It appears to be a "we love Jean Lambert" day on the net today 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and quite right too - she's ace. As one of two Green MEPs she has consistently proven how much a hard working, progressive politician really can achieve. If she has a flaw it's that she's far too modest to crow and so doesn't have the profile that she deserves. Matt Selwood does a good job at briefly summarising her achievements here.
For me Jean (pictured right with two top notch Greens Ute Michel and Sharar Ali) has a commitment to trade union and workers' rights and her consistent support for asylum seekers in this country which places her in the very best part of the Green Party. It's just extra icing on the cake that she's a very nice person to boot (which I think is a political comment although I'm sure not everyone will agree on that).
As I tried to show in November, when you combine the d'Hondt system with political realities the likelihood is that Jean will be fighting for the final slot in direct contention with the BNP. Unless we see a massive spurt in support (and perhaps I'm a pessimist but I'm looking for a modest increase) the fact that there is one less place on the list this time round should cause a ripple of concern.
When it comes down to it I don't want to see the most progressive MEP we have replaced with the most reactionary. I think that would be a step backwards.
The Euro elections are not far away now (June) and the hard work of getting Jean re-elected already began months ago, but now's the time to think about what you can do to help that campaign if you live in or near London.
Matt suggests that people join the facebook supporters group, helping out with the Hackney by election taking place, or make an online donation to get the ball rolling. These all seem like excellent suggestions. I'd also suggest using her blog and website to keep in touch with what you can do on the ground to ensure that we keep the fascists from making further gains in London by trumping them with a formidable Green campaign.
Friday, January 16, 2009
We love the Lambert
Labels: Euros09, Green Party, London
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5 comments:
"It's just extra icing on the cake that she's a very nice person to boot (which I think is a political comment although I'm sure not everyone will agree on that)."
It is important. Too many people on the Left are just fucking horrible people.
Jean and Caroline do some very good work on ecology, trade union rights, Gaza and much else besides, so I am certainly going to be blogging for them and doing a bit of running around...I would certainly encourage all the left to actively get involved in their re-election campaigns.
Ran into Jean just be chance a couple of days ago..which was a good synchronicity...come to think of it ran into Ed on tuesday, spooky.
Jean Lambert and Caroline Lucas are two of the nicest, kindest people I have ever met.
Just thought I'd point that out.
Ed seemed great when I met him on tuesday and there is lots of good stuff on his blog.
Thanks Derek. Just seen your remarks about me [blushes]. It was very nice to meet you too and I enjoyed your talk.
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