The next Newsletter will be out at the end of September. The European Parliament is now in Summer Recess
Jean spoke on a panel at Halkevi, the Turkish and Kurdish Community Centre in Stoke Newington, Hackney, on the issue of violence against Kurdish women, as part of a public event.
As part of Refugee Week, Jean spoke at the national conference on deportations to Iraq in central London, along with MPs and representatives of refugee rights organisations. She has joined the national committee of the campaign organisation, the Coalition to Stop Deportations to Iraq.
On the eve of the World Day Against Torture, Jean spoke at Liberty's emergency demonstration outside the US Embassy calling to close Guantanamo Bay and end "torture flights". Liberty is calling for an independent inquiry into UK assistance with CIA “torture flights”.
Jean was a guest at the multicultural environment day at Al Tawhid Mosque in Leyton. There was a children's competition and Jean awarded the prizes!
GHARWEG held a seminar on immigration in the UK, with a focus on the BNP. Jean was the Green Party speaker, and, as well as contributions from the other political parties, discussions were led by Christian Aid's Head of Global Advocacy.
CND and the Indian Workers Association held a conference in Leicester on nuclear issues in relation to South Asia, which sought to raise these issues with the people from the UK's Asian population. Jean led a workshop and spoke in the Plenary, giving a Green perspective, and focusing on sustainable development. Anti-nuclear MPs participated, along with CND chair, Kate Hudson.
Jean attended the Rise Festival at Finsbury Park, along with fellow London Greens, where the new bespoke leaflet/membership form was distributed.
Jean was a panel speaker at the European Commission's conference aimed at increasing London's voluntary sector involvement in policy making.
Jean attended the annual Waltham Forest Green Fair, along with other local Greens.
Seminar on waste and fuel: Jean hosted a half-day expert seminar on waste and fuel. A speaker from Imperial College gave a presentation on hydrogen fuel technology, with possible applications for London.
Constituents' concerns
Jean has received a lot of correspondence on the situation in Lebanon, following the start of the Israeli military attacks. Jean has signed a joint letter to Tony Blair and has written to the EU President, calling for greater action to bring about an immediate ceasefire and a negotiated settlement. Jean's statement on the situation is included elsewhere in this newsletter.
Jean has also received a lot of letters on LGBT issues, specifically in relation to Eastern Europe and Russia, following ongoing anti-LGBT attitudes and violence, and the decision of the Latvian authorities to ban Gay Pride in Riga. Jean has been making regular statements on these issues and will continue to work via the Parliament's LGBT Intergroup to push these issues at EU-level.
Submissions
Jean submitted an objection to Novera Energy's proposed gasification plant, planned for Havering. She highlighted how the technology, though not identical to mass burn incineration, requires the use of paper and plastic, which should be recycled.
A response was also made by Jean to Defra's consultation on its Air Quality Strategy. Jean highlighted the need to maintain legally binding standards, including high binding standards at EU-level. She focused on the need for action to curb aviation and for traffic reduction if air quality standards are to be reached (currently they are not).
EPSU: Jean hosted an EPSU (European Federation of Public Services Unions) journalists meeting in Brussels where social services were the topic of debate.
POLIS: Jean gave the European Parliament perspective at this conference on transport and social exclusion. The UK is the first national government to mainstream accessibility policy. Jean highlighted how we can integrate transport into social policies and vice versa.
Finnish Presidency EMPL meeting: In a meeting with employment representatives from the new Presidency, Jean listened to their social affairs priorities and put forward the Green's pressing issues. One of the key policy areas to be addressed by the Finnish Presidency will be improving the quality of working life.
European Policy Centre Conference: Jean chaired a conference session on the subject of free movement, which focused on UK research about why people from the new member states are working in the UK and why employers want them.
Meetings: Jean talked with the President of Medecins du Monde to discuss third country nationals and access to care. Later in the week she met with a group of Sri Lankan MPs. Jean also participated in a British regional trade unionists Q&A session about how the EP works.
Strasbourg
In Strasbourg this month, Jean delivered two speeches to Plenary. In the first, Jean called for the Parliament's Inquiry into alleged CIA torture flights to continue its investigation. She also spoke on migration, highlighting the need for a holistic approach which addresses both trade and development.
Belgrade
Jean traveled to Serbia to speak at a Summer Camp which was part of a European Youth Campaign for Diversity. Jean talked about anti-discrimination and the Green European vision.
Comment on Current Affairs - Lebanon
Jean has been receiving a lot of constituent letters on the situation in the Lebanon. Here is an extract from her response:
I am horrified by what is happening in Lebanon - which has only very recently begun to experience real independence after years of conflict and effective occupation by both Israel and Syria.
I consider Israeli action in both Gaza and Lebanon to be disproportionate, collective punishment. I believe the British and US Governments should have supported the UN in calling for a ceasefire, pushing for a negotiated settlement and an international UN stabilising force. Israeli action, in face of severe provocation, will only make a peaceful, sustainable outcome more difficult.
I am sure the Green Group in the European Parliament will renew its calls for the suspension of the EU-Israel agreement and reiterate our demands for Israel to pay the tax money which is due to the Palestinian authorities. Failed states are not in the interests of their own citizens or the international community. We also support the need for international humanitarian aid.
Although it is difficult for the EU to speak with one voice on this matter, given the position of the UK Government, I welcome reports that the Finnish Presidency of the EU has made it clear that the EU has not given a green light to Israel to continue its military activities. However, I have written to the EU President, as well as to the Commission and the President of the European Parliament, raising the above issues. I have also signed a joint letter from the peace movement to Tony Blair.
30 July, Voices for Lebanon and Palestine Rally, Trafalgar Square
6 August, The Peace Cycle - London to Jerusalem bike ride for peace
6 August, Hiroshima Day and 9 August, Nagasaki Day
10 August, proposed International Day for the victims of chemical weapons
20 August 2006, Capital Age Festival, Bernie Spain Gardens, central London
2 September, Jean speaking at the CND Preventing Trident Replacement Conference, TUC Congress House, London
5 September, Jean hosting an event on Free Movement with the European Citizen Action Service, Strasbourg
13 September, Launch of EU Report on social exclusion of young gay people, Brussels
21-24 September, Green Party Conference, Hove
22 September, 'The future of public services' at Green Party conference, with Jean and speaker from European Federation of Public Service Unions, EPSU.
23 September, 'No Trident Replacement' and anti-war demonstration, Manchester
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