Leila's blog

Sat, Feb 23, 2008

Hot and cold flushes

I was pleased to read about the Greens in Northern Ireland's call for the creation of a 'Climate Tsar'. They rightly point out that like much in politics it is easy to promise but far harder to deliver, and one way of holding these promises to account is by having a no-partisan person employed to oversee progress and encourage joined up thinking across departments. There is a school of thought that says that it is the electorates job to hold politicians to account for promises made. However there are two gaping flaws in this viewpoint:

1. The electorate can only make a decision on information given to them; when standing for election very few politicians will say 'I didn't fulfil my promises'
2. Elections occur periodically and when they do occur a whole range of items are being voted on. When there is something as dangerous and when the measures required may, in the short term, be very unpopular (look at the congestion charge) it is helpful to have someone with all the facts in a position where they can say 'it has to be done' and not risk loosing their job for doing so.

Finally, for those of you who have been following my amateur gardening efforts, I can report that I am taking an even bigger step. I have started a small garden at work, just in pots. We have sown various bulbs and some carrot and lettuce seeds and put them outside to grow - just when the nights have got cold enough to freeze (doh!).

Wed, Feb 20, 2008

Making sense of mental health

You may remember I first blogged about Legislative Competence Orders (LCOs) in September last year - the mechanism by which the Welsh Assembly can increase it's powers and make new laws, subject to Westminster approval. On Monday a new LCO was tabled by Jonathan Morgan AM. His LCO would make some urgently needed changes to mental health treatment in Wales - by giving patients a right to assessment and treatment in a therapeutic setting before compulsion becomes the only safe option, and; to receive independent advocacy.

Jonathan Morgan AM said: “Reform of mental health legislation is long overdue. I am proud to be the first Assembly Member to put forward proposals which could bring that about. One in four people will suffer from some form of mental health illness in their lifetime – while many people who end up being detained under the Mental Health Act are capable of assessment and treatment before the final step is taken.It is our duty to ensure the level of care we provide is appropriate, of a high standard, and treats patients with dignity and respect."
These are sentiments I am happy to agree with. Suffering from a mental illness still has a stigma attached making it harder for people to reach out for help, often at the early stages when intervention can be of most use. Given the tragic suicides occurring not just in Bridgend but across the country an overhaul of mental health services, including improved access and funding, is long overdue.

Mon, Feb 18, 2008

Seeds of change?

I am slowly recovering after an exhausting few days at conference (partly because I am now a partner in a Event Management business that runs them). Somehow I made it to a few things including an excellent panel with international speakers sharing their experiences on improving human rights. I also watched a film at conference called 'Money as Debt'. For those who don't know how money is literally created out of thin air and that this is driving environmental destruction I strongly suggest watching it. It also provides a fresh perspective on Northern Rock. As the film shows, because banks can lend money that doesn't exist to governments and therefore have a huge say over how our economy works, nationalising banks could be the a main way of regaining democratic control of the economy. Today's announcement is not ideal but it could be the UK's first tentative step on the road to sustainability.

It is nice to be back in Wales, with our fresh air and clear views of the night sky. I don't think I could ever move back to a city. The advantages of having shops on your doorstep seem small in comparison to the delight of eating your own, fresh, pollution and pesticide free, vegetables. As an alternative to the usual pap given for Valentines my husband received some packets of organic vegetable seeds, in the hope that we can build on the success of last years crops.

Fri, Feb 08, 2008

Leaders, leaders everywhere

In my first blog since my election as 'Leader' of Wales Green Party (honestly, I reluctantly stood and was overwhelmingly elected) I'm going to ask anyone who reads to do something even easier than changing their light bulbs to help make the world a little Greener.

I've borrowed this text from Avaaz: 'The outcome of the US election will affect the entire world, and every issue we campaign on. But will the next US president continue to be a major part of the problem, or change course? Global citizens may not be able to vote in the election, but we can still have a voice. Let's join together in signing the letter opposite (its main points - climate protection, human rights and peace not war - were decided in an on-line poll of Avaaz members). The letter will be published prominently in US newspapers and delivered to the leading presidential candidates, so add your support by following this link'.
Clearly I would be most pleased if all the citizens of the USA were to vote Green - and they are going to choose between 4 candidates in July, including former Congress woman Cynthia McKinney and film maker Jesse Johnson.

Finally, if you are going to be in the Reading area next week, we will be holding our national conference there in the Town Hall from the 14th-17th. Everyone is welcome, members and non-members alike, and entry is charged on a sliding scale according to income. With contributions from Martin Bell and delegations from Green Parties around the world it promises to be a really interesting event.