General Election

Well, ‘we’re off’ in the general election ‘race’ as some would put it. Economy, economy, economy - obviously the top three issues! Current politicians have seriously messed up the economy, creating deep recession and being more interested in their rich banker, sporting and celebrity friends than people generally.

There is little difference between the big three parties and you will get no fundamental change from them – the status quo favours them so they protect it. They all plan cuts in public services, all claim to be able to find billions in ‘efficiency savings’ far beyond what is reasonable, and all see ‘growth’ as the solution. Health and wellbeing – the way we look after older people, educate our children, safeguard our community our jobs, our environment – should be the measure of progress.

Current politicians have failed to invest properly in building the stable, secure and sustainable economy that would enhance our health and wellbeing. I’m working to promote the Greens £45 billion plan ie serious investment in: local, safe, stable jobs; strengthening local communities; local bus and train services; efficiency and renewable energy; promoting good health; crime prevention; and quality of life. Prominent features of this plan are free insulation for all homes and free health and social care for the elderly.

Knitted in to our economic crisis is an inseparable political crisis. Current politicians have messed up the political system, setting it up to serve themselves and not the people. We need a whole series of radical democratic reforms, including giving voters real power to sack MPs between elections. This would monitor and give feedback on MP performance and enable people to get rid of those that are corrupt and not doing a good job. We need MPs who are independent-minded, free-thinking, strong characters to replace those who merely follow the party line. Lets hope the high turnover of MPs at this election results in a far better quality House of Commons.