Friends of the Earth Cymru lays down "Green Challenge" to Assembly Candidates

Friends of the Earth Cymru has laid down a "Green Challenge" to Welsh Assembly candidates ahead of the elections on 1 May. The group has contacted all candidates with its priorities for the second Assembly term and is asking Welsh voters to use its website to contact parties directly with their concerns.

The Friends of the Earth Cymru challenges aim to help the Assembly create a prosperous, sustainable and fair society in Wales. The group is calling for:

• A GM Free Wales, with commitments that the Assembly will block commercialisation of genetically modified (GM) crops across the UK;
• A Zero-Waste Wales: the Assembly should reject incinerators and set a target for Wales to treat all "waste" as a valuable resource;
• Transport for All: the millions currently spent on road building should be redirected into public transport improvements and facilities for cycling and walking;
• A Renewable Future: parties should commit to supporting high levels of energy efficiency and renewable energy schemes including windfarms;
• Planning Justice for Wales: the Assembly should give new rights of appeal to individuals and communities affected by planning decisions.

People can contact the main parties in Wales through the Friends of the Earth Cymru website in English and in Welsh.

Julian Rosser, Head of Campaigns at Friends of the Earth Cymru commented,

"The Assembly has made some faltering steps in the right direction over the past few years. It has been able to make a stand against GM crops, it has given some support to renewable energy and made big investments in recycling.

"Despite the high spots, we haven't seen anything which amounts to the sort of radical change in direction we need if we are to solve some of the terrible environmental and social injustices in Wales today. Too many people have to suffer living next to filthy rubbish tips and opencast mines, too many kids have to play on contaminated sites and next to fume-laden, dangerous roads.

"We in Wales need to have more say in the way that our environment is treated. Too often, it looks like the Assembly is powerless in the face of big business and vested interests in local authorities. We need a strong Assembly which will stand up for the people and the environment of Wales. Signing up to our Green Challenge would be a good start."

Notes

PDF versions of Friends of the Earth Cymru's "Green Challenge" are available on our website.

In English:
Welsh assembly Elections 2003: The Green Challenge
(PDF† format 109K) March 2003

And in Welsh:
Etholiadau Cynulliad Cymru 2003: Yr Her Werdd
Mawrth 2003
(PDF† format 108K) Mawrth 2003

†To view PDF files you will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. Visually impaired users can get extra help with these documents from access.adobe.com.