threat of an AMOC collapse leave us no choice. We must act now, and voting Green is the first step towards securing a resilient, sustainable, and healthy future for the UK. With your support, we can implement the bold policies and investments needed to transition to a plant-based food system, support our farmers and rural communities, and safeguard our nation’s food security in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Vote Green for a future where the UK is not only prepared for the impacts of climate change but also leads the way in creating a more sustainable and equitable food system for all.

[1] – https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-39810-w

[2] – https://www.nationalfoodstrategy.org/

[3] – policy AR411 – https://gap.greenparty.org.uk/animal-policies.html#:~:text=The%20Green%20Party%20believes%20it,derived%20from%20non-animal%20sources 

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Allotments at Chanctonbury Road Burgess Hill https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/2023/02/15/allotments-at-chanctonbury-road-burgess-hill/ Wed, 15 Feb 2023 12:16:26 +0000 https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/?p=1581 The post Allotments at Chanctonbury Road Burgess Hill appeared first on Mid Sussex and Crawley Green Party.

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The Public Consultation of the Draft District Plan (Regulation 18) took place before Christmas. The unnecessary threat to the Chanctonbury Road allotments has infuriated many. The allotments were slipped into the Burgess Hill Station site DPH7 in the Draft District Plan 2021-2039 at the last minute.

Cllr. Anne Eves says, “It is outrageous that MSDC would consider building on allotments, especially with 200 people on the waiting list! Mid Sussex District Council have shown complete indifference to what the community wants. They don’t care about destroying wildlife habitats either: this is a green corridor to the ancient woodland beyond”.

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We Need Clair Hall! https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/2022/02/10/we-need-clair-hall/ Thu, 10 Feb 2022 11:18:18 +0000 https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/?p=1544 The post We Need Clair Hall! appeared first on Mid Sussex and Crawley Green Party.

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Vaccination centre comes into its own

report by Deanna Nicholson
The abrupt decision to close Clair Hall without consultation caused widespread dismay. Just when we needed a bigger venue to enable social distancing, it was taken away. The blood-donor service has nowhere to go and many other groups who met there regularly have been displaced.
Councillors need to listen to local people, especially when the example of the Martlets in Burgess Hill, demolished without replacement, is in front of our eyes.

Successful legal challenges are continuing

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Haywards Heath Town Centre Masterplan Fiasco https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/2022/02/10/haywards-heath-town-centre-master-plan-fiasco/ Thu, 10 Feb 2022 11:14:24 +0000 https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/?p=1541 The post Haywards Heath Town Centre Masterplan Fiasco appeared first on Mid Sussex and Crawley Green Party.

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The Master Plan is not fit for purpose.

Report by cllr Paul Brown.

Green Party campaigners are not satisfied that the Haywards Heath Town Centre Master Plan does enough for local residents. The plan should be bolder on tackling climate change to reduce greenhouse gases. Low-traffic neighbourhoods are needed to cut air pollution to protect everyone’s health and well-being. Public consultation closed on 21st December. Why did WSCC, who are responsible for roads, not contribute? Why were bus operators, Metrobus and Compass not invited to participate? Proposals to narrow South Road and close the Broadway gyratory without dealing with on-street parking will create chaos. We question proposals to build a multi-storey car park which will just promote more use of cars.

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Green Homes Grant R.I.P https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/2022/02/10/green-homes-grant-r-i-p/ Thu, 10 Feb 2022 11:06:33 +0000 https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/?p=1535 The post Green Homes Grant R.I.P appeared first on Mid Sussex and Crawley Green Party.

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Report by Green Councillor Mike Croker.

After its short and ineffective life, the Green Homes Grant has joined many other half-baked, central government, consultant run, initiatives in the great policy graveyard in the sky. At a stroke, withdrawing this plan halves government support for carbon reduction in dwellings from £2.5bn to £1.3bn, with the only bright side being that the remaining money (up from £1bn previously) will be administered by local authorities focussing on low income households.

Is this a strategic move to ditch a widely criticised mess, so that the PM can introduce yet another “world beating path to the sunny uplands” closer to the COP26 date? Alok Sharma MP (President of the UN COP26) has a task on his hands to make this look like good governance.

One little irony here is that some of the 25 to 30 million UK dwellings that need Green Homes improvement would not have needed it if the same central government had not relaxed new building regulations in 2015 when they scrapped the Code for Sustainable Homes. That code proposed new builds from 2016 to be close to zero carbon (‘Code 0’), but some of the big housebuilders (eg Persimmon) claimed it was too difficult/expensive… How much more expensive (to build)? About 8% more should get you a Passivhaus, which would be close to Code 0.

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WSCC Child Services https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/2022/02/10/wscc-child-services/ Thu, 10 Feb 2022 10:59:37 +0000 https://midsussex.greenparty.org.uk/?p=1530 The post WSCC Child Services appeared first on Mid Sussex and Crawley Green Party.

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report by Matt Brewin

I am the after-school club manager at St Mark’s school, Staplefield and I also work as a classroom assistant in Burgess Hill whilst studying to qualify as a teacher with a BA Honours in Primary Education. I have a big interest and investment in education and making sure schools give children the best start in life. Back in 2019, OFSTED reported that the WSCC child services had ‘widespread and serious weaknesses’. They also said that the quality of care from WSCC was ‘a lottery depending on where you lived’ and so rated the service as INADEQUATE. The commissioners report for the DfE said that there had been ‘inadequate and ineffective’ leadership of children’s services in West Sussex for many years. East Sussex County Council were then drafted in to help improve the running of this service. West Sussex County Council was shown to have missed signs of neglect leading to consequences for some children and their families. Although a new report in 2020 said that the service had improved there is still much work to do to bring it up to the quality that children and their families in West Sussex deserve. We need to make sure that services for our children and young people are properly funded and given the right level of support especially at a time where children’s social development has been so profoundly affected by the pandemic – trapped indoors doing home learning. Parent’s and children’s mental health have suffered and we need to make sure we are doing all we can to help, support, and give our young people their best chance of success.

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