Let's see how local politicians took the news that Climate Camp has rocked up in Lewisham.
Labour's Mayor 'tweeted' that "Climate change huge concern to me but do not believe irresponsible approach of the CC campers will win public support and make change happen."
Lib Dem councillors issued a statement saying that "We are appalled at the disturbance caused to local residence and amenities. We hope that both the Protesters and Police alike act with respect for the local community."
Green councillors on the other hand said "We're really proud Climate Camp chose Lewisham as its base for communicating its hugely important and positive message.
"The campers have promised to be good neighbours and we are confident the heath will be left just as it was found. I'd urge local people to visit the site, see it for themselves and perhaps even pick up new skills at the camp's packed programme of workshops."
Councillors Sue Luxton and Darren Johnson getting all over excited! God bless 'em!
Annie Leonard and co. (
Adrienne Mayor (
Ed Howker and Shiv Malik
Floella Benjamin (
Mark Watson (
Tim Jackson (
David Wilson (
Clive Lord (
Nickie Roberts
7 comments:
Oh dear, negative campaigning from the Greens - local Lib Dems have made their position clear. “There has been a bit of a misunderstanding about the camp and the Liberal Democrat attitude to it. There are real concerns about the damage that may be caused to Blackheath which we feel sure all would agree is a precious open space. However we remain confident that the Climate Change camp organisers will protect the local environment, and we are sure the police will have learnt from the G20 demonstrations back in May. Lets make sure that over a Bank holiday weekend everyone can enjoy Blackheath and can use the opportunity to share ideas and learn more about how we deal with the pressures of climate change. .
Just quoting your councillors sir - glad to see some Lib Dems are... actually... what is your attitude? It isn't clear from this at all (I'd quite like to see the document you're quoting from too).
Let me help you... did you skip for joy when you heard climate camp was coming your way?
Will Lib Den councillors be attending the camp to learn and experience from the event (rather than just to scout round for illegal activity for example)?
Will you be 'having words' with your councillors that condemned climate camp when they heard the news?
In what sense are you using the word 'misunderstanding'? I think your councillors were pretty succinct in their original statement.
I’m quoting from a Lewisham Liberal Democrat councillor’s blog - http://andrewmilton.20six.co.uk/andrewmilton/art/1086588/Lewisham-Lib-Dem-Councillors-Statement-on-Blackheath-Climate-Camp - I’ve been told that the councillors concerned have been misquoted and were only trying to express the need for consideration for local residents – not unreasonable, and what I would expect of local councillors of any party. It’s not unheard of, for journos to get inexperienced or inarticulate councillors to make a clumsy statement that misrepresent what they intended to say.
‘Let me help you... did you skip for joy when you heard climate camp was coming your way?’ It isn’t coming my way I live in Devon, however I would welcome Climate Camp here.
‘Will Lib Dem councillors be attending the camp to learn and experience from the event (rather than just to scout round for illegal activity for example)?’
Yes, several councillors and members have blogged to say they are looking forward to taking part. I understand Lib Dem MPs will be scouting around to make sure the Met do not engage in any illegal activity – I think that is rather important.
‘Will you be 'having words' with your councillors that condemned climate camp when they heard the news?’ I don’t accept your premises that they condemned climate camp. I’m sure the matter will be discussed Lewisham Lib Dem Councillors Group.
‘In what sense are you using the word 'misunderstanding'? I think your councillors were pretty succinct in their original statement.’ I’m not using the word, I am quoting it. I believe they are using the word in the sense that Greens are claiming Lib Dems are against Climate Camp.
Now tell me did you skip with joy at the opportunity to portray the Lib Dems as anti- Climate Camp?
Blimey David, you're as busy as me this evening, whizzing around all these blogs, accusing us Greens of smearing the Lib Dems. Let's get this straight - it was the Guardian that quoted Blackheath councillors, not us and it was then tweeted by climate camp and was all over the twitterosphere in no time - no furtive negative campaigning by Lewisham Greens required - we've stuck to our positive line. That said, I'm delighted that a much more positive statement has now been issued by the Lib Dem councillors in Lewisham, and tweeted to that effect a couple of hours back. I know Norman Baker and other Lib Dems have been very supportive of climate camp in previous years.
I'm confused though, are you really suggesting that Lib Dem group leader Chris Maines, councillor for Blackheath, is inexperienced, or wasn't it him that gave the quote this morning?
Sue Luxton
Green Party Councillor for Ladywell ward, Lewisham.
Well Sue it beats going to the Teign Fishermen and Watermen’s Association meeting!
I may have jumped the gun, however I do feel Greens seem a bit to ready to seize on to anything to paint the Liberals in a negative light. Your comments on Norman has restored my faith!
I confess I know nothing of London politics or personalities. As I understand it the Guardian quote is from a ‘phone conversation, rather than an issued statement (but this hearsay).
David
Councillor for West Teignmouth
I am glad to see that Green politicians have mastered the art of the cheesy smile :)
good luck with the Climate Camp.
Qui moi? Or Darren? Darren is a master at cheesy grins - in fact I think Jim has previously blogged about this!
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