Green Party mailing
PEOPLE’S PARLIAMENT IN BRIGHTON

Our first ever People's Parliament in Brighton was a huge success. Hosted
by the city's three MPs, myself, Peter Kyle and Russell Lloyd Moyle, we
heard lots of great questions and debate on some of the key issues facing
the city including not only Brexit, but the climate emergency, affordable
housing, youth services and mental health. All debated with insight and
respect for others' opinions - a real model for how Parliament should be.

MEANWHILE AT WESTMINSTER …

CROSS PARTY TALKS TO AVOID A DISASTROUS CRASH-OUT BREXIT BY BORIS JOHNSON
ARE CONTINUING.  I MEET REGULARLY WITH OPPOSITION PARTIES TO WORK FOR A
COMMON APPROACH.  I’M DOING ALL I CAN TO KEEP UP THE PRESSURE FOR A
CONFIRMATORY VOTE ON ANY DEAL SO PEOPLE GET A FINAL SAY ON BREXIT.

THE GREEN NEW DEAL

There was lively and informed debate about policies for a Green New Deal at
the Friends Meeting House on Saturday, where Green MEP Alex Phillips was
chairing a discussion on what the Green New Deal involves, and how it would
help address inequality in our society. There was a strong European flavour
to the debate with a former Swedish minister of culture and democracy,
Alice Bah Kuhnke, sharing insights about what has been achieved there, and
the lessons for Brighton and beyond.

EXTINCTION REBELLION      

Back in London, the activists of Extinction Rebellion were braving some
cold, wet weather - and some disproportionate police response - to remind
Parliament that Brexit isn't the only crisis - we need urgent action on the
climate emergency and the threatened collapse of biodiversity. I visited
most of the camps around Westminster, and was inspired by people's passion
and commitment. Many thanks to the XR reforesting team who had a native
British tree for every MP. My choice: a field maple.

HOLLINGBURY PLACE POST OFFICE

I was delighted to formally re-open the Post Office, with new post master
Jay Pambhar. I raised the issue of its closure with the Post Office
headquarters in London, on behalf of a constituent, so am pleased that they
have followed through on their promise to re-open it. The Post Office plays
such an important role in a local community and will make a real difference
to people's lives. Thank you to Jay Pambhar for taking it on.

YMCA DOWNSLINK

A visit to YMCA Downslink in St Georges Place was an opportunity to hear
first-hand the significant challenges facing youth services in the context
of significant Government cuts. I came away impressed by the scope of the
services offered and inspired by the commitment of the staff who are doing
their very best to support young people, many of whom have very complex
needs.

RUNNING FOR RISE

I was delighted to support our amazing local charity, RISE (Refuge,
Information, Support & Education) by setting off the runners on their 2019
8 km Undercliff Run for Women. Now in its twelfth year, this was its
biggest ever! RISE do such important work providing refuge and support to
those who have experienced domestic abuse. The race is an important
fundraiser for them, and they have exciting plans to make it a zero waste
event.

BIG ISSUE

If any of you are readers of the Big Issue, please buy a copy this week! I
was delighted to be invited to be the guest editor and have focused on the
state of our democracy. I'm honoured that so many brilliant people
contributed to the magazine, including Yanis Varoufakis on where democracy
has gone wrong, Brian May writing a letter to his younger self and pieces
from Green MEP Magid Magid and Fatima Ibrahim, co-Executive Director of
Green New Deal UK. We've also secured an extract from Naomi Klein's new
book, "On Fire: the burning case for a Green New Deal".


Contacting Me

If you are a local resident and need help with case work or to find out more about my activities locally please do contact me at the office of: Caroline Lucas MP, Brighton Media Centre 15-17 Middle Street, Brighton BN1 1AL.
Tel: 01273 201 130. Email: [email protected]

I hold regular surgeries across the constituency. If you would like to book an appointment at a forthcoming surgery please call Liz Collis on 01273 201130.
She coordinates my constituency office and is able to help with most local enquiries.

If you would like to know about my parliamentary work please get in touch at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.
Tel: 020 7219 7025. Email: [email protected]

You can also keep up to date with my news on:

Twitter: @carolinelucas

Facebook: /carolinelucas.page

My Website: www.carolinelucas.com

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