THE Green Party continues to work hard in Bristol and across the country to change how politics is done and who politicians are working for.
Recently, Carla wrote a letter to the Chancellor to draw attention to the unfair burden of business rates faced by many in Bristol Central. We’ve heard from small businesses across Bristol, from cafes and pubs to music venues and chip shops, that the Government’s increases to these rates have added significantly to the pressures many businesses are already facing. She was very pleased to be supported in this intervention by many local businesses, as well as local councillors for Bristol Central and Bristol City Council’s leadership.
It has been gratifying to hear from North Somerset Council that our 34 Bristol Green councillors were joined by over 1000 members of the public in opposing the proposal to expand Bristol Airport. At the same time as unprecedented heatwaves made worse by human-caused climate change have cost thousands of lives in this country, it is completely unthinkable that anyone would be supporting or investing in one of the country’s highest-polluting sectors. Hopefully, this is something North Somerset Council is considering very seriously.
During Carla’s ongoing leave of absence, her constituency team has continued listening to and supporting the community of Bristol Central on the issues that matter to them, including meeting with local groups involved in community outreach and safety, human rights and housing. In June, Carla’s team met with the Minister for Building Safety, where they were able to ask for clarity on how and when leaseholders in buildings under 11m would be supported to remove unsafe cladding, which could make a meaningful difference for some residents in Bristol Central.
Carla and her team are incredibly concerned by the EHRC’s code of practice, which is set to exclude trans people from public services and spaces. Once again, the trans community is being unjustifiably targeted, made to feel unsafe and scrutinised in their daily lives. Carla’s staff met with trans-led charities to discuss responses to the guidance, and following this, fellow Green MP Siân Berry has sent a letter to the government on Carla’s behalf to raise serious concerns.
As well as tackling the hardships felt here in the UK, the Green Party continues to draw attention to those in other countries whose plight is falling out of the news cycle. In May, when the Global Summad Flotilla was illegally intercepted by Israeli forces, Carla wrote to the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister to express her outrage at this attack on peaceful civilian boats and concern for the welfare of those on board. This included Bristol campaigner Lewis (Benn) Trowell and Green Party Member Zakaria Khan.
Since then, Carla’s team has heard directly from those present on the flotilla about the violence they were subjected to when they were intercepted. Although these campaigners are now safe, our thoughts and theirs remain with those Palestinians who continue to be illegally detained by Israel.
• Carla is currently taking a leave of absence for health reasons but her constituency office is functioning as usual. If you live in Bristol Central and need help with a local issue please continue to email bristolcentraloffice@parliament.uk or write to Carla Denyer MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. For national issues email using carla.denyer.mp@parliament.uk