Policy Fest

Around last year when policy fest happened in Newport, we were tasked by the Green Party Executive, to review the Green Party's Rights and Responsibilities policies for a sustainable society.  It's sort of not been coming together until very recently.  Separate to policy fest, it's started to happen with real focus involving some of the key movers and shakers, led by the policy coordinator on the executive.  I wasn't at those sessions but we did come together for lunch and tea breaks.

We co-opted two more guys to Policy Development Committee.  One actually called Guy, from London, another one is a guy called from North Yorkshire in the North East of England.  He was telling me how we have to drop being a remain party now it's basically over, and one of the kind venue hosts voiced total agreement.   The brew was good, and the food was fully vegan, until one member insisted on real milk in their tea, citing inclusion.

I attended discussions on XR, transport, economics, and security.

Notables present on transport were Richard and Sue who are local councillors and have a lot to contribute.  There was also a woman from Liverpool who is keen to contribute to improving policy and would like the policy process to be improved too.

It was great to be back in the city I spend 3 years studenting.  The Arts Organisation is under new management but still very arty and now goes by a different name, as a "coffee house and bar".  I had breakfast with my friend in another cafe, independent, which had a good pile of the latest XR newspaper.  But with great wifi, charging points, 4G / 4.5G / 5G mobile Internet, I didn't really have time to read a newspaper.  A very busy day, and our duty well-done as policy development committee.

Cut fares, not staff: letter

Thursday 2 January 2020
Dear Charlie O'Macauley,
As a constituent I am concerned that while fares rise - and the timetables are in chaos - cuts are being made to services and staffing across our entire rail network.
There are fewer staff at stations, ticket offices are closing, guards are being removed from trains and essential rail maintenance and engineering is being cut, meaning a less safe service.
I would be grateful if you could support a publicly owned railway, with affordable fares and safe staffing levels.
This includes Thameslink, services from Mill Hill East, Brent Cross, HS1, Crossrail, Crossrail 2, and an outer orbital route, as well as a better deal for rail investment outside of London. Tube fares for a Zone 1-4 travelcard have increased up £252 a year since Labour promised to freeze tube fares... While a Green Party mayor could have saved Zone 5 commuters an annual £299. This is unaffordable.
Yours sincerely,
Ben Samuel