Green Day Out In Winchester As South East MEP Launches New Green Party
14 March 2008
Dr Caroline Lucas MEP will speak at the ‘Big Opportunity’ meeting at the Winchester Discovery Centre at 7.30pm to congratulate the new group, whose founders were inspired by her extensive campaigning work in the UK and the European Parliament.
The South East MEP will meet with local residents and activists to discuss her vision of how tackling climate change is linked with a happier, healthier society. The gathering, which is open to all who wish to attend, will provide a ‘big opportunity’ to hear expert speakers, participate in a question and answer session with Dr Lucas, and engage in a lively debate.
In her speech, Caroline Lucas will address the rampant consumerism and personal unhappiness in our society, suggesting that ‘happiness does not derive from infinite economic growth and material wealth, but from contented families, strong communities and meaningful work.’
The meeting will form the climax of a whole day’s programme for the MEP, which begins with a speech at the University of Winchester on business solutions to climate change.
She will then continue the theme by showing her support for the STOP! Campaign against new megasheds (massive food distribution depots used by supermarkets) and road freight in the Andover area.
In the afternoon, Dr Lucas is in Southampton to meet with destitute asylum-seekers and members of the Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group who support them. She will also address Southampton health-chiefs’ imminent plan to add fluoride to the drinking water in the area, denouncing it as ‘illegal mass-medication without consent’.
ENDS
Notes To Editors
The Big Opportunity public meeting will be held at the Winchester Discovery Centre, Jewry Street, 7.30-9pm. To reserve a seat, please email alison@greenmeps.org.uk or tel 07709 730561.
The impressive Discovery Centre, which was officially opened by the Duchess of Cornwall on 21st February 2008, is home to a range of multimedia facilities, two galleries, a performance hall and a café bar.
Co-speakers at The Big Opportunity event are:
Robert Hutchison of Winchester Action on Climate Change www.winacc.org.uk, a 99-month project to reduce the carbon footprint of the Winchester district. He is also Chairman of the Winchester Fairtrade Steering Group.
Ian Nelson of Sunnyfields Farm www.sunnyfields.co.uk, one of the longest established organic farms in the UK and a major factor in the success of the Winchester Farmers’ Market and Hampshire Fare. Visit the website for more details.
About Caroline Lucas MEP
In 2007 Caroline Lucas was voted Politician of the Year in the Observer newspaper’s Ethical Awards. She is the Green Party MEP representing the South-East of England and was elected in 1999. She sits on the European Parliament’s Trade, Environment and Climate Change Committees, as well as being Vice President of the Parliament’s Animal Welfare Intergroup. Her work – both within the Parliament and in her constituency – includes peace and human rights, international trade and development, transport and planning, health issues and animal welfare. www.carolinelucasmep.org.uk
For more information on the new Winchester Green Party, visit www.winchestergreenparty.org.uk or contact Jim Kirkpatrick on 07976 765835.
