GREEN LEFT MEETINGS, CONFERENCES and EVENTS

Green left holds public meetings at regular intervals. Steering Committee 6pm July 7th Royal Festival hall (level3 above N.Mandela statue)

Green Left members have also been involved in organising the Campaign Against Climate Change Trades Union conferences and organising CACCTU fringes at TU conference and another CACCTU conference in 2009.

The minutes of the AGM (24/5/2008) the last GL meeting and Steering Committee are below.

To find our more about Campaign Against Climate Change Trades Union Group, The Green Party and the Morning Star , follow the links below:

MINUTES of Emergency GreenLeft Steering Committee of Friday 5th June 2009, 6.30pm at RFH, Southbank, London, by Tim Summers, Secretary 6/6/09.amended by

1. Attendance: Sean Thompson, Joseph Healy, Payam Torabi, Farid Bakht, Peter Murry, Andy Hewett and Tim Summers.
2. Apologies for absence: Malcolm Bailey, Aaron Kiely, Sue Tibbles and Derek Wall.
3. .GL Pamphlet costs and sales/treasurer´s report:
   1. Peter reported that the new GL pamphlet 'Countering the Crisis' raised a production bill for £632, creating a shortfall of £120.
   2. Graham Lee could not print it, so an order was placed by Sean with New River printers of Peckham, to meet the deadline of a launch at Housmans´: Bookshop, 27th May 09
   3. a Cover endorsement by Mark Thomas and artwork by Phelim failed.
   4. The unit cost is £1.25.
   5. Some sales & loans at the meeting
   6. All finance to move to our current account (no overdraft facility)
   7. This was done on 8/6/2009 so that the current balance , now with a total of £710 is sufficient tio pay the bill (once cheques have cleared.)
   8. Housmans have a stock, Tim will take some to Bookmarx in Bloomsbury Way.
4. GreenLeft Annual General Meeting on Saturday 20th July 09.
   1. Joseph will inquire availability of GPHQ, 1b Waterlow Road, Archway, London to save on costs, eg Dragon Hall £30ph and Lucas Arms £10 ph.
   2. Job descriptions for all GL posts should be sent to Joseph soon, also with any proposals for new posts, eg Women, Disabilities, Youth, etc.
   3. Agenda Item 1, Trust &: Schools status see below.
   4. Agenda item 2, brief introduction (by who?) for a general discussion.
   5. Joseph will seek information of European elections in Ireland and across Europe for a report.
   6. Peter will appeal for regular donations, an increased subscription rate and conduct a hat collection.(Payam has issued this).
   7. Farid will seek a speaker for the GL conference fringe.
   8. Item on GPEW Conference, Brighton & Hove Town Hall on 4-7th September 09, motions and fringes if known and amendments by deadline of 15th July.
   9. Item on Convention of the Left, Liverpool 12th Sept and Brighton 26th Sept 09.
   10. Election of a GL speaker for Socialist Resistance conference in September, see AOB.
5. Lewisham Bridge School, privatisation, Tim moved.
   1. Andy reported that the school is still in rooftop protest (ref South London Press) and an appeal against its closure will be made on grounds of its Grade 2 Listing.
   2. Sean will draft a statement to include reference to a recent Guardian pledge to oppose all privatisation to circulate on London List, seeking a discussion at next London Federation on 15th June 09 and the next meeting of Green Party Regional Council on 11th-12th July 09.
   3. Tim will invite Cllr Darren Johnson AM and Martin Francis to speak on Trust & Academy schools and answer questions, or make written submissions, as the first agenda item of GL/AGM of 20/6/09.
6. Any other business:
   1. Peter will write a congratulation on the GL website or blog to GPEW for its European election literature and campaign.
   2. Tim will raise objections at AGM to the website 'Morning Star link'which he does not approve of
   3. Possible collapse of the Respect Party noted
   .
   4. Socialist Resistance conference in September 09 at Friends Meeting House Euston. Admission, £8/4 concs in advance; £12/6 concs at the door: needs a GL speaker (see above). Joseph will write to approve overall plan, to supply a GL speaker and to seek a GL publicity stall.
   5. The conduct and unity of the Steering Committee was appreciated.
-------------------End-----------------------------

MINUTES of GreenLeft Steering Committee of Thursday 7th May 2009 , 6.30pm at RFH, Southbank, by Tim Summers, Secretary. Amendements by P.Murry

1. Attendance: Andy Hewett, Peter Murry, Joseph Healy and Tim Summers.
2. Apologies for absence: Sarah Farrow,Derek Wall, Payam Torabi, Malcolm Bailey, Farid Bakht, Phelim McCafferty, Sean Thompson, Sue Tibbles and Aaron Kiely.
3. Minutes of General Meeting of 18/4/09 and Steering Committee of 7/4/09
4. Corrections and Matters Arising.
   1. Visitors: D. Chapple, Socialist Resistance: Frank, NPA (see 16 below)
   2. Climate Camp group invite us to their NVDA training.
   3. Finance: Sue Bineham (not Biney) has forwarded bank statements showing that we have £341 in 2 bank accounts + £70 cash (badge sales and collection) held by P. Murry. New signatories still need confirmation. Motions suggested by bank were adopted (can be seen on application to Treasurer).
   4. Campaigns: Andy will stand in as GL Campaigns Officer until GL/ AGM on 20/6/09.
   5. GL will not withdraw from either Convention of the Left nor Left Unity Liaison Committee, but continue our participation: ref GPTU blog.
   6. We discussed proposals by Matt Sellwood on party reorganisation positively, not ´prepared opposition´ as stated.
   7. Speaker, Frank of French NPA, ´Nouveau Partie Anticapitaliste´, not ´MLA´
5. GL bulletin #2 did not contain an article on health by Stuart Jeffreys, nor Motions on BJ4BW and nuclear energy.
6. Andy´s email digest is in progress, but no news yet of e newsletter from Farid.
7. Gl must monitor comments of Chris Goodall, Oxford Green candidate, ref nuclear power.
8. Booklaunch at Housemans´, 5 Caledonian Road, Kings Cross at 7pm on Wednesday 27th May 09 has problems of printing and cover description remarks by Mark Thomas: we must contact Lulu.com, a self-publishing website via Michael Prior, hoping they can reproduce and sell it for us. Central London photocopying.
9. Motions for Autumn Conference: Alan´s motion on cuts in welfare and Joseph´s motion on Afghanistan to be sent to Brian Heatley ASAP. Tim will propose a Motion for return to Principal Speakers, needing a 2/3 majority to alter Constitution.
10. Optimum Population Trust: Joseph and Andy will continue to dissuade their inclusion in future Green events, eg Conferences.
11. Arrangements for GL AGM 20th June 09:
    1. Tim to check Friends´ Meeting House, Euston for venue for 5 hours.
    2. Joseph will list positions with job specifications for nominations at AGM .
    3. Peter is Treasurer, do we need to change at AGM ? My recollection is I raised the quetion of whether I should br Treasurer AND Membership Secretary AND Web/blog editor (pM).
    4. 2 subcommittees; Internal Democracy and Website.( also Publications (pm))
    5. To circulate for GL regional reps, especially for East and North-West regions.
12. Lewisham Bridge School : Andy reported that it served all ages, threatened by "Trust School" privatisation. Cllr Romayne Phoenix abstained her vote. No planning permission yet but kids are being bussed away each day and returned. Andy will draft a motion. There is a protest march on Saturday.
13. SWC Conference report, Joseph, delegate reported that Hands Off Iran was refused affiliation, and that a sexist gaffe by Craig Murray was criticised.
14. Levellers´ Day 16/5/09 , Tim is organising a coach excursion to Burford from 5 London pick-up points at shared cost. Peter will organise a GPTU stall with election material and GL bulletins.
15. Campaigns update:
    1. Strangers into citizens march at 11.30am from Tothill St to Trafalgar Square on 4/5/09 was very churchy, Fed banner carried and Jean spoke, photos on website by Jim Jepps.
    2. No new coal demo next Thursday.
    3. United Campaign Against Police Violence demo, 23rd May, 3pm at Trafalgar Sq to kettle New Scotland Yard, Fed has affiliated. Police on back foot since MPA meeting.
    4. Palestine Solidarity, London 16th May, Jean to speak, Mark Douglas will do placards, Joseph will ask Tom Chance, Campaigns Officer for stall & leaflets.
16. Iceland update: Joseph reported that Margaret Wright spoke to the Leader of Icelandic Green Left, and hopes for a report, suggesting we have an IGL speaker at our conference fringe. Controversy.
17. EcoSocialist International Network Britain needs restart. Andy will organise with SR and Ian Angus for 6th September 09 with Jane´s list. AGS has aligned with No2EU, Mike Davis is a candidate but Respect supports Peter Cranie in NWest.
18. Newsletter printing: Graham Lee to print another 300 for Burford and PSC demo. Imprinting with stickers? Updating?
19. Any Other Business:
    1. Agenda for AGM should be provisional.
    2. AGM guest speaker from Red/Green Study Group or Irish Green Councillor/ex Cllr? A modest contribution only for speaker expenses.
    3. GL membership subscriptions due in October 09.
    4. Noel will organise a GL quiz to raise funds after election.

MINUTES of Green Left GENERAL MEETING of Saturday 18th April 2009 above the Lucas Arms,Kings Cross, London by Tim Summers, Secretary 020 7737 6289.Amended by Steering Committee 7/5/2009.

1. Attendance: Farid Bakht, James Caspell, K. Phillips, Peter Murry, Alan Wheatley, Malcolm Bailey, Arthur Hayles, Ken Burgess, Joseph Healy, Romayne Phoenix, Chris Hyland, Andy Hewitt, Payam Torabi, Sean Thompson, Noel Lynch, Jonathan Buckner,Aaron Kiely, Sue Tibbles and Tim Summers.
2. Visitors, Duncan Chapel and Frank ?(Socialist Resistance), Ben Hart and Faith Kennedy (Climate Camp) and a speaker for NPA (France).
3. Apologies: John Johnson, Sarah Farrow, Jane Ennis...(more not recorded).
4. Introductions, briefly around the room.
5. Climate Camp speaker Ben Hart and discussion.
6. General discussion introduced by Andy Hewett.
7. Minutes of GL general meeting of Sunday 25th January 09 in Manchester circulated and agreed.
8. Matters arising:
   1. the pooled fare scheme was set aside:
   2. Peter Murry and Andrew Collingwood elected to SOC:
   3. 300 GL bulletins with conference insert were taken to Spring Conference at Blackpool but we have only a few left.
   4. Sue Tibbles will photostat another 300 free and a PDF will be put on the website.
   5. We have about £300 currently.
   6. Tim proposed that the next edition should contain an article on the real history of Old Labour and was asked to write it.
   7. Plans for a GL email newsletter.
   8. Sean Thompson has been asked to join the Green Party economics working group.
   9. Chair of Conferences Committee and Diversity Spokesperson to be asked that the Optimum Population Trust is not invited to future GP Conferences.
9. Finance & Membership report:
   1. Peter reported that he hopes to meet Sue Bineham to change bank acc´t signatures. SB has reported that GL has £371 in two bank acc´ts.
   2. we have 2 new members.
   3. He will provide a full data base of GL members at our AGM.
   4. The hall hire fee of £40 by Tim was settled by a hat collection of over £31
10. People´s Charter: discussion and adoption: 1 million signatories needed. GL will propose adoption by GP London Federation.
11. Slogans discussion: "Workers for the world unite!" agreed and adopted as ´a´ GL slogan, not ´the´: GL slogan.
12. Campaigns: Tom Chance (Southwark GP) is now the national campaigns officer: he wants GL to raise solidarity with Palestine. To increase GPEW campaigning/nvda is central to GL aims.
13. GL Youth Officer: Aaron Kiely was elected until our AGM.
14. No to NATO protest at Strasbourg: Joseph reported on Franco-German paramilitary policing, searches and confiscations, etc.
15. Stop the War Coalition:
    1. AGM next week, Joseph, Jim Jepps +2 to attend as GPEW delegates.
    2. A Zionist challenge to London Federation´s affiliation to SWC must be defeated at Monday´s Federation meeting.
    3. Genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka must be raised in GP.
16. Future events:
    1. Levellers’ Day in Burford 16/5/09, Tim to organise transport from London and Peter will book a joint GPTU/GL stall.
    2. Palestine Solidarity demonstration 16/5/09 in London.
    3. Strangers into Citizens march from Tothill Street, St James London on 4th May at 11.30am.
    4. Peterloo Massacre commemoration in Manchester on 16th August.
    5. CCTU next Saturday at ULU London 4pm.
    6. Tolpuddle Martyrs event in London next Saturday.
    7. Animal Rights next Saturday, London.
17. Speaker from NPA (France), regarding the LCR turn to a mass anti-capitalist party.
18. Autumn Conference at Brighton and Hove town hall, 3-6th September 09: deadline for motions 31st May. Discussion raised electric cars, for a delegate-based conference, reduction of conference costs (James to draft), passivity is the problem, and ban pharmaceutical advertising. Joseph will draft a motion on Afghanistan and Alan will draft on welfare, privatisation and cuts. Joseph to chair a GL subcommittee on GP Internal Democracy. Proposals on Party re-organisation discussed.
19. Housman´s Bookshop, 5 Caledonian Road, Kings Cross event on 27th May 09 at 7pm. Sean will produce a GL pamphlet of 12-15,000 words "Countering the Crisis for EcoSocialism" to be launched by Mark Thomas, publicity to be sought.
20. Left Unity Liaison Committee, report by Andy: we should continue to participate and also with Convention of the Left.
21. Criticism of No2EU was agreed, text on GPTU blog.
22. GreenLeft AGM to be held on Saturday 20th June 09 at a wheelchair accessible venue.

MINUTES of GreenLeft Steering Committee of Tuesday 3rd March 2009, 6.30pm at RFH, Southbank, London by Tim Summers, Secretary 020 7737 6289.

1. Attendance: Cllr Romayne Phoenix, Pete Murry, Andy Hewett, Jane Ennis, Farid Bakht, Joseph Healy (chair), Tim Summers.
2. Apologies for absence: Derek Wall, Sarah Farrow, Malcolm Bailey, Payam Torabi, Sue Tibbles, Sean Thompson.
3. Minutes of GL/SC of 4th February 09, agreed as correct.
4. Matters Arising:
   1. next London General Meeting requires offers of accommodation that Sean has agreed to organise.
   2. Peter has requested statements of our GL account from the CoOp Bank.
   3. Derek must book Bolivar Hall for the EcoSocialist meeting in June 09.
   4. Icelandic GreenLeft, general discussion.
   5. CCCTU 2nd Conference on Saturday 7th March 09.
   6. Publications (3 pamphlets), to inquire progress.
5. Treasurer´s Report: 1 new member. Costs of new bulletin,we have about £100 (+ collection, see below). Andy (Commissar for badges) has about £50 (total about £200). GL must fundraise, eg collect at Conference, organise a GL Quiz, etc.
6. GL Bulletin: DEADLINE 10th March for a folded A2 for A3 tabloid format, 4 sides handled by Publications Group: Mark BS has formatted Tim´s article for frontpage with image, Derek´s article on Hugo Blanco with image inside and Joseph´s article on NATO´s War Machine, inside.(Obama has retreated and scaled down the Star Wars Programme in Europe). Peter will send membership coupons for GPEW and GL to Mark for backpage inclusion.
7. Conference Insert of 1 A3 page, 2 sides, will include articles by Stuart Jeffries on the Midwives Motion, by Joseph on the Migration Motion and an article about the Economics Motion. Opposition to Heathrow Runway 3. All Insert articles must be sent to Farid.
8. Conference (20-23 March 09, Blackpool):
   1. GPTU fringe at 6pm Saturday.
   2. Welfare Reform fringe, speakers Ann Gray and Alan Wheatley
   3. GPTU AGM.
   4. Economics fringe, speakers Sean Thompson and Michael Prior but not Tony Kearns CWU.
   5. NATO fringe by Joseph, some problems: maybe ´Democratic Alternative´ split of Czech Greens, SWC or CND as speakers.
   6. Motions on Migration and Asylum & Genda ref Romayne, who will contact Sue Luxton for conference timetable and details.
   7. GL must find and encourage female speakers for the debates, eg Lesley Hedges.
   8. There will be no debates on the Sunday for a training day.
   10. Emergency Motions:
       1. Support student occupations for Gaza, ref london Fed.
       2. "British jobs for British workers".
       3. Oppose Heathrow Runway 3. Peter will circulate this on lists.
       4. GP reaffirms opposition to all nuclear energy.

          ":Green Left view Chris Goodall´s statements approving nuclear power with such concern that we have drafted an emergency motion to Green Party conference. This is because we fear that his statement has been or could be used by pro-nuclear lobbies to suggest that the Green Party´s policies opposing nuclear power have been reversed. Our emergency motion calls upon the Green Party to reaffirm its anti-nuclear stance and ensure that all its candidates and representatives do so in relevant statements made on behalf of the party."

9. Email Digest: Andy Hewett will construct an internal digest for the GL announce list, then an external digest to those outside the Green Party.
10. E newsletter will need a disclaimer on some articles, and editorial control by Joseph and Sara. It will be more regular and cheaper than any paper document.
11. Response to Chris Goodall incident: his policy breach needs local or central GP censorship, but Oxford will not act. Caroline Lucas MEP was over-ruled by GPex. He has apolologised but the story has spread across the media as a U-turn of policy. The following motion was passed unimously: ": ...."
12. Campaigns update by Romayne:
    1. 11th March Gaza Lobby of Parliament; evening rally TBA.
    2. 14th March Surveillance and Security conference by Green Islands Network, Jean Lambert MEP, NO2ID, Statewatch & London Fed at Dragon’s Hall, Stukelet St, Holborn, 1.30 – 4.30pm
    3. 14th March SWC Steering Committee, London (Joseph).
    4. 18th March Fed Ed, origins of modern Green thinking by Shahiar Ali, GP/HQ.
    5. 28th March Jobs Justice Climate march. Make placards at Mark Douglas´ on 25/26th.
    6. 1st April Climate Camp at Bishopsgate.
    7. 2nd April President Obama visits London.
    8. 4th anti NATO protest, Strasbourg.
13. Social event: Constructivist Exhibition at Tate Modern, TBA.
14. Any other business: Website captioning of EcoSocialist Manifesto 1 disputed. Peter will check if previous GL Minutes support his contentions.
15. Next meetings:
    1. GL Steering Committee, 7th April, 6.30pm at RFH Southbank.
    2. GL General Meeting, 25th April, TBA.
16. Hat collection raised £52.50 cash (see Treasurer´s Report above).

MINUTES of GL Steering Committee of Wed 4th February 2009, 6.30pm at RFH Southbank, London.

Drafted by Tim, Secretary for GL, 020 7737 6289. With amendemnts by J.Healy & P.Murry

1. Attendance: Margaret Wright, Andy Hewitt, Derek Wall, Peter Murry, Joseph Healy, Romayne Phoenix, Sean Thompson, Jane Ennis and Tim Summers.
2. Apologies for absence: Sarah Farrow, Sue Tibbles, James Caspell, Payam Torabi and Farid Bakht.
3. Minutes of last Steering Cmmttee of 25th November 2008 agreed.
4. Matters arising:
   1. Policy pointers; Tim will submit PP document to next General Meeting(AGM).
   2. Campaigns; weak national performance, but London campaigning is good. Discussion for GL improvement/timing.
   3. SOC. 3 vacancies and 3 possible candidates with GL support.
5. Minutes of General Meeting in Manchester of Sunday 25th January 2009 and matters arising:
   1. Attendance (6 Northerners, 6 from London) was "of high quality".
   2. Lesley Hedges is Euro candidate.
   3. Convention of the Left of Saturday 24th Jan was disappointing for ´unity in action´ but its workshops were good;
   4. GL should promote practical advice on welfare rights and law:
   5. accommodation was provided so London must reciprocate, ref Sean:
   6. Respect will stand down for Peter Cranie in NorthWest Euro election.
   7. Cooption of new Treasurer: Peter Murry has received books from Sue Bineham but not the code for the Coop Bank. Peter was coopted as Treasurer until AGM with thanks.
   8. A list of email members was discussed. Peter will compile a list with names and local parties for AGM.
6. Progressive London, Farid´s report and general/mixed discussion. PL "fights Tories & racism" but not Heathrow extension, war or privatisation; discussion about remaining involved/vigilance needed.
7. EcoSocialist International Network Britain: report of meeting of 17th January 09 above Lucas Arms,
   1. GL,AGS and RedGreen Study Group attended, Respect and Socialist Resistance reps sent apologies for absence,
   2. Sean and Mike Davies will abbreviate Belem Declaration of the Ecosocialist International,
   3. a joint meeting at Bolivar Hall is planned,
   4. Jane is convenor of Ecosocialist International Britain,
   5. to use Yahoo not Facebook, two email lists have arisen, some criticisms made.
8. Iceland, political report by Cllr Margaret Wright, discussion focussed on the interim GreenLeft coalition government since 24th Jan 09. Suggestions for an Icelandic GL speaker at Blackpool conference, and an independent TV company/speaking tour in the UK.
9. Trade Union issues:
   1. GPTU supports Jerry Hicks within Unite´s election.
   2. GPTU/London Fed public meeting, Saturday 21st February 09 at 2pm, St Pancras Church Hall, Lancing Street, Euston NW1 1AN: "Work-Life Balance and the greening of work – the role of TU´s", speakers Jean Lambert MEP, Tony Kearns CWU, Anne Elliot-Day PCS, Sian Jones TUSDAC; pdf at http://gptu.net/pssess4X/3c/jea.pdf
   3. Campaign Against Climate Change TU group public 2nd Conference, Saturday 7th March at 10am, at Kings College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, Stamford Street, Waterloo, London SE1, above speakers plus John McDonnell MP and speakers for NUM, GMB, CCC and FBU. £10, £5 concs.
10. Campaigning Publications:
    1. a leaflet and 2 pamphlets initially suggested, for launch at Housman´s Bookshop on 20th May 09.
    2. Derek plans to write a book a year, and to speak at the CPB/Morning Star/People´s Charter conference, agreed.
    3. Following discussion, 3 pamplets were agreed:

       1. by Derek, nem con.

       2. Michael Prior to be asked to rewrite ´Beyond Feel-Bad Britain´(ref Minutes of 25/1/09) 7 for, 1 against.

       3.Sean will write on Recession and Crisis, nem con.

11. Spring Conference, motions fringes etc:
    1. GL policy motions 11am Friday and Saturday.
    2. GL Economics fringe to invite Michael Prior and Tony Kearns to speak.
    3. GL anti NATO fringe, Joseph will invite Czech and other speakers.
    4. GPTU Welfare fringe, speakers Peter Allen and Allen Wheatley.
    5. GPTU stall by Peter.Volunteers to assist requested.
12. GL Bulletin and GL e newsletter (ref items 9 & 10 of minutes of General Meeting of 25/1/09):
    1. Additionally, Joseph will write a critical piece on European Greens´ policy dereliction.
    2. Tree-free Hemp paper again, printed with red and green or black? Decision referred to Publications Group.
    3. E newsletter to seek links with Housman´s Bookshop monthly email and event posters.
    4. Joseph will criticise NATO´s aggressive Eurasian strategy.
13. Demos:
    1. Obama in London, 2nd April 09:
    2. Anti NATO, Strasbourg 4day event from 4th April 09.
14. Date of Next Meeting: GL Steering Committee, Tuesday 3rd March at 6.30pm, RFH Southbank, London.

MINUTES of GreenLeft General Meeting of Sunday 25th January 2009, Above the Kro Bar, 325 Oxford Road, MANCHESTER M13 9PG.

1. Attendance: Peter Allen, Andy Hewitt, Alan Wheatley, Joseph Healy, Steve Durant (Secretary of Manchester GP), Sean Thompson, Gayle (GL Northern contact), Lesley Hedges (Yorkshire & Humber Euro candidate), Tamsin, Chris Hyland, Peter Murry and Tim Summers.
2. Apologies for Absence: from Sarah Farrow, Andrew Collingwood, Chris Cotton, Malcolm Bailey, Paul Frost, John Johnson, Jane Ennis, Ken Burgess and Mike Prior.
3. General discussion on Employment and Welfare in the crisis, introduced by Sean Thompson. The pamphlet ´Beyond Feelbad Britain´ by Mike Prior was circulated. Alan Wheatley spoke on the Welfare Reform Green Paper, published last July and on the Green Party policy paper on welfare, which he and Ann Gray had produced. Peter Allen spoke on resistance to creditors and bailiffs. Discussion raised fuel poverty, linking pensions and minimum wages to incomes, forced labour and lie-detectors by JSA, social isolation, defensive alliances and assertive resistance (NVDA), youth poverty, countering ignorance & fear, closure of special schools, school exclusions and crimewave, etc. The discussion favoured the production of a brief, instructive GreenLeft pamphlet ´Meeting the crisis´ by a booklaunch at Housman’s Bookshop, Caledonian Road, Kings Cross, London soon, and maybe a section of a national GP training day school.
4. Second session at 1.40pm, chaired by Joseph.Discussion favoured a GreenLeft group, linked but self-sustaining in Manchester directly from this meeting and a similar initiative in Bristol maybe in July this year.
5. Minutes of last GL General Meeting of 9/11/08, Lucas Arms, London: ´Joseph re-elected as Editor for GL publications´ disputed. Should read "Joseph was elected to have overview of the newsletter in conjunction with the Publications Group." Website was adjourned to next Steering Group but had not been discussed there: otherwise agreed.
6. Matters Arising:
   1. Local forums: Joseph reported that South London CotL Forum exchanged empty rhetoric and sectarian point-scoring and was chaired in a partisan, sectarian way by a Permanent Revolution supporter.
   2. Pooled-Fare Scheme: will be tried at GL AGM in June 2009, publicised in advance. Discussion: a £10 flat fare for London?; an offer of accommodation is much preferable to a pooled-fare scheme; will PFS discourage Londoners from attending? The scheme will not be mandatory: donations only; Sean will provide and find London accommodation; meetings must start PM as time required to travel from north etc. The need for London accommodation, particularly for a Saturday night was agreed substantially.
7. Spring Conference, Blackpool. Motions
   1. The allocation of most of Sunday to training puts a squeeze on motions. Workshops can alter priorities, so we must attend them.
   2. Economics Motion C24 has received many amendments, one from Darren Johnson AM.
   3. Migration C21 will commit GPEW to the European Green Policy statement.
   4. Motions on Gender & Asylum and Maternity have been prioritised.
   5. Discussion: we should propose amendments for a 35 hr week maximum and a ban on overtime;Sean to prepare guidance on amendments
   6. we should seek information about motions and suitable chairing of Conference;SOC has changed;
   7. we should raise patient involvement in NHS, and homophobia in Eastern Europe;
   8. Possible Emergency motion including praise of John McDonnell for GP discussion. It was pointed out that many others including direct action camapaignes resisted the third rumway.
8. Conference fringe meetings:
   1. GPTU
   2. GL on NATO eastwards expansion, 1pm Saturday with possibly Paul Ingram and the Abkhazian ambassador.
   3. GL on Economics.
9. GreenLeft Bulletin:
   1. Joseph proposed that Stuart Jefferies (GP Health spokesperson) writes on health and midwives to promote motion;
   2. Derek writes an appreciation of Hugo Blanco;
   3. Tim writes a frontpage polemic "Capitalism can’t save the planet!" to introduce our Economics Motion C24,
   4. Joseph writes on the US war-machine with reference to the Strasbourg protest on NATO´s 60th anniversary in April 2009.
   5. A pull-out Spring Conference supplement and membership coupons for GPEW and GP were agreed.
10. Farid Bakht proposes a GL email bulletin on Egypt re Gaza.
11. Finance and Membership Report: lack of financial report(s) prompted a vote of No Confidence in the Treasurer, requiring resignation. After short discussion, it was passed nem.con 1abs. Peter (GL Membership Secretary) will provide email lists of currently paid-up GL members to the next meeting of the GL Steering Committee.
12. A short discussion regarding the exclusion from GL of GP Population Group supporters who would cut state benefits for parents of over 2 children was mixed and unresolved.
13. Convention of the Left, feedback: reconvened from last September, on the previous day at Friends’ Meeting House, Mount Street, Manchester was well organised and attended and included a plenary speech by Peter Cranie, GP Euro candidate for the North-West.. Discussion criticised sectarian rhetoric lacking motions or plans and that “old socialism” lacked focus on the environment; attendees were responsible not the organisers, but GL will continue to participate. CotL’s discussion of a “new working class party” has been held over until the next 3-4 day CotL conference organised to shadow either the New Labour or TUC conferences in September 2009. Chris and Peter are on the CotL Steering Committee. Sean will initiate a North London Forum soon “to make Greens redder and Reds greener”. TU/TUC bureaucracies have sold workers down-river just as much as New Labour; we must challenge TU political funding for New Labour.We should refresh CotL with inclusion of Climate Change and Heathrow campaigners, etc.
14. Trade Union Climate Change report: Conference on 7th March 09 at Kings College, London, speakers include, Jean Lambert, Joseph, Bob Crow, Mark Serwotka, John McDonnell and Mark Lynas. GMB will debate its support for Runway 3 at Heathrow. Offers of accommodation required.
15. Demonstrations and Campaigns:
    1. Discussion of Gaza protests everywhere ( as one marched past our venue); Joseph ( GPEW delegate to SWC/SC) will investigate strong criticisms of STWC stewarding at its recent events.
    2. Peace camps 3-5th April 09.
    3. Anti-NATO demo in Strasbourg now has official GPEW support.
    4. G20 protest, London.
    5. No2ID campaign.
16. Iceland,report: Nordic GreenLeft are strongly placed for the general election in May 09. Margaret Wright will report to next GL/SC and possibly GL/AGM.
17. Date of next meeting(s):
    1. GL/Steering committee in February 09.
    2. GL/AGM in June 09, tba.
18. Any other business:
    1. Concerns raised re Mexican Greens supporting capital punishment;
    2. Khazak Green Party being established by a business man in the oil industry!

MINUTES of GreenLeft Steering Committee of Tuesday 25th November 2008, 6.30pm at RFH floor 1, Southbank, London. By Tim, Secretary 020 7737 6289 27/11/08.

Attendance: Sarah Farrow, Andy Hewitt, Joseph Healy, Sean Thompson, John Henry Marvin, Peter Murry, Jane Ennis, Payam Torabi, Farid Bakht and Tim Summers.

Apologies for absence: Sue Tibbles, Romayne Phoenix, Malcolm Bailey and Derek Wall.

1. Agenda-setting discussion.
2. Minutes of GL Steering Committee of 8th October 08: agreed,
3. Matters arising: Peter updated our membership.
4. Finance: Sue Bineham , Treasurer has resigned and will pass the GL cheque book to Peter until cooption or GL/AGM in June 2009.
5. Website &: blog: Andy expressed interest in its development: previous GL adoption of the first draft of the Ecosocialist Manifesto as indicative of our politics was agreed to be displayed with second draft pending.
6. GL Newsletter: Andy favoured a pre-conference GL Bulletin, raising questions of its distribution. Farid proposed a monthly GL email newsletter devised by Joseph and Sarah (editors), Malcolm Bailey, James Caspell and Mark Sanders-Barwick and himself, agreed. Each issue should be short and punchy, linked to our blog, on about 2 topics eg Green New Deal & Darling´s budget, or the Green/BNP fiasco, praising the press work of Jean Lambert. Tim proposed an early start to a Spring Blackpool Conference Bulletin, by folded A2 for an A3 tabloid format, headlined "Capitalism can´t save the planet!" with an article concluding with Sean´s economic motion, and an appreciative biography of Hugo Blanco, by Derek if possible.
7. EcoSocialist UK Conference: Joseph has booked the Lucas Arms room for Saturday 17th January 09, 2-5pm and paid £30, and inquired progress. Derek (by message) and Sean preferred a smallish meeting of about 15 like a working-group. Sean and Jane will propose an Agenda. Jane will contact Duncan Chapple and Mary Meller and email all Brit attendees of the Paris Conference soon. Sarah called for a big shove and leadership. Peter suggested that CCCTU and GPTU be invited.
8. EcoSocialist International Conference in Brazil, 2-3rd February 2009: Jane could not find funding for a delegate. Sean hoped that Joel Kovel might refer European attendees to us for links and reportage. Tim said we should flag up Brazil, but our attendance may not be realistic, however we should attempt serious mobilisation for such future events in Europe.
Convention of the Left, Manchester, change of date to Saturday 24th January 2009, Chris Hyland can accommodate. Tim reported the Left Unity meeting of 11th October 08. Andy thought that Left Unity is not the same as Convention of the Left. CoL´:s statement of intent, as signed by Jenny Jones AM will be circulated by GL email list.
9. GL Policy Points consultation document to be circulated be GL email list for resolution at the next GL General Meeting in Manchester ,Feb 09.
10. GPEW Spring Conference, motions & business:
    1. Economics motion, Sean has passed it to the Green Economics Group. Payam said it had been submitted before 15th Nov, but the Policy Committee could block it and the SOC has not yet voted. Sean said GP procedures are undemocratic, not by conspiracy but by evolution, against anyone not on the inside track of GPEW, e.g. what is appropriate consultation?
    2. Migration motion was submitted by Joseph; Brian Heatley will assist. The proposed London Amnesty for irregular migrants lends topicality.
    3. GPEW affiliation to the Convention of the Left, see above.
    4. Maternity policy, generally good but calls for independent midwives: we should support Stuart Jeffries´ defence of the NHS and ask him to write a related article for our conference Bulletin. Payam will write a motion.
    5. We will keep the conference agenda under review.
11. The Campaigns Officer Sarah Mitchell has resigned, a new candidate needed.
12. SOC: resignations by Steve Dawes and Mark Hill´s term of office ending create 2 vacancies at spring conference.
13. International Committee: Derek´s resignation creates 1 vacancy.
14. CCC March, London, Saturday 6th December 09: GPEW may not have leaflets for this. If so, GL will produce 5,000, using the text of Mark Douglas for a double-sided folded A4, for an A5 format. Placards will be made at Mark´s home next week, volunteers needed.
15. Soiree at Romayne´s this Saturday.
16. CCTU: Peter and Romayne did not attend Saturday’s meeting, but conference is confirmed for Saturday 7th March 2009.
17. Forums,Campaigns,
    1. North Brixton resistance to the planned 80% privatisation of a combined doctors´ surgery, Akerman Rd SE5.
    2. Fuel Poverty at Vida Walsh Centre, 2B Saltoun Rd, Brixton SW2,on Thursday 27th Nov 08.
    3. Stop the War Coalition: Joseph, GPEW delegate will attend with Jim Jepps (HOPI) and Tim as observers on Sat 29th Nov 08, 12-4pm, at St Pancras Church Hall,Lancing St, Euston London.
18. Fares pooling scheme: might require prebooking of trains by payment well in advance, and exemptions for low-waged and on benefits, and applied only to London meetings. Payam offered to collect, devise the average and dispense with a chequebook. The meeting agreed nem con to introduce the scheme at our GL/AGM of June 2009.
19. Any Other Business:
    1. GL Winter Solstice social in early January 09 at Sarah´s pub, the George & Dragon, High St, Headcorn Kent, tba.
    2. Jane will attend the conference of the Heerlen Group in Brussels. (HG promotes individual membership of EGP and improved EU borders and transport links).
    3. Joseph & Sarah will write to External Comms & GPex Chair to criticise GP press response to the recent ´Green/BNP´ story, to praise the press-work of Jean Lambert MEP and to inquire into GPEW employment contracts.
20. Next Meeting: GL General Meeting in central Manchester on Sunday 25th January 2009, tba through Andy and Chris Hyland.

MINUTES of GreenLeft General Meeting of Sunday 9th November 2008, 2-5.30pm, held above the Lucas Arms, 245a Grays Inn Road, Kings Cross, London WC1.

 

The first half of the meeting with visitors was discussive; GL speakers Sean Thompson and Derek Wall raised the GreenLeft socialist reponse to the Green New Deal and answered questions. A recent related letter to GreenLeft from GP leader, Caroline Lucas MEP was read out, our reply pending. The second part of the meeting was a GL General Meeting. A GL motion for Green Spring Conference, in a separate document of 2 pages with a preamble and 9 paragraphs, proposed by Sean Thompson was approved in full; an amendment to add a tenth paragraph: "The Green Party demands that major private land-holdings be taken into public or social control by tranference to state, municipal or communal ownership" was rejected, but will be moved seperately by Tim Summers at conference.Video clips at GREEN LEFT BLOG

1. Attendance, 27 recorded overall, listed in 3 types:
   1. GreenLeft: Malcolm Bailey, Romayne Phoenix, Arthur Hayles, Brian Orr, John Johnson, Sally Thompson, Derek Wall, Joseph Healy, Jonathan Essex, Ken Burgess, Payam Torabi, Alan Wheatley, Andy Hewitt, Peter Murray, Martin Francis, Lucy Early, Mark Douglas, Sue Tibbles, James Caspell, Farid Bakht and Tim Summers.
   2. Green Party: Jane Walby Camden GP and Martin Bloadi(?)Hounslow GP.
   3. Others: Sheila Malone Socialist Resistance, Steve Freeman Socialist Alliance, Janus Polenceus, English Democrats Party, Leo Giorolano (English Partnerships).
2. Apologies for absence: Sarah Farrow, Jane Ennis, Mark Sanders-Barwick, Chris Hyland, Tim Turner, Noel Lynch.
3. Introductions and Agenda setting.
4. Minutes of GL General Meeting of Sunday 14th September 08, Lucas Arms, adjusted to include Regional representatives for GL agreed, Apologies from Sue Tibbles, Payam is not in Publications Group, Rowntree spelt with w not u, agreed.
5. Minutes of GL Steering Committee of Wednesday 8th October 08, RFH Southbank agreed. Matters arising: ref item 12 on SWC, Joseph is now GPEW delegate. Ken & Tim will join him as observers at the next SWC Steering Group on Saturday 29th November 08, tba.
6. Motions for GPEW Spring Conference:
   1. Economic motion, above. Item 9,"...to more socially useful production..." may be expanded upon by GL correspondence.
   2. Migration motion by Joseph agreed nem con. Closing date, 30th November 08.
7. Finance & Membership: currently we have over 66 members thus (66 x £5) over £330. Joseph and Sarah will talk to Sue Bineham, Treasurer soon.
8. Website: adjourned to next Steering Cmmttee (on Tuesday 25th November 08).
9. Publications: Joseph re-elected as Editor for GL publications, matters deferred to future meetings.
10. GL Policy points consultation leaflet by Tim to be circulated by email.
11. Local forums: South London forum recently discussed Fuel Poverty "a step forward", and now seek a GL speaker.
12. EcoSocialist International Conference in Brazil, 2-3rd February 2009. Socialist Resistance seek such a conference in London in January 09, Derek will liaise, Tim offered help.
13. Next GL Steering Committee, Tuesday 25th November 08, 6.30pm, 1st floor, RFH Southbank, Waterloo, London SE1.
14. Next GL General Meeting in Manchester, February 2009,Saturday 28th preferred, tba.
15. London public rally for GL economic policy at LSE on a weekday in late January 09, deferred to Steering Cmmttee above.
16. GL pooled-fare proposal deferred to a future meeting.
17. Any Other Business:
    1. Malcolm reported an event ´TUC Green Issues´ organised by Luton Trades Council on Saturday 24th January 2009.
    2. National Climate March, Saturday 6th December 08, assemble 12 noon at Speakers’ Corner, Hyde Park, London to march on Parliament: bike ride starts at 10.30am at Lincoln´s Inn Fields, Holborn.
    3. Palestine solidarity, lobby of Parliament, room W3/2-6pm, then a PSC meeting at 7pm in Committee Room 10 of House of Commons on Wednesday 19th November 2008.
18. Collection raised £14; £10 was paid to the pub for an extra hour, total £4.

By Tim Summers, Secretary for GreenLeft, 020 7737 6289, 18/11/08.

MINUTES of Green Left Steering Committee,

Wednesday 8th October 2008, 6.30pm at RFH London Southbank,

1. Attendance: Sean Thompson, Joseph Healey, Peter Murry, Andy Hewitt , Farid Bakht, Tim Summers.
2. Apologies for absence: Payam Torabi, Sarah Farrow, Sue Tibbles, Cllr Romayne Phoenix, James Caspell and Sue Bineham. Aled Fisher has resigned from GL.
3. Minutes of GL General Meeting of Sunday 14th September 08 above the Lucas Arms, agreed.
4. Matters Arising:
   1. Membership: Healthy and growing even with £5 sub; Peter was thanked for the circulated list.
   2. Officers of the London Federation will investigate allegations of ballot-rigging of the Leadership Referendum by telephone canvassing.
5. Minutes of GL Steering Committee of 22nd July 08 at RFH London, agreed.
6. Assessments of GL Conference Bulletin: needs better layout, membership form and website/blog address more prominentaddress; printed on ´:Izal´:; black and white next time; was 1,000 too many?; political pointers needed; for tabloid size; please save copies.
7. Finance: GL has paid £:92 to Grahame Lee of Hillingdon Greenprint, £30 to Sarah for the hall at Headcorn and £30 for the Lucas Arms and holds an estimated remaining £398.
8. Shall GL elect a Fundraising & Socials Officer at the General Meeting of Sunday 9th November 08, 2-5pm above the Lucas Arms?
9. Report of Convention of the Left, Manchester, 5 days in September 08 ; Derek spoke well; Peter Cranie spoke for cheaper regulated public transport; Agenda, observations and GL statement in writing from Andy Hewitt. Dianne Raby controversy. A recall Conference will be held in Manchester on Saturday 29th November 08, Andy and Tim to attend.
10. Local left forums: a Left Forum will launch in Camden ref Sean: a meeting in North Brixton (Woolley Hse, Barrington/Loughborough Rds, SW9) on 15/10/08 to oppose closure of 2 GP surgeries for 1 healthcentre in 80% private ownership; Joseph and Tim to attend.
11. Green New Deal & economic policy: classical Keynesianism is a step forward for GPEW and needs our full attention. Derek will be asked to lead a discussion at next GL General Meeting on 9th November above the Lucas Arms 2 to 5pm, to formulate a motion of socialist alternative for GPEW Spring Conference (deadline 30th November 08) and Green Economics email discussion list. Sean, London PEO will seek speakers from the Green New Deal group for a later, larger discussive event, maybe at LSE.
12. Campaign activities other than above: Romayne and Peter attended the meeting of the Campaign against Climate Change Trade Unions(CCCTU). A CCCTU Conference will be held at Kings College London on Saturday 7th March 2009. GL donated £20. for this conference.
13. European Green Party (EGP) and European elections: in the absence of transnational lists EGP will nominate spokespersons. EGP Conference tomorrow, Joseph will attend as Secretary of the Green Islands Network and Peter as observer. Greens expect electoral successes in the Benelux countries, but not in Southern Europe.
14. Derek Wall has resigned from the GPEW International Committee; some regret.
15. Stop the War Coalition (SWC) links: GPEW can send 3 voting delegates to each SWC Steering Committee; Joseph will seek to be one of them.
16. GL affiliated to the Campaigning Alliance for Lifelong Learning (CALL), ref Peter.
17. Any Other Business:
    1. Expenses protocol (advance notice) agreed.
    2. Pensioners’ lobby of Parliament on Wednesday 22nd October 08 at 12 noon, followed by a rally at the Methodist Central Hall, Westminster.
    3. Farid produced a discussion paper on GL publications towards the election of a GL Publications Committee at the next General Meeting on 9th November 08.
    4. GL donated £30 to Dianne Raby towards expenses of our Latin America meeting of 4th September 08.
    5. GL reimbursed Peter Murry £25 for photocopying costs.
    6. GL Statement on Left Unity by Andy was agreed up to and including the 4th paragraph ending "fully supported". The second half on electoral issues will be circulated at next General Meeting.
    7. A draft of GL Policy Points by Tim, prompted by a Left Unity questionnaire for consideration on Saturday 11th October (1pm above Lucas Arms) was circulated for preview and consideration at next General Meeting.
    8. CCC march London on Saturday 6th December 08.

ENDS

by Tim Summers, Secretary 020 7737 6289, 16/10/08 with amendment by P.Murry

MINUTES of Green Left General Meeting of Sunday 14th September 2008, 2-5pm above the Lucas Arms, 245a Grays Inn Road, Kings Cross, London WC1.

 

Attendance: Farid Bakht, Cllr Romayne Phoenix, Andy Hewitt, Alan Wheatley, Linda Duckenfield, Malcolm Bailey, Toby Abse AGS, Jane Ennis, Payam Torabi, Peter Murry (chair), Mark Sanders-Barwick, Tim Summers.

 

1. Atunement for 1 minute.
2. Apologies for absence: Derek Wall, Sarah Farrow, Joseph Healy, John Johnson.
3. Introductions, briefly around the room.
4. Pooled Fare Scheme was proposed, discussed (nem con) but its introduction was deferred to our next General Meeting.
5. Minutes of last meeting, Headcorn Summer Gathering 16/8/08 circulated and agreed.
6. Matters Arising:
   1. GL and SR discussion of the Ecosocialist International etc at the cafeteria of the Indian YMCA, Fitzroy Square, London on Thursday 4th Sept 08, about 6-7pm. For an Ecosocialist pre-Conference meeting in London in December 08 or early 09 of the English Ecosocialist Network.
   2. For a GL General Meeting in Manchester, prior to GPEW Conference in Blackpool in mid/late March 09, nem con.
   3. Toby Abse preferred that AGS have dialogue with GL not GPex (ref Mike Davis).
   4. Peter Murry was thanked for his video clips of Headcorn displayed on our website.
7. GPEW Autumn Conference, SOAS London 5-8/9/08, report & discussion:
   1. Peter Murry gave a general account:
   2. 2 successful Fringe meetings,
   3. min/max wages policy was passed as amended but needs taxation study,
   4. TU Reps motion carried,
   5. Palestine motion passed only in part,
   6. good Fringe meetings on Academy schools, Press & broadcasting, and Women by Name. &migration
   7. National elections went generally well (SOC reformed)but with some disappointments.
   8. No GL on GPex now.
   9. Caroline´s coronation was strong on social justice and conciliatory.
   10. A Zionist group took notes at our fringe.
   11. GP faces financial crisis from rash spending and optimistic projections.
   12. The Cuba Fringe was excellent.
   13. GL Bulletin was a great idea and can be improved next time.
   14. Top earners are worst polluters;
   15. we should approach the Joseph Rountree Foundation for sponsorship.
   16. Media spinning cannot replace grass-roots campaigning, and it won´t in London.
   17. Roberto Perez, Cuban permaculturalist speaks again on Tuesday 30th Sept at the Amnesty International Centre.
   18. Shall GL create a post for a GL Campaigns Officer?..at our AGM.
   19. Should GPEW create a national post for a Representative for older people?
   20. This year´s Autumn conference gained less media coverage than last.
   21. GL needs a brief Political Pointers list for inclusion in its future publications, etc.
8. GL Conference Bulletin assessments:
   1. Too verbose; it should have a tabloid format;
   2. W.Morris image approved;
   3. good for a first edition;
   4. future publications can link to blogs;
   5. identify the enemy; the enemy is ´New Green´(as in New Labour, corporate sponsorship, etc);
   6. earlier production next time;
   7. for a GL publications group; offers of help by Mark, Peter, Farid, Malcolm and Payam;
   8. for a Conference or Winter Bulletin with a public sale; etc.
9. .What next?
   1. GPTU, election to its posts?
   2. Convention of the Left, Manchester, 20/21st September 08. Andy &: Derek will attend.
   3. Venezuela, picket of US Embassy, Grosvenor Sq, London on Wednesday 17th Sept 08, 4-6pm, followed by a public meeting at 7pm at NUJ/HQ, 308 Grays Inn Road WC1.
   4. Campaign against Climate Change, planning meeting on Saturday 4th October for the annual march in December 08.
10. Finance & Fundraising:
    1. GL membership is free until 1st October 08, thereafter requires an annual subscription of at least £5 to GL Treasurer, Sue Bineham, details on website.
    2. Can non-GP members join GL? – no. Examine membership on an individual basis; next GL/AGM should elect a membership committee of 3 to do this.
    3. Sarah is owed £36 for hire of Headcorn Methodist Hall, 16/8/08. Joseph is owed £92 for Bulletin printing.
    4. GL has currently £146 in our account,
    5. membership no´s reported
    6. Andy, People´s Commissar for Badges, will have another 40 red/green stars soon at about £2 each.
    7. Proposal: that Andy Hewitt be coopted to GL Steering Committee as Socials & Events Coodinator.
11. Date of next GL General Meeting, Sunday 9th November 08, 2-5pm above the Lucas Arms (paid for by the collection of £30.10). Next GL Steering Committee tba soon.
12. Any Other Business:
    1. GPTU meeting on Wednesday 17th September 08, at 6.30pm on First Floor of National Theatre Southbank, London SE1, (Waterloo station.)
    2. GL will attempt to twin with Livorno, a town on the Tuscan coast of Italy with a long left-wing history; Jane Ennis to liaise. Agreed.
    3. Regional representatives for GL, agreed.
    4. Public meeting on Gerard Winstanley, re Diggers of 1640s, Tuesday 30th September 08, 7.30pm at the Goose pub, Rushey Green, Catford, London.
    5. GL reply to 2 questions from Douglas Coker, Enfield: Joseph does not call for GL endorsement for the legal opinion of Bindman Solicitors;

Tim Summers, Secretary for GreenLeft, 020 7737 6289, 16/9/08.with amendments by P.Murry

Green left Steering Committee Minutes 22 July 2008

1. Attendance: Joseph Healy, Pete Murry, Sarah Farrow, Farid Bakht, Derek Wall, Andy Hewitt, Tim Summers. Sean Thompson, Payam Torabi, James Caspell
2. Apologies for absence: Sue Bineham, Cllr Romayne Phoenix, Jane Ennis, Sue Tibbles. John Henry Marvin. Phelim MacCafferty
3. Co-options: James Caspell to act as TU rep jointly with Sue Tibbles.
4. Minutes of meeting of Monday 2nd June 2008: Accuracy date of Headcorn meeting 16/8/2008
5. Matters arising
   1. The Venezuelan embassy had given permission to use Bolivar Hall for eve of conference GL meeting (4/9/2008). Speakers are being arranged.
   2. GP GPTU Conference, 12th July 08, attendance had been disappointing. 2 Brighton Councillors attended. Interesting discussions on Unison disaffiliation form Labour, workshops on Migration, Workfare and disabled workers, Green/TU relations.
   3. Tolpuddle: well attended by many left groups and Unions; Derek Wall gave a speech to the rally on Sunday. Pete Murry & Mark Douglas present with GP stall throughout. Suggested to arrange a coach to next years event, (although one member present characterised the entire event as defeatist).
   4. Ecosocialist International. Greece meeting not materialising. Possibility of London meeting in 2010 supported, agreed to invite involvement of Socialist résistance and CACCTU. LSE a possible venue (?)Consultation period on ES manifesto ended. Ian Angus unwell, volunteer needed to help with EI Yahoo Group. Email contact between Derek Wall and Hugo Blanco.
   5. Tim Summers had raised problems with Leadership Ballot at London Fed and then Andy Hewitt raised them at GPRC who still maintained that they did not have sufficient evidence of misconduct to warrant any action. London Fed had formed a sub-committee (Andy Hewitt, and Joseph Healy) to gather evidence. It was noted that any evidence would have to go to SOC who had the power to convene a disciplinary panel of former GPRC and GPEX chairs.

   After debate;

   A motion calling for the leadership referendum Ballot to be annulled and condemning ballot rigging was lost.

   A motion calling for the pursuit of those responsible for any ballot rigging but not asking for the leadership referendum Ballot to be annulled was passed nem con.

 

6. Leadership election and GPEX ballot
   1. SOC had made proposals for GPEX ballot rules (NB the exact position on this was changing as the GL meeting was taking place)
   2. Legal advice on the disclosure of members´ data for the GPEX ballot had been sought and would be passed on the Chairs of GPEX and SOC.
   3. Sean Thompson, to seek ruling from Information Commissioner.

 

7. Noted that GPEX and GPRC minutes had not been put on line recently and agreed that if this situation was not speedily remedied the GL site and/or blog could be used for this purpose (NB it was noted that personal and confidential matters re individuals would be excluded).

 

8. Green Left Summer Gathering SATURDAY AUGUST 16TH 2008 Methodist Hall on Headcorn High Street (NB no alcohol permitted on premises).

    

   1. Suggested time table

       

      Session 1 panel on "Where next for the Green party?"

      Session2 Green Left (Sean Thompson´s papers)

      Session 3 International Joseph Healy and invited speakers.

      It was agreed that even though the closing date had passed discussion on the new Ecosocialist Manifesto may take place.

   2. Agreed that the event be advertised internally and externally (ie to sympathetic left groups, publications and blogs).

 

9. Report back from Socialist resistance conference (Joseph Healy)

   A full report with links to items on European Left parties is on the Green Left Blog. The event had been well attended and there was some opportunity for an open dialogue between left groups.

 

10. Report back from Socialist Party conference (Andy Hewitt),

    A fuller written report to follow but in summary the event agreed to continue with the project of creating a new left party possibly starting with a looser’ umbrella’ organisation. In discussion some scepticism was expressed about this.

 

11. Media.

    It was noted that GP press office had recently stated "As the press office has been asked to produce detailed recommendations on the communication strategy for the next two years, we need to deprioritise day-to-day press and web work..."

    It was noted that this added to the difficulties already faced in getting adequate coverage of left and TU issues. It was agreed that GL should be doing its own press releases.

 

12. Conference
    1. All Green left members are urged to vote to give priority to the following motions at GP Conference (5-8 September at SOAS in London):

       C21 Establishing Union Environmental Reps

       C29 Minimum and Maximum Wages

       The deadline for this is 24 July and details of voting procedures are on the last page of the Conference Agenda obtainable from the Green Party website.

    2. Members are also reminded to attend the SOC Report (normally the first event of conference) to support the appeal to reinstate the motion EU781 to adopt the "Europe is a continent of migration" paper
    3. It was noted that the SOC report might be timetabled after the leader’s speech and that this could be subject to challenge.
    4. GLeft fringe on Anti-Zionsim; speakers being arranged
    5. Gptu fringe on Migration speakers being arranged
    6. Members encouraged to attend the Population working group fringe to discuss possible changes to GP policy.

 

13. Finances

    Reminders to be sent out re October cut off point for paying subscriptions to Green Left

    Has M.Selwood paid his £100 debt to GL yet?

    Noted that some members had not been sent email receipts for their subs.

GreenLeft steering committee, Minutes of meeting of Monday 2nd June 2008, QEH cafe, Southbank.

 

1. Attendance: Sue Bineham, John Henry Marvin, Joseph Healy, Pete Murry, Sarah Farrow, Farid Bakht, Derek Wall, Andy Hewitt, Tim Summers.
2. Apologies for absence: Sean Thompson, Payam Torabi, Cllr Romayne Phoenix, Jane Ennis, Sue Tibbles.
3. Co-options: John Henry Marvin was co-opted to the Steering Committee, Tim Summers also as GL Secretary. Payam Torabi is invited for co-option, (not as NHS rep).
4. Population policy: Joseph reported from GPex that a second, amended draft of population policy by Nicola Watson has been circulated, but was unlikely to be included in the agenda of Autumn Conference. Instead, Brian Heatley will chair a conference Population Policy fringe meeting open to all points of view. Meeting discu ssed and approved 3 items of policy towards this discussion: to reject a population target, for eco-friendly housing stock according to need, and to consider the "push and pull" factors of migration.
5. Migration Policy: a conference motion will propose that GPEW adopts the European Green Party paper on Migration (agreed at GL/AGM), and Joseph will organise a fringe meeting on Migration with Theresa Hayter and a Dutch Green as speakers. GPTU offered to host this fringe.<\li>
6. Zionism and "anti-Semitism": a small pro-Zionist group will propose a motion to Autumn Conference that GPEW shares no platform with representatives of “anti-Semitism” e.g. Palestine Solidarity Campaign, recognises the state of Israel to exist, and to regard Zionism as a respectable ideology. GreenLeft must mobilise opposition and hold a conference fringe with Simon Lin of the Jewish Socialist Group to speak (a title for our fringe needs devising).
7. Minimum & Maximum Wage policy: a Conference motion in favour by Sean Thompson is likely to be rivalled by a policy for a "local living wage".
8. Socialist Resistance Conference, Saturday 28th June 08, 10.30-4pm at ULU, Malet St. Joseph will speak on European Green Parties and Sian Berry has also been invited, other speakers from Portugal and Die Linke. GL attendance encouraged.
9. Socialist Party Conference, Sunday 29th June 08 at ULU will propose their campaign for a "new workers´ party". Everyone except the SWP has been invited. GL attendance is encouraged.
10. National Officers: discussed
11. Leader & Deputy Leader: discussion favoured the commissioning of the Election Reform Society to conduct the GPEW elections of GPex and leaders, at a likely cost of £2,000. GL must draft a motion and use its minutes,discussion list and blog to populise this proposal. Tim will promote dissatisfaction with GPRC´s validation of the recent Leadership Ballot, at the next meeting of the London Federation on 16th June.
12. GL Finance: Sue, Treasurer reported current funds at ££285 and reminded supporters to join GL at an annual subscription of £5 each, before the deadline of October 2008.
13. Any Other Business:
    1. Pete will circulate a draft for a GL leaflet by blog.
    2. Derek reported the evening at the Cuban Embassy and the invitation to GPEW and GL to visit Cuba ( by flight) next year. The Cuban government´s ecological self-sufficiency,its intentions to hold democratic elections and to end state homophobia were noted with approval, and a GL policy of critical support for Cuba was agreed nem con.
    3. GL will hold its eve of conference fringe meeting on Thursday 4th September 08 at Birkbeck College or Bolivar Hall, London. Derek will seek a panel of speakers, the Venezuelan Ambassador and representatives of the Cuban Embassy and Socialist Resistance and he will speak on the work of Hugo Blanco. The event must be publicised in London´s Latin-American press.
    4. GPTU Conference, 12th July 08 at Friends´ Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AF, £8/4 concs, speakers Caroline Lucas MEP, Tony Kearns (CWU) and workshops.
    5. GPTU will circulate its motions on the boycott of arms shipment to Zimbabwe and support for NUT/UCU.
    6. Tolpuddle Martyrs´ Rally, Dorset on Friday 18th July 08, Derek to speak, attendance encouraged.
    7. Royal Festival Hall level 2 is a good London venue for future GL steering committees.
    8. The 2009 Ecosocialist International conference may be held in London.
14. GreenLeft next General Meeting on Saturday 9th August 08 at Sarah´s pub, Headcorn, Kent.
15. Questions: can GL have another Summer Camp soon, a General Meeting in Manchester this winter and a Scottish GL?
16. The Meeting Closed-

EDITED GL/SC Minutes of 2-6-08 recorded by Tim Summers, secretary 020 7737 6289.

AGM minutes 24 May 2008

1. Observers; The meeting agreed to the presence of observers provided that they declared their political allegiances and withdrew for certain items if requested. Observers from Socialist Resistance and the Association of Socialist Greens were present.

 

2. . Minutes of last AGM were not available

 

3. Finances
   1. £240 in bank account (now fully operative).
   2. £100 owed by M.Sellwood.
   3. £50 paid to P.Murry reimbursement for room hire for AGM.
   4. From October 1 2008 membership would be on a £5 pa subscription basis and some subscriptions and donations had been received.

   5. A vote of thanks to the Treasurer was passed

 

4. Reports from Committee:
   1. Co convenor (P.Murry) reported that he had been mainly occupied with setting up website,blog and database to assist with new membership arrangements Plans for a Birmingham meeting had fallen through but there had been activity in assisting Campaign Against Climate Change TU Group with its conference and other activities
   2. International Report (J.Healy) Concern expressed over Green/right coalitions & alliances in Europe and rise of fascism & xenophobia in Italy.
   3. International Report (D.Wall) links with Latin America (esp. Cuba, Venezuela and Columbia) had been maintained.
   4. TU liaison S.Tibbles had been working on this via the Green Party Trades Union group and had been elected to exec of Southeast Region TUC and Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom.
   5. Political Liaison J.Ennis had been working with J.Healy on translating eco-shopping guide from Italian.
   6. Campaigns (Jonathan Essex) Concentrating on preparations for Heathrow demo 31/5/2008, assemble 12noon Hatton Cross tube. Other campaigns to be discussed a campaigns meeting 2-6pm 24/5/2008.

 

 

5. European Report(Joseph Healy) Observers withdrew for this item. The full report is available on G,L email list.
6. The following motion passed unan nem con

   "Gleft/London Federation of Green parties congratulates the Durban dockers of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu), and the police trade union (POPCRU) members who supported them for turning away the Chinese arms shipment to Zimbabwe where it might be used to attack trades unionists and others engaged in the struggle for democratic rights in Zimbabwe. We note that such action would be illegal if taken by British Trades unionists and call for a restoration of the rights of British trades unionists to take solidarity action with other groups nationally and internationally."

 

7. Population /migration The next steering committee would discuss a response to the second draft of the population policy in time for conference motions deadline 5/6/2008. bearing in mind the following:

   "Any population policy is only acceptable if it

   1. rejects the notion of setting a target population for the UK
   2. calls on gov´t to build and adapt ecologically friendly housing stock to be provided affordably on a basis of social need
   3. calls for immediate international negotiations on world population size, distribution and migration, in view of the fact that a climate change refugee problem is already starting, adding to the push and pull factors caused by gross international inequality.
   4. adopts the " Europe is a continent of migration" (European Green Party : Adopted Paper)."

 

8. Motion a public statement of support for NUT/UCU/PCS passed unan nem con

   "We support the recent strike action by NUT, UCU and PCS and note that it is absurd to claim that the workers involved were overpaid. We support their struggles for decent pay rates and against the casualisation of their work."

 

9. Support for Hugo Blanco (see http://www.socialistvoice.ca/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/blanco-indigenous.pdf) . D.Wall described the work of Hugo Blanco and S.American indigenous peoples’ movements . It was agreed that GL contribute funds to the production of HB’s magazine (NB How much?)

 

10. Anti-Fascism the following motion passed unan nem con

    "This AGM notes that the British National Party:

    • Is a fascist, racist and homophobic organisation that stands for an all-white Britain and the destruction of trade unions.
    • Stood 119 candidates in the 2005 general election, winning a total of 192.750 cotes, 4 times their vote at the 2001 elections.
    • Has 21 councillors across Britain; won 130,714 votes, in the London assembly elections, and has now got a seat.
    • In the GLA elections of May 2008, the BNP in Barking and Dagenham ward won 24.75%, with an average of nearly 10% throughout City and East.
    • The BNP have nationally made only a net gain of ten council seats in this round of elections, which is well short of the three AMs and forty council seats that they predicted.
    This AGM further notes
    • The broadest public coalition is needed to stop the continued rise of the BNP and to stop them from making a breakthrough into mass politics achieved by the far right throughout Europe including, for example the National Front in France and the Freedom party in Austria.
    • We can help defeat the BNP through funding research into their activities and campaigning against them wherever and whenever they appear and applaud the work of, among many others, the UAF.
    This AGM resolves to deepen and broaden anti-facsist work by:
    • Continuing to use whatever appropriate methods to stop the BNP
    • Wherever the BNP have been elected , on the GLA and elsewhere, to publicly discredit them and their race hatred.
    • Working explicitly with as many others (as possible?) against the fascist threat
    • Campaigning in our unions for the political isolation and expulsion of fascists
    • Writing a stronger GPEW anti-fascist policy to submit to autumn conference
    • developing and presenting policies of the GP which address the material concerns of those of the electors currently inclined to vote BNP."

 

11. GPTU conference July 12th 10-6, Friends' Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton, Sussex BN1 1AF (10 minutes from Brighton BR), Featuring Caroline Lucas Green Party MEP, Tony Kearns (Communications Workers Union), Kate Greene (Child Poverty Action Group) & Workshops on Migration/ Population policy and International relations (J.Healy) and Future strategies for links between Greens and TUs (P.MacCafferty)

 

12. Tolpuddle there may be a GP stall this year contact mdouglas@gn.apc.org

 

13. Compass conference noted

 

14. Convention of the Left 20-25 /9/2008 GL agreed to sponsor D.Wall´s appearance and other activities contact www.conventionoftheleft.org

 

15. Green Left members have also been involved in organising the Campaign Against Climate Change Trades Union conferences and organising CACCTU fringes at TU conferences and another CACCTU conference in 2009.

 

16. Steering Committee elected as follows

    CO-Convenors:J.Healy,S.Farrow

    Treasurer: S.Bineham

    Membership/web Secretary:P.Murry

    International liaison: D.Wall &: S.Ennis

    TU liaison: S.Tibbles

    Political/GPRC liaison: A.Hewett

    Anti Fascist liaison: P.MacCafferty & P.Cooney

    Councillor liaison: R. Phoenix

    Media Officer; F.Bakht

    NHS liaison: P.Torabi (needs to be asked if he is willing to occupy this post)

    Political Education: Sean Thompson

    Liaison with Young Greens: Aled Fisher

    NB the meeting decided not to co-opt John Henry Mavin as it was not clear what capacity this would be in and as he was not present to support his candidature. He is welcome to join GL.

 

It was noted with regret that Sean Thompson was ill in hospital. the meeting wished him a speedy and complete recovery. Any members wishing to vist should contact sallythompson@blueyonder.co.uk

 

17. AOBs
    1. A.Wheatley noted that there had been little or no follow upon the motion on disabled workers rights passed at the last GP conference.
    2. J Essex wished opposition to Conservatives and possible Henley by –election raised.
    3. Socialist Resistance event. J.Healy to speak
    4. Socialist Party event. A.Hewett to speak

 

18. THE MEETING CLOSED

Minutes of Green Left Steering Committee Meeting 26/3/2008

 

1. MINUTES OF GREEN LEFT. STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING 13/1/2008: MATTERS ARISING
   1. Lack of public knowledge re contacting Green Left Pete Murry agreed to produce small cheap leaflet giving contact details, summary of aims etc.
   2. Investigation of possible malpractice in Leadership referendum. Concerns expressed re lack of progress. Considered putting motion to London Federation in future. Meanwhile the meeting agreed to encourage members in other parts of the country to raise this with their GPRC reps.
   3. Green Empowerment: not very active recently?
   4. Ecosocialist International: Pete Murry to circulate relevant email address to GL lists. Joseph to meet with Socialist Resistance colleagues.
   5. Campaign Against Climate Change Trades Union Conference. Romayne Phoenix had been elected to Organising Committee. (Organising Committee minutes available at gptu blog: http://gptublog.blogspot.com/2008/03/campaign-against-climate-change.html ). Minor problems re creating links between CCACTU and GL and GPTU websites.
   6. Heathrow Demos: Flash demo 27/3/2008, Demo 31/5/2008: for details see Campaign Against Climate Change website: http://www.campaigncc.org/.
   7. Green Party Conference Fringe meetings (Media freedom and Ecosocialism), successful.

 

2. FINANCES AND MEMBERSHIP
   1. Bank accoun't now open. £31 in hand, £100 owed by M.Sellwood.
   2. The moratorium on new members had been lifted as the opening of the bank account had been delayed. New applicants were being asked to confirm their names and GP membership.
   3. Relationship to GP: As Green Left is an organisation of Green Party members but not a part of the party, and did not stand electoral candidates; the steering committee felt that GL should not have to register itself under PPERA, although some contrary opinions had been expressed from GP sources.

 

3. COMMITTEE ROLES: to be considered at AGM. Concern expressed re apparent inactivity of Media and Outreach officers.

 

4. FUTURE ACTIVITIES
   1. Sue Tibbles is looking for Birmingham venue, meeting would now need to be postponed until May earliest, and a June date might be better.
   2. AGM Exmouth Arms (or similar) ideally 17 or 24 May.

 

5. FOREIGN POLICY
   1. Danish GP GPEW reps will be abstaining on issue of expulsion and although Joseph gave an explanation of the position, GL steering Committee felt unable to take up a position on the basis of the info available.
   2. Support for Tibet. Debate continues as to if and how far this should include any endorsement of the Dalai Lama.
   3. Hugo Chavez GL steering Committee felt it should support the Bolivarian revolution but distance itself from facile comments about international relations. It was noted that HC in some senses represents Native Americans whom have been and are subject to the same processes of cultural (and sometimes physical) genocide as the Tibetans.

 

6. Best wishes to SEAN THOMPSON and DEREK WALL for a swift recovery.

 

7. Autumn Green party Conference at SOAS
   1. Ideas for Fringe meetings invited. Migrant Workers possibly with Priya Shah as one speaker was recommended.
   2. Ideas for Motions meetings invited; Motion on promotion of Grassroots activity recommended.
   3. Possibilities of left candidates for leadership/ deputy/gpex/gprc discussed.
   4. All of the above need discussion at AGM.

 

8. Need to keep up momentum of GL noted.

Minutes of the Green Left Meeting held on January 13th 2008.

Apologies: Paul Cooney, Sarah Farrow, Jane Ennis.

Minutes of the previous meeting: It was agreed that there were no minutes as Sean Thompson, the minute taker of the last Steering Group meeting had been taken ill in the interim. However, most subjects covered at the meeting were on the agenda.

Bank Account: The Treasurer was having major problems with opening the account. Derek said that Sue was working hard on this. Pete Murry asked if there was agreement for new applicants to be added to the email list pending the opening of the account. Agreed unanimously. The Treasurer said that the bank was asking for more details from some of the signatories and also for a letter from party office, as the membership was drawn from the Green Party. Alan Francis believed that the bank´s position was correct under the PPERA but Joseph Healy stated that this had been discussed at a previous meeting and it had been agreed that it was not necessary to have party authorisation as GL was not standing candidates etc. The Treasurer had a cheque from Matt Sellwood but it could not be lodged until the bank account was sorted out. Sue agreed to collect more details from some of the Steering Group members for the bank´s purposes.

Website: Pete Murry agreed to proceed with working on the site. There was a discussion on whether the site should state "an ecosocialist current in the Green Party" or "an anti-capitalist current". The vote was six for "ecosocialist" and three for "anti-capitalist". Consensus was reached that both terms should be used.

Leader Referendum: Joseph informed the meeting that GPRC had agreed to investigate the conduct of the referendum as there had been grave concerns about breaches of the referendum rules and the Data Protection Act. John Johnson confirmed some of the actions of the Yes camapaign which had been brought to the attention of GPRC in his own local party. It was felt that this was best left to GPRC but there were concerns about future erosion of members´ rights and grassroots involvement as had happened in some other parties.

Relations with Green Empowerment: There was a vigorous discussion about relations with GE. Some at the meeting had attended the earlier GE meeting and reported back on some of its decisions. Duncan from Socialist Resistance felt that a good alliance between the two groups was vital and gave the example of how the Labour Left had had a strategic alliance with the Campaign for Labour Democracy. Gary Dunion said that although a Yes supporter he viewed participatory democracy within the party as vital, and also within politics more widely. Agreed to keep dialogue with GE going and to continue to watch activities of the ´leader tendency´ in the party.

Strategy for Green Left: Sean Thompson presented his paper on this issue. Sean suggested sending supporters to the Gardening Brigades in Cuba. Jonathan Essex was opposed to this, on the grounds of carbon emissions and suggested sending volunteers to support the Transition Town initiatives in Totnes, Devon, instead. Derek spoke about his work re Cynthia Mc Kinney´s campaign for the Green Presidential nomination in the US, with Australian Greens and also with West Papua. Romayne spoke about the need for the support of more people in campaigns work. Joseph referred to the problems with a Zionist lobby in the party, which Sean also referred to. Brian called for action on food issues and to give grassroots activism a ´steer´. Alan suggested that Sean´s proposal of affiliating to the Support Cuba campaign should go to GPEx rather than to conference.

Ecosocialist International: Giorgos, a Greek comrade, reported that the ESI has both a website and pamphlets and that the Greeks were still hoping to hold it in Athens. He would report back on this again.

International: Joseph reported about some of the developments internationally. There was an attempt by the European Green Party to expel the Danish party and this would be coming to the international committee soon. He also spoke about the Global Greens conference in Brazil in May and that a major panel on this was being planned by him for spring conference, with the Venezuelan ambassador as one of the speakers. Derek spoke about the situation in West Bengal.

Climate Change Trade Union Conference: This was being held in London on Feb 9th. Romayne said that there was a need for more Greens to be involved in the workshops. Also there was a request for a climate change motion to be passed through union branches. Pete Murry mentioned an upcoming meeting with the GMB on airport expansion and Alan said there would be a meeting with TSSA. Agreed to flag up the conference with Natalie Bennet for the internal mailing. Romayne also said that she would be speaking on the same platform as Galloway at a climate change meeting on Feb 7th.

Conference: There would be two GL fringes at spring conference. One on ´Ecosocialism´ chaired by Jane Ennis and one on ´Press and Broadcasting Freedom´with Mark Steel and an academic speaker from the Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom. Romayne asked for people to vote against her motion on the referendum time limit, which had been originally proposed by Jonathan Dixon.

Next Meeting: There was some discussion as to whether the next meeting should be held in London or Birmingham. The result of a vote showed 8 supported Birmingham and 1 London. Joseph also suggested that Salma Yaqoob be invited to attend. Agreed to hold the next meeting in Birmingham in late March and Joe Rooney to be contacted to help organise. Also agreed to invite Salma Yaqoob.

AOB: Jonathan spoke about demonstrations and getting people to attend them in London. Romayne asked for help with manifesto issues for the second homes campaign. Jonathan requested that GL members help form links with NGOs. Joseph will contact the Scottish Left Review about a possible meeting in Scotland. There would also be GL support for the Shell to Sea demo at the Irish embassy against the actions of Shell Oil in the West of Ireland.

The meeting closed at 3.30pm

Joseph Healy