Green Left Meetings page

Minutes of GL Steering Meeting, 11th May, 2010 � RFH, South Bank, London

Present: Teresa Delaney (TD), Farid Bakht (FB), Roy Sandison (RS), Malcolm Bailey (MB), James Youd (JY), Zain Sardar (ZS), Andy Hewett (AH)

Apologies: Sue Tibbles (STi), Joseph Healy (JH), Pete Murry (PMu), Jane Ennis (JE)

Officers´ Reports
1. STi requested donation for Oxford TUC event, agreed £10 to be sent.
2. £699 in bank account, treasurer advises £500 can be transferred into 14 day bank account.
3. JE reports that she is in contact with comrades from Italy, France and Belgium.
4. Membership = 99. Membership leaflet to be produced.
5. JY to continue work on website.
6. TD has been busy with election and with migrant workers´ campaigns.
Resignations
1. Andy Collingwood (AC) has left the Green Party to join New Labour. Praised GL in his leaving statement on his blog.
2. Due to AC leaving there is a vacancy for email list moderator. JY co-opted until election for post at AGM.
General Election
1. Brief discussion of views about the General Election, although more time for in-depth analysis to be allocated at AGM.
2. Noted that votes were polarised contributing to a squeeze of the Green vote. Caroline was elected on her record and her left wing stance.
3. Possibility of another election in October not ruled out, also possibility of PR.
4. Influx of new Green Party members.
5. Reported that there has been sniping on Green Party email lists from right-wing members of the party, attacking the use of the terms ´socialist´ and ´left´ whilst praising Zac Goldsmith.
6. Need to be alert to others who may consider leaving Greens for New Labour.
7. Discussion of targeted seats, the resultant isolation felt by non-targetted regions and the contrast between rural and urban areas.
Conference Motions
1. Reported that Sean Thompson has suggested a motion to remove the phrase from the PfSS which opposes Trade Union donations to political parties. Suggested he should liaise with GPTU.
2. JH submitting Haiti motion, calling for French Gov´t reparations.
3. JY submitting organisational motion to give GPRC greater power to stop officers in local parties breaking local party constitutions.
4. TD drafting motion supporting CAMRA and freehold pubs. Suggested that it will help smaller local organic cider producers and would appeal to rural as well as urban voters. PMu has suggested motions opposing offshore drilling, supporting PR. AV will not favour smaller parties.
5. FB suggested motion to endorse calls to recognise Latin Americans as an ethnic group.
6. RS attended Young Greens meeting, suggested there will be an organisational motion from the Young Greens.
Posts to be elected at Conference
Noted that GPEx to meet on 29th May.
Summer Camp
1. Only GL members to attend, to focus on strategy and building GL.
2. Suggested themes:
  - What went right and what went wrong during the election;
  - Where does GL go from here?
3. To be held in Cambridge in late July, TBC. Venue to be booked and accommodation to be arranged. Creche suggested, but there are legal implications including CRB checks. To be explored further.
Discussion about a local party dispute.
GL tribunal: Update on the ongoing disciplinary and appeal regarding the actions of a GL member. A letter was sent to the member in January suspending them from GL pending an appeal which should be made within 28 days. No response was received. Further communication to be sent.

Minutes completed by Andy Hewett, July 2010.

Minutes of Green Left Steering Group Meeting, March 10th, 2010. RFH, South Bank, London 6.30pm

Present: Pete Murry (PMu), Malcolm Bailey (MB), Joseph Healy (JH), Sue Tibbles (STi), Andy Hewett (AH)

Apologies: Jane Ennis (JE), Teresa Delaney (TD), Sean Thompson (STh), James Youd (JY)

Minutes of last Steering Group meeting (Jan 5th, 2010) approved for accuracy
Matters arising
1. Item 1: Update on Yorkshire FBU dispute and Leeds binmen. Reported that FBU settled for a compromise solution, whilst the Leeds binmen won a historic victory.
2. Item 6: Joel Kovel visit went well. Video clips from the London Fed talk and the Palestine seminar are up on the GL blog. Thanks expressed to everyone involved in organising the events. Noted that footage from the Manchester Climate and Capitalism event only had Socialist Resistance (SR) speakers.
3. Item 7: Tower Hamlets. Noted that a Dispatches programme on Channel 4 covered Tower Hamlets and George Galloway.
4. Item 7: Barking. GL view that the Green Party should not stand a Parliamentary Candidate in Barking in order to avoid splitting the anti-fascist vote, endorsed at GL GM and also supported by London Fed. Local Green Party have though selected Jayne Forbes as a candidate. Anti-fascist groups are doing a lot of work in Barking, leafleting. BNP on Question Time raises issue of platform sharing: GL adopted position of no platform sharing at the last London GL GM. A paper submitted to GPRC by a Green Party representative from the East Midlands took the view that platforms should be shared, which caused some disagreement at GPRC. GL could discus at AGM.
5. Item 8: GL General Meeting, Birmingham, January 30th, 2010. GL members delivered some leaflets for Salma Yaqoob and received publicity and thanks on Salma´s blog. Video clips from the first section of the meeting in which Salma spoke are now uploaded onto GL blog.
6. Item 8: Birmingham GM action points. Tim Summers (TS) update: tribunal have written to TS confirming his suspension from GL, they have had no response from TS. Lambeth Green Party officers have asked TS to apologise to JH, TS had agreed to do so but then failed to produce an apology. Subsequently TS sent a note to Lambeth GP officers accusing AH of exaggeration in his description of events outside the Chilcott Enquiry. Reported that TS has taken the case to DRC, JH will use complaints procedure. 2 separate cases: dispute with GL and dispute with Lambeth GP. AH to ask GL tribunal at what stage the proceedings are or if TS has asked for appeal within the stated timescale.
7. Brighton Canvas: 6 GL members attended. Reported that there were approximately 80 people helping in total on the day. Right To Work Rally not well attended, maybe less than 200 people. Caroline Lucas was at rally along with GL, and a stall. Favourable remarks were made by many speakers about Caroline.
Officers reports
1. Thanks expressed to Phelim MacCafferty (PMc) and JY for producing the GL newsletter.
2. JH spoke at Republican Socialist Convention.
3. International: JH has had correspondence with leader of the left faction in Czech Greens, and has also received reports from the situation in Ireland. Dismay at reports that German Greens could form coalition with Christian Democrats. Report from EGP needed, update on situation in Netherlands required.
4. Treasurer: Approximately £700 in bank account. £18 paid as expenses for Conference stall (PMu). £35 received since Conference from subs and donations.
5. £70 collected at Conference for the Alberto Durango appeal, agreed GL to top up to £100 and send cheque to Latin American Workers´ Association. AH to take cheque to next Cleaners´ Defence Committee meeting.
6. Membership currently 97. Includes TS as suspended. MB to look into compiling information on local party membership, which is information requested on membership form. MB to redraft membership leaflet and make electronic version available.
7. Equality and Diversity. TD to address International Women´s Day Conference in Oxford. Conference asking true cost of fashion industry. STi will arrange for photos and filming of Green speakers.
Regional reports
1. East Region: Cambridge report from JY. Meeting with left in Cambridge with a view to election arrangement or deal, facing some resistance in Cambridge GP. Meeting full of goodwill but no deals were made. Left candidates would have stood down if Tony Juniper was not standing. MB expressed importance of organising GL in the East. Possibility of GL Summer Camp in Cambridge.
2. East Region: Luton report from MB. ´Luton for Peace´ vigil being held every Saturday at Town Hall. PCS march last weekend went well. Esther Rantzen to stand as in Independent candidate in Luton, where the Labour MP Margaret Moran was embroiled in the expenses scandal. Report on Green Candidates standing in the Luton constituencies.
3. South East Region: STi reported disappointment that Peter Tatchell has stood down as candidate for Oxford East, but that a good candidate was replacing him. STi to forward report from SE Confederation meeting at Conference.
4. North West Region: Reported that David Henry who is standing as a TUSC candidate is still a member of Manchester Green Party but has resigned from GPEW. He had received a letter from the GPEW CEO asking that he resign, however it was felt that this should have been a matter for GPRC to address. AH to approach David Henry via the NW rep to invite him to join GL.
5. South West Region. Nick Foster has been selected as a Parliamentary Candidate for the Kingswood Constituency.
6. London Region. Reported that TUSC are standing candidates against already selected GL members, including AH and possibly JH.
7. Congratulations to all GL members who have been selected as Parliamentary candidates.
Conference
1. Motions passed included: Maximum wage; Pensions; Medical/ science clarification.
2. Lisbon Treaty motion and economics amendments fell off due to time running out.
3. Lots of EMs were passed. Unable to get migrant workers motion to a vote.
4. Considered that not enough time was given at Conference for debate and that the venue was poor.
5. Discussion about whether to adopt a GL position on delegated conferences, possible point for AGM, monitor working group.
6. Summary report of Conference from STh was noted.
7. Fringes. Well attended. Health Inequality, Migrants, Copenhagen, Media (GPTU)
8. Stall. Could have been better organised. Some books and pamphlets sold.
Campaigns.
1. April 10th Public Services and the Welfare State demonstration. Mark Douglas is organising stall. Organisers to be contacted by AH to seek possibility of GP speaker.
2. Anti-EDL demonstration in Bolton on March 20th. Await feedback from NW members.
3. Housing email list has been started by Matt Sellwood.
4. Stop The War Coalition. Reported that Lance Corporal Joe Glenton was sentenced to 9 months imprisonment for speaking out against the war in Afghanistan. STWC compiling list of pro- and anti-war Parliamentary Candidates. STWC will be updating website with details of the cost of the war and the impact on services. STWC organising local hustings. Focus on increasing Islamophobia as a result of the war.
5. Alberto Durango/ UBS cleaners. International Day of Action to be held on Friday March 19th.
6. CACCTU Conference to be held on Saturday March 13th, Trade Union speakers.
Website: hope for further progress prior to the General Election.
Newsletter. JY to create pdf format of newsletter for website/ blog. Another 400 copies to be printed.
General Election
1. Deadline for final approval of Manifesto will be Friday 12th March. Most of GPRC comments have been taken on board. Feedback from NGOs has been included. Trade Union section was weak and no consultation had been made with GPTU. Some new items added after Conference. No consultation with Alan Wheatley was had regarding welfare or disability. Equalities section had to be improved.
2. Some GL candidates wanted to publicise their commitment to take an average skilled workers wage.
Brighton. Pip Tindall and PMc to be contacted to arrange another Action Saturday visit.

Minutes completed by Andy Hewett, May 2010

Minutes of Green Left General Meeting, 30th January, 2010 Birmingham

Present: Teresa Delaney (TD), Roy Sandison (RS), Malcolm Bailey (MB), Johnny O�Sullivan (JO), James Youd (JY), Peter Allen (PA), Alan Wheatley (AW), Pete Murry (PMu), Ben Bradley (BB), Sean Thompson (STh), Joseph Healy (JH), Andy Hewett (AH)

Apologies: Sue Tibbles (STi), Phelim MacCafferty (PMc), Jonathan Buckner, Romayne Phoenix (RP), Mark Douglas, Ken Burgess, Paul Frost, Derek Wall, John Knight, Andrew Collingwood, Jane Ennis, Simon Sedgwick-Jell (SSJ), AP

Session 1: Chaired by TD

Salma Yaqoob addressed the meeting, thanked GL members for leafleting for Salma in the morning. Video clips of the discussion are available to view on the Green Left blog.

Session 2: Chaired by JH

Minutes of previous General Meeting: agreed.
Matters arising
1. International Womens Day event: TD will be speaking, to contact STi to find out more details and feed back to next Steering Group meeting.
2. Hate-crime vigil. Held in Trafalgar Square on 30th October, 2009. Large turnout, at least 6 GL members attended, described as moving. Hate crimes are on the increase, especially where the BNP are active or have candidates.
3. No regional report received.
4. Greens standing down in Birmingham Hall Green for Salma Yaqoob: GL statement was released supporting this, noted that some London Fed officers voiced their disapproval.
5. Delegate to Respect Conference: SSJ did not go, BB and RS went, a report has been circulated on the GL list.
6. JE had circulated a report from the previous Left Unity Liaison Committee.
7. Tower Hamlets: The Local Party have chosen to select a candidate to stand in Poplar, against George Galloway, uncertainty surrounded the transparency of the selection process. Discussion: Need to counter the naive sectarianism that exists within the Green Party, not wanting Greens to be seen blocking a progressive candidate being elected. No history of communication between Greens and Respect in Tower Hamlets. Constitutionally local parties have autonomy over deciding whether they stand candidates. Decisions to stand down should be taken on a candidate by candidate basis.
9. Noted that Tim Summers (TS) has been suspended from GL email lists for 1 year for the action of forwarding content from the GL email list to an outside organisation without the permission of the author. Further to this he was involved in an incident outside the Chilcott Enquiry yesterday, where he had confronted JH, made remarks which were considered threatening and gestured running his finger across JH´s throat. Whilst doing this TS was carrying a Green Party flag, and was in view of Jeremy Corbyn and other Stop The War activists. Suggested that TS be expelled from GL for his uncomradely actions, and questioned whether his actions were grounds for expulsion from the Green Party. Agreed that TS should be suspended from GL membership and from GL meetings, with TS being allowed the opportunity for a right of reply. BB, PA and RS agreed to convene a tribunal, to send a letter by recorded delivery to TS informing him that he was suspended from GL meetings and membership pending appeal, which he would have 14 days to submit. Tribunal to report back to Steering Group.
10. Climate and Capitalism and Palestine events attended by Joel Kovel, organised by GL in cooperation with Socialist Resistance (SR) went well. Thanks to PMu for filming at events. Joel Kovel also attended 2 meetings in Birmingham and one organised by London Fed: he has reported that he was pleased with how well his visit went and is keen to come again. PMu proposed to buy bulk copies of Joel Kovel�s books to sell on stalls. Agreed that GL approach SR to work together organising the visit of Hugo Blanco in the Autumn.
11. Combatting the BNP: GL position of no platform. A strategy paper is being prepared at GPRC, but is incomplete and awaits academic contribution. It should be submitted to GPEx when finalised at GPRC. The paper is apparently arguing that the Green Party should share platforms.
12. JH paper on Europe to go out on to list.
Conference
1. Fringes: GL fringe will be on the Saturday of Conference at 7pm, about Poverty. Migrants fringe on the Thursday, organised by AH and Farid Bakht. GPTU fringe about press and the media will be at 6pm on the Saturday.
2. Relief expressed that the pro capitalist Jonathan Porritt et al will now not be speaking at the panel when Caroline Lucas speaks.
Motions:
1. Supporting NPC manifesto and endorsing the policy in the European Manifesto for a citizens pension above the poverty level. AH to speak.
2. Maximum wage: 10x differential in any organisation, with bonuses no higher than salary of lowest paid worker. TD to speak.
3. Amendment to fiscal crisis motion, campaigning for radically restructured tax system and increased corporation tax for example. RP to speak.
4. Opposing Military expenditure and Lisbon Treaty. JH to speak.
Stalls � GPTU have stall, will share space with GL. GL membership forms needed. Contact STi to volunteer on stall.
´Support the Left´ statement: PA brought to meeting, asking for opinion. It suggests supporting left candidates � GL cannot commit as it could be endorsing candidates standing against other Greens. Some GL candidates are listed on the statement, some are not. Agreed that it is up to individuals tp decide whether they want to sign it.
Barking: JH gave background to the London Fed motion:London Fed advised local Green Party that they should not stand a candidate at the General Election so as to maximise the anti-BNP vote.
PMc agreed to edit newsletter. Articles from STh, PMc, AW, FB.
GL Blog and Website update.
1. JY has log-in details for website and has begun work on updating the site, aiming to complete prior to General Election.
2. Chris Hyland has contacted PMu about updating blog.
3. Cross-posting now in effect. Someone has asked to contribute to blog from overseas.
Officers reports
1. Equality and Diversity:TD working with BME groups, HOMW linkage. TD on BME working group.
2. JH involved in organising this meeting and with SR the Palestine event.
3. GL comrades invited to SR conference.
4. GPRC Green Groups survey: GL will not be included.
5. Treasurer report: £541 in bank account, PMu holding £22. Meeting room has been paid for by BB.
6. A generous offer has been received to print the GL newsletter for free.
7. Membership: 3-month grace period now ended. 12 had not renewed and have been removed from lists. Current membership is 90. Reported that Martin Hemingway, the number 1 Yorks & Humberside Euro candidate, has joined.
Brighton. 6th March suggested for GL to canvas. Suggested contacting SR/Respect and ask if they would like to go.
Hands Off My Workmate (HOMW)
1. Unclear whether HOMW campaign still running.
2. Green Party activists are continuing campaigning on migrant workers.
3. Fringe organised for Spring Conference.
Discussion about Green Party campaigns. Apparent that small number of comrades doing bulk of the work. Campaigns seem to be low priority for the Party at the moment, with electoralist bias. Need for campaigns strategy? Perspective document? Conference motion? Campaigns can be electorally advantageous.
Thanks given to BB for organising meeting.

Minutes completed by Andy Hewett

Draft Minutes of Green Left Steering Group Meeting, January 5th 2010 at RFH, London

Present: Andy Hewett (AH), Pete Murry (PM), Ken Burgess (KB), Malcolm Bailey (MB), Zain Sardar (ZS), Jane Ennis (JE), Joseph Healy (JH), Alan Wheatley (AW), Sean Thompson (ST)

Apologies: Teresa Delaney (TD), Andrew Collingwood (AC), Roy Sandison, Sue Tibbles, Phelim MacCafferty (PMc), Jonathan Buckner, Simon Sedgwick-Jell (SSJ)

Minutes of previous meeting - accuracy
Item 11c: PM to contact AC for an update on the Yorkshire FBU dispute and the Leeds binmen.
Matters arising
Item 1e: Bronwen Maher has been in contact with JH. PM not received report on Irish strike.
Officers´ reports
1. JH had been mobilising for the London Fed motion on the situation in Barking. Also liaising with Birmingham comrades re: forthcoming GL meeting and leafleting.
2. PM reported £541 in GL bank account. Minimal expenses incurred with approximately another �100 accrued since November. Chasing up of late subs has been effective.
3. MB reported that membership stood at 81. Previously was 93 although that figure was complicated by members having more than 1 email address. 22 had not rejoined, although that figure does not include those who have indicated financial hardship. AC to be asked to remove remaining non-renewals from the email lists.
4. KB agreed that MB should carry on as Membership Officer, KB to carry on as Campaigns Officer.
5. JE submitted copies of report from LULC meeting, which JE and SSJ attended. The report has also been distributed on the email list.
Regional reports
1. Noted that very few reports had been received.
2. MB reported that there may be an Eastern region GL members meeting in the next few months.
Website: James Youd (JY) and PM have been liaising. JY to construct a prototype website, with a new design ready to be presented at the General Meeting.
Joel Kovel visit
1. Itinerary for visit includes Palestine event in London on 16th Jan; meeting in Birmingham on 19th; Climate and Capitalism event in Manchester on 23rd; London fed meeting at 730pm in the Lucas Arms on the 25th. The tour is largely about anti-Zionism, the talk on the 25th is about the post-Copenhagen situation.
2. Event on the 16th is Palestine: Beyond the Headlines. Reported that Socialist Resistance(SR) will be funding a large proportion of the cost. Event needs to be built and sign-ups encouraged, particularly targeting student groups. PMc speaking in final session. JH chairing one session. PM will be filming. KB to run stall.
3. . Further co-operation with SR to be established for the visit of Hugo Blanco in the Autumn.
Tower Hamlets and Barking
1. Tower Hamlets Green Party have decided to stand a candidate in Poplar and Canning in the General Election, the constituency where George Galloway is standing.
2. London Fed passed a motion advising that the local Party should not stand a candidate in Barking in order to maximise the anti-fascist vote.
3. GL statement supporting the London Fed vote was agreed.
4. The situation in Barking should be monitored with a view to supporting anti-fascist activity.
GL General Meeting in Birmingham � 30th January
1. GL members will assist local Respect Party in leafletting for Salma Yaqoob before the meeting.
2. JH has spoken to Salma and she has indicated she will attend the GL meeting.
3. Birmingham GL will pay for meeting venue.. Salma will address one half of meeting, the other half will be for GL-members only.
Conference motions, amendments and fringes
1. Health policy up for review, to be assessed.
2. January 15th is the closing date for amendments and prioritisation ballot.
3. Amendment for C29 ´Fiscal Crisis´ to be submitted and needs signatures.
4. Fringes to include ´Minding the Gap´, on poverty, speakers to be invited from Child Poverty Action Group and Cornerhouse. GPTU fringe will be discussing media. ZS to run a Green students fringe. AH and Farid Bakht to run a fringe on migrants.
Climate Justice Now- Copenhagen statement: Supported nem con. PM to contact Jonathan Neale.
Hands Off My Workmate: Motion supporting campaign was passed through London Fed. Support agreed nem con.
General Election Manifesto
1. January 15th is the deadline for comments and suggested amendments.
2. GL Parliamentary Candidates to meet next week to discuss.
Co-option of Co-Convenor: TD was nominated and elected nem con.
´Back The Left´ statement: Discussion deferred to the Birmingham General Meeting
Campaigns and General Election work
1. Membership forms to be produced for stalls and campaigns work
2. PMc to organise for GL to attend a Brighton Pavillion Action Saturday, date TBC.
Fundraising
1. Fundraising quiz suggested.
2. Agreed to offer up to £100 towards funding the Joel Kovel Palestine event with SR.
3. More badges to be sourced.
. AOB
1. Newsletter to be prepared for Conference. Suggested topics are migrant workers, welfare/ benefits, Palestine, Ireland.
2. Tim Summers had submitted a statement regarding his suspension from the GL email list but this was not considered to be a request for an appeal to the decision. He had distributed a motion for the next GL General meeting, but it is currently not valid as it has not been seconded and he has not renewed his GL membership.
3. CACCTU want to encourage a Trade Union delegation to the alternative climate conference in Bolivia.
4. GL to endorse stall at CACCTU Conference.

Draft minutes completed by Andy Hewett, March 2010.

Draft Minutes of Green Left Steering Group Meeting, 17th November. 2009. RFH, South Bank, London

Attendees: Pete Murry (PMu), Joseph Healy (JH), Andy Hewett (AH), Alan Wheatley (AW), Phelim MCCafferty (PMc)

Apologies received: Jane Ennis (JE), Gayle O�Donovan (GO), Malcolm Bailey (MB), Roy Sandison (RS), Teresa Delaney (TD), Paul Frost (PF), Sue Tibbles (STi), Sean Thompson (STh).

Minutes of last Steering Group Meeting (29th September, 2009):Matters Arising
1. Point 3b: No video footage yet available
2. Point 4: JH attended STWC steering meeting, indicated that lots of young people were joining the movement.
3. Point 6b: Reference made to islamophobia debate on Socialist Unity blog.
4. Point 6e: Repercussions of Nick Griffin´s appearance on Question Time already being seen. Green Party making formal complaints to BBC over the amount of airtime they are giving to the BNP, including the BBC switching to give 7 minutes of live coverage of Griffin´s conference speech in Wigan.
5. Point 17: Bronwen Maher has now joined the Irish Labour Party, but is still in contact and sending information about the Irish Greens. PMu will post report on blog about next week�s public sector general strike in Ireland.
6. Point 19d: No visit to the Globe took place.
Action Points
1. No progress on constitutional amendments
2. Welfare Reform policy paper produced.
3. Brighton Action Days: No decision yet on which one to attend.
Officer´s Reports
1. Report from STi received. STi has indicated that she wishes to stand down as Co-Convenor and suggested approaching TD to stand in. TD to be approached, JH to report back.
2. Report from JH: Liaising with Socialist Resistance, Republican Socialists, STWC, regional GL reps.
3. Treasurer � PMu reports that £430 in bank account. Lots of members have been generous in making donations.
4. Membership report received from MB. 52 paid, 57 yet to renew. MB sending reminders to the 57. Question raised as to whether damage had been done by recent leaks from GL email lists, suggested that there needs to be a restoration of trust. Andrew Collingwood to be asked to issue a reminder of the email protocol.
5. West Midlands report received from RS.
6. Eastern report received from MB. Possibility of forming a GL group in the East.
7. East Midlands report received from PF. Reported that TUCs are mobilising anti-fascists against the EDL march in Nottingham scheduled for December 5th.
8. North West report received from GO. Report of Convention of the Left pots and pans demo. Anti-fascist mobilisation against EDL demo in Manchester. North West Climate and Capitalism event to be held on January 23rd.
9. . Equality & Diversity report received from TD. Speaking at film night of the Red/Green alliance in Battersea next Tuesday. Reported that there had been minimal response to calls for activity around Black History Month. Proposal for future action around International Women´s Day on March 8th. Attended vigil against hate crime with other GL members. Attending Hands Off My Workmate meetings.
10. Appreciation noted to all officers and reps for submitting reports.
Motions to Spring Conference
1. Noted that motions to be submitted to SOC with 4 signatures by 30th November.
2. maximum Wage motion and Pension motion have both been submitted.
3. Other suggested motions include a post-Lisbon Treaty motion and a No Platform motion.
Report back from Respect Conference: Reports received and have been posted on GL discussion list.
Socialist Unity blog: Statement has been issued.
Joint GL/ SR events with Joel Kovel: Palestine event going ahead on January 16th in London. Joel Kovel will also be doing an event with London Fed, and will speak at the Climate and Capitalism event in Manchester on January 23rd. Call for help from GL members received.
Campaigns
1. Climate March on December 5th, coinciding with Latin American event
2. PMu has purchased 20 of the new CACCTU "Million Green Jobs" pamphlets for stalls.
3. Idea for a post-Copenhagen conference, not warmed to by CACCTU.
4. PMu suggested a steering statement on Copenhagen, including a 5-point plan?
Anti-fascism and the BNP
1. JH has been in correspondence with Jim Jepps, who has been in touch with anti-fascist campaigners in Barking and will invite them to speak at next London Fed meeting.
2. Motion to be brought to next London Fed calling for the Green Party not to stand a Parliamentary Candidate in Barking thus preventing a split of the anti-fascist vote.
3. Green Party needs to build credibility with anti-fascist movement and the rest of the left.
4. JH to liaise with Peter Cranie regarding the situation in the North West.
Trade Union issues
1. Next GPTU meeting will be on Noveneber 26th.
2. Current issues to be discussed by GPTU include CWU/ Postal strikes, Vestas update, migrant workers, likely Tube strikes.
3. Andrew Collingwood to be contacted regarding FBU dispute in Yorkshire and an update on the Leeds binmen.
Fundraising and social
1. Quiz TBC
2. Party at Romayne´s on December 19th
3. Party at Spring Conference. PMu will contact at pub on Kilburn High Road
Member´s appeal re: list ban
1. Decided that the letter circulated by Tim Summers does not constitute an appeal. He has until November 26th to submit an appeal.
2. A reminder about subscription renewal has been sent by PMu to Tim.
Election issues : GL Parliamentary Candidates to meet and discuss elections strategy and tactics
AOB :GL General Meeting to be held in Birmingham on January 30th TBC

Draft minutes completed by Andy Hewett, December 2009

Draft Minutes of Green Left General Meeting - 25th October, 2009.

Present: Andy Hewett (AHt), James Youd (JY), Phelim MacCafferty (PMc), Teresa Delaney (TD), Joseph Healy (JH), Pete Murry (PMu), Malcolm Bailey (MB), Arthur Hayles (AHs), Alan Wheatley (AW), Roy Sandison (RS), Simon Sedgwick-Jell (SSJ), Romayne Phoenix (RP), Farid Bakht (FB)

Apologies received: Sue Tibbles, Derek Wall, Matt Sellwood, Jane Ennis

First part of meeting chaired by JH

Minutes of last General Meeting: Noted that the last General Meeting (prior to the June AGM) was in April, minutes from previous Secretary were up on GL website.
Co-Convenors´ report
1. JH has liaised with W. Midlands rep regarding the situation in Birmingham Hall Green.
2. JH as STWC rep involved in yesterday´s demonstration.
3. Reported that there had been some protest from the Irish Greens regarding the GL fringe on coalitions at Autumn Conference.
Treasurer´s report (PMu)
1. Balance in bank of £291
2. Statement not yet seen and not clear where some of the income has come from.
3. Pamphlet sales: 400-500 sold? Sean Thompson still has stock. Some taken away for Cambs.
Membership report (MB)
1. Membership number reported
2. Current number of renewals reported
3. Grace period for renewing subscriptions agreed, until end of December 2009.
4. Impression had been that membership was on the increase.
Equality & Diversity report (TD)
1. TD, PMu, Zain Sardar and Jonathan Buckner attended the Hands Off My Workmate Conference at SOAS
2. International Womens´ Day event yet to be organised for spring.
3. JH reported that there will be a vigil against hate crime, following a homophobic murder, at Trafalgar Square, 7.30pm on Friday 30th October.
Regional reports
1. JH reported that there had been a welcome increase in regional reports coming through.
2. RS reported a rise in GL membership in West Mids, discussions about establishing a regional group.
3. Feedback from GL statement in support of standing down against Salma Yaqoob, who had contacted JH offering her thanks and support.
4. GL delegate to go to Respect Conference in Birmingham on November 14th.
5. SSJ co-opted as new Political Outreach Officer, will attend Respect Conference.
6. MB reported a by-election in Bedford, the Greens polled 3.3%
7. Some discussion about other groups on left organising for elections.
8. PMc reported on the Green Billboard Campaign outside Labour Party Conference, and indicated that GL had been approached to help in Brighton on Action Saturdays for Caroline Lucas´ campaign.
9. FB gave a summary of the current situation in Tower Hamlets.

Second part of meeting chaired by TD

Suspension of Tim Summers (TS) from Green Left email lists
1. At its meeting on 29th September 2009 GL Steering Group took the decision to suspend TS from the GL discuss and GL announce email lists until this General Meeting, where a decision on whether to take any further action should be taken. The reason for suspension was that TS had forwarded a section of the GL discuss list to an outside organisation (Socialist Resistance) without seeking the permission of the author. This suspension was in line with the GL email list protocol, which had previously been agreed by email and circulated to all members.
2. Email protocol formally adopted by unanimous decision.
3. Discussion about taking further action. It was noted that a number of members had indicated that they did not feel comfortable posting to the GL discuss list after it was revealed that TS had forwarded the email. Concerns were raised about protecting members right to privacy, and there was also concern that discussion and debate was being stifled with members� reluctance to post to the lists because of these factors.
4. Proposal: "TS should be suspended from the GL discuss and GL announce email lists for the current GL membership year (ie until 30th September 2010), but that his membership of GL is otherwise unaffected during this period should he choose to renew his subscription."
5. This proposal was carried, with 10 votes for, 2 against and one abstention.
6. It was agreed that AHt should inform TS of this decision, and to inform TS that he has a period of 28 days following the notification to inform the Steering Group if he wishes to appeal the decision.
Convention of the Left (COTL)
1. PMc gave a verbal report of the COTL event in Brighton.
2. Caroline Lucas addressed COTL in the morning session, stating that GPEW was anti-capitalist, and also indicated that she believed the Green Party should not stand a candidate against Salma Yaqoob.
3. It was reported that members of Permanent Revolution had heckled Caroline, flagging up the shortcomings of Green Parties in Ireland and Germany, selling out when elected and not being part of the anti-capitalist movement. A number of attempts to undermine the position of GPEW and GL had to be rebuffed during the day.
4. PMc chaired the Politics debate, discussing anti-BNP strategy.
5. Not clear when next COTL will be held, liaise with Peter Allen for updates.
CACCTU (PMu, RP)
1. CACCTu producing a document in conjunction with COIN, RMT, TSSA, PCS, CWU and selected academics, giving a fully costed plan for creating 1 million green jobs.
2. The document is planned to be available before Copenhagen, and to be available to download electronically.
3. Another CACCTU Conference will take place, with no date or venue yet decided. It is hoped that this will be a non-hierarchical event with few named speakers.
Postal Strike
1. GPTU motion, adapted and passed at London Fed, was adopted by Cambridge Green Party and received comment in the local paper. GL members to attend picket lines next week.
2. Discussion about wider political implications of strike. Struggle against privatisation with a now politicised worforce. Media broadcasting bias noted. Important to get dialogue going with CWU and offer messages of support across the country. Suggested that the Olympics may give excuse for Mayor of London to ban strikes on the Underground. Expected to be consistent attacks on public sector workers in the near future, but also a lot of industrial unrest and unions disillusionment with the Labour Party. Question asked where the class loyalties of the GPEW lie.
Campaigns
1. AHt gave brief verbal report of recent and forthcoming actions.
2. Stop the War march yesterday, Climate March on 5th December.
3. Other potential actions discussed, including demo against visit of Pope.
4. Ongoing process of response to WRB mentioned.
Brighton Action Days: Agreed that GL should participate.
Palestine Seminar: GL to co-organise event with Socialist Resistance in January, speakers include Joel Koel and Gilbert Achcar.
Working with the Left
1. Socialist Resistance had proposed a joint leaflet with GL for the Climate Change demo. This was not agreed by the meeting.
2. RP to speak at Socialism 2009
3. Some discussion about what levels to work with the left on. The opinion of some is that it should be organised at local or regional level.
Combatting the BNP
1. It was reported that Peter Cranie has had to move house since the European Elections due to threats from the BNP.
2. JH reported that GPRC is working on a strategy paper. Debate at national level about what exactly is GPEW policy on sharing platforms with fascists.
3. There was some discussion of what position GL should take.
4. Proposal: That GL should adopt a position of no platform for the BNP. Carried. 12 for, 1 against.
Conference motions
1. Deadline 30th November. Regular reminders to be sent out.
2. Suggested motions: No platform; Min/max wage; Lisbon; Improving links between adult/ childrens� social care; parliamentary Candidates to stand on platform of receiving average workers wage.
3. It was mentioned that there are proposals for revision of MfSS at next Conference.
Europe after Lisbon
1. JH reported that GPRC is producing a strategy paper, covering GPEW relations with the EGP, with sister aprties and what Europe will look like post-Lisbon.
2. Noted that the Irish Greens protested strongly after the GL fringe on coalitions at Autumn Conference.
Fundraising: Noel Lynch has offered to run a quiz.
Party Reform Working Group
1. Suggestions for discussion to include: Strengthening GPRC; Empowering spokespeople; Establishing a shadow cabinet?
2. Discussion to be encouraged on GL lists, Chris Cotton to be asked for his opinion.
GL website: JY volunteered to help update the website, with the possibility of using Wordpress
Next meeting: Next General Meeting to be arranged in Birmingham. Time, date and venue to be decided.

Draft minutes completed by Andy Hewett, November 2009

Minutes of GL Steering group Meeting, 29th September 2009, RFH, London

Present: Sue Tibbles (STi), Pete Murry (PMu), Malcolm Bailey (MB), Roy Sandison (RS), Teresa Delaney (TD), Jane Ennis (JE), Joseph Healy (JH), Andy Hewett (AH), Tim Summers (TS)

Apologies received: Phelim MacCafferty.
Minutes of previous meeting � Accuracy
OPT didn´t request stall at Autumn Conference because they reported that they had been "treated badly" at Spring Conference. Future attendance not ruled out.
Matters Arising
1. Conference Committee is being co-opted
2. Climate and Capitalism event deemed positive, and was attended by a number of people unattached to a particular organisation. Liam McUaid of Socialist Resistance (SR) to be approached for video footage for use on GL blog. STi highlighted the lack of creche facilities.
Autumn Conference
1. 2 successful, well-attended GL fringes. Unfortunately Jeremy Corbyn unable to attend Afghanistan fringe, a local STWC member stood in at short notice. Coalitions fringe was interesting. Bronwen Maher had informed the Irish Press that she was attending. PMu filmed both fringes.
2. Afghanistan motion passed but Darren Johnson succeeded in amending part of it.
3. Emergency Motion on SOAS/ migrant workers passed with one vote against.
4. No Vestas motion went to Conference but it was noted that Vestas was mentioned in both the Leader and Dep. Leader speeches.
5. Motion on ports and airports passed.
6. GL members were elected onto GPEx, SOC, Campaigns Committee and Policy Committee.
7. General discussion about other points of Conference. Noted that there was some anger expressed from Conference floor about comments made about home schooling made by Darren Johnson during the Education debate. Noted that the Just Transition panel and the Equality fringes were very good.
Vestas/ campaigns
1. TD gave a summary of recent events at Vestas on the Isle of Wight, some blades had been shipped out but some remained, the protesters´ camp had been cleared and public footpaths closed. JH noted that some Vestas protesters were up in court. STh added that protesters in Southampton had been arrested under anti-terrorism laws.
2. Battersea and Wandsworth TUC holding a meeting at PCS house in Clapham on 12th October. To include a panel on building wider Red/Green alliances. With emphaasis on Vestas and Copenhagen. TD to speak, along with speakers from trade unions and other political activists.
3. Noted that Caroline Lucas had made a statement about Vestas.
4. TD reported that Vestas workers had still not received redundancy packages.
5. General agreement that environmental/ Trade Union activists need to be mobilising, and that GL should continue to play an active role.
6. Stop The War Coalition (STWC): JH to be attending STWC steering meeting. Building for demo on 24th October. Some discussion about Iraq War Enquiry, the Af-Pak war and its potential influence on the General Election. Reported that George Galloway gave a devastating critique of the Lib Dems at the recent STWC Student Conference.
Islamophobia and the Far Right
1. Reports of the EDL and Casuals United marching, and that they are front organisations fro the BNP. Their attempt to march in Harrow was blocked by a counter demo, the bulk of which was comprised of young muslims. PMu and Martin Francis from GL were involved in the counter-demo, but it was noted that the local Green Party (Harrow) was conspicuous by its absence.
2. JH Reported that a Black GP member in London had resigned from the Party as they believed GPEW didn�t sufficiently support anti-racist action. It was emphasised during discussion that GPEW should be doing more work with BME communities and attracting members, which would make the Party a far better organisation.
3. Some discussion of UAF tactics, and the nature of their media output. RS suggested that Green Party should have stalls at events, and that emphasis of the message should be turned to jobs and the economy.
4. Discussion about comparisons between the fascists marching now and the NF in the 70s. STh remarked upon the tactics used by the ANL and RAR, and the need to get thousands of people on the streets to confront the fascists. Anti-fascist forces need to mobilise and need to be on the streets to influence. There must be a GP presence on all anti-fascist demos.
5. Discussion of forthcoming appearance of Nick Griffin on Question Time. JE stated that to counteract the fascist message the need is to communicate that only red/green policies can help the Working Class in a period of transition.
Working with the Left
1. RS gave update of the situation in Birmingham and the October referendum on standing down against Salma Yaqoob.
2. Motion passed: "GL Steering Group recommends that Birmingham Hall Green Party stands down against Salma Yaqoob" Passed Nem Con
3. JH will write a statement and circulate to the Steering group ASAP.
4. A request will be made to send a fraternal delegate to Respect Conference.
5. STh in contact with Joel Kovel and arranging January Palestine event along with SR.
6. Discussion about working with SR on events, and the question of what funding will be required was raised. It was agreed that in any arrangements and co-operation GL should indicate in advance how much it can afford to contribute financially. Noted that GL is a different sort of group to SR, particularly in terms of resources and fundraising.
7. Future international one-day event with SR was suggested.
8. Producing a leaflet in co-operation with other ecosocialist groups was discussed.
9. PMu reported that there is a �10 cost for the stall at COTL.
10. STh gave a brief summary of the COTL event in Brighton. Reported that Caroline Lucas had said that GPEW is anti-capitalist and used the term �we on the left�. Also indicated that John McDonnell had slated the Labour Party.
Pamphlet Sales
1. No clear picture of how many had been sold, although there was some opinion that sales had not been as successful as hoped.
2. STh reported that he had sold �120 worth and the rest of the money he had loaned would become a donation to GL. Steering Group issued a vote of thanks.
3. Any outstanding moneys owed from pamphlet sales can be paid directly into GL bank account, PMu to circulate account details.
Newsletter
1. PMu had run off a second version with larger font.
2. Total newsletter costs run up to £80
3. Suggested that the newsletter be put up as pdf on GL website.
Announce List
1. Secretary to send announcements to list, flagging up vital issues, demos, meetings, events.
2. Evidence was produced that TS has forwarded section of GL discuss list to SR, which is a breach of the email protocol. It was also flagged up that this was a breach of privacy and that it was not just a leak but a leak to an organisation outside GPEW. TS said that he did not know that the protocol existed, and he remarked that he had been �doing it for years�. A proposal was put forward to suspend TS from the GL discuss and announce lists until the next General Meeting when a decision could be made on whether to take any further action. This was agreed and noted that the suspension was from the email lists and not from membership of GL.
3. It was agreed that the email protocol should be sent around again as a reminder.
Co-convenors gave an oral report.
Treasurer report
1. Bank account has balance of £144
2. A reminder will be sent out of how to make a standing order to GL.
Membership report: MB co-opted as acting assistant Membership Secretary.
Equality and Diverstiy report
1. TD to liaise with STi for International Women´s Day.
2. TD suggested future work with representatives of the Global South in London, including migrant workers
3. October is Black History Month, TD to look into potential events.
No report from Youth and Student Officers
Political Outreach: Noted that there may be a reformation of the NO2EU project.
International report
1. JE reported on her visit to Livorno, to go onto GL blog.
2. Possibility of "Green twinning" raised and building up contacts in Italy.
3. JH in contact with disaffected Left Greeens in Europe.
4. Reported that Bronwen Maher was heavily involved in the No to Lisbon campaign.
5. Possibility of organising a post-Lisbon Conference mentioned. STh suggested a red/green meeting possibly including the Nordic GL, next summer.
Updating website: on agenda at next full meeting.
Future events
1. Heathrow expansion round table meeting.
2. SERTUC Trades Council meeting in November.
3. Black History Month
4. Tom Paine play at the Globe: GL visit suggested.
5. Reading group/ list set up.
Date for next General Meeting Sunday 25th October,

Draft Minutes completed by Andy Hewett, November 2009

Minutes of Green Left Steering Committee meeting: 4th August, 2009, RFH, London

In attendance: Malcolm Bailey (MB), Ken Burgess (KB), Joseph Healy (JH), Andy Hewett (AH), Pete Murry (PM),

Apologies for absence: Teresa Delaney (TD), Jane Ennis (JE), Roy Sandison (RS), Sean Thompson (STh), Sue Tibbles (Sti)

Minutes of GL Steering Committee meeting 7th July
To be agreed for accuracy on list going forwards. Draft minutes to Steering Group before approval.
Matters Arising:
1. Item 1(7). Reported that W Mids Green Party members called upon GPRC to take action against Chris Goodall, no action taken by Oxford Green Party. Chris Goodall may have repeated comments.
2. Item 1(10). JH written to Elise Benjamin and Maya De Sousa regarding OPT at Conference with no formal reply. JH will write again. Reported that OPT have decided not to request stall at future Green Party Conferences.
3. Item 1(16). Iceland � situation being monitored
4. Item 2b. Listing of Lewisham Bridge School has been upheld so building cannot be demolished. Next aim of campaign is to allow children back in to study at the school in September. Lewisham Councillors have issued a statement opposing other planned Trust Schools in Lewisham.
5. Item 14. After offer from comrade in Leeds to help with website, request for help with website remains open to offers.
6. Item 15. Email code of conduct drawn up by Andy Collingwood is adopted. There has been some correspondence on GL discuss list regarding Lewisham Bridge School, JH to refer a particular member under code of conduct if correspondence continues in the current tone.
Proposal to co-opt TD as Equalities and Diversity Officer. Proposed by AH, seconded by MB. Co-opted unanimously. Position to be endorsed at next full GL meeting.
Treasurer´s Report
1. £127 in bank account
2. PM noted that he had received £5 subs from TD but had not yet paid them in.
3. Discussion about how members can make payments into account by Standing Order or Direct Debit
4. Clarification requested on how much was loaned to GL by STh for pamphlets. £250 was announced to have been given, but it was uncertain how much had been covered by pamphlet sales. PM to follow up with STh
Membership Officer´s Report
1. Reminder to be issued in mid September and at Green Party Conference that subs will be up for renewal on 1st October. Members will have a month�s notice after 1st October.
2. Reported that 3 new members had joined, with another 2 potentially.
3. KB to give update of membership at next meeting.
4. PM and KB to liaise on notification process.
Summer Camp update
1. JH has booked room for Saturday 15th August in Friends House, Mount Street, Manchester. Agenda and speakers confirmed.
2. It was noted that this was an event for GL members only.
3. 4 comrades had indicated their intentions to travel up from London for the two days. KB issued an apology for not being able to attend. STh had indicated that he will travel up for the Saturday only.
4. GL members attending 190th anniversary of Peterloo Massacre event on the Sunday (16th August). JH to put out notice. JH recommended that PM read out Shelley�s �Masque of Anarchy� at the event. MB would like to see Peterloo Anniversary become a regular annual event along the same lines as Tolpuddle, Levellers´ Day.
Autumn Conference
1. Afghanistan fringe. 7pm on Thursday 3rd September. Jeremy Corbyn MP will be speaker, along with Farid Bakht (FB) from GL. Noted that the timing of the fringe is good as the Afghanistan Motion is likely to be discussed the following day. JH read out an email from Wilhelm Achelp�hler, a German Green who expressed their interest in the Afghanistan fringe.
2. Coalitions fringe. To be held at 1pm on Saturday 5th September. Bronwen Maher (BM), a former Irish Green Councillor, will be the main speaker. BM has requested accommodation for the night, JH to ask Phelim MacCafferty (PMc) to assist. JH has written an article on the Irish Greens for Green Left Weekly.
3. Announced that GPTU fringe will be on the Saturday evening, with Anne Gray and possibly Stalin Bermudez (SB). JH to liaise with SB.
4. Fringe organised by STi on "Digital Britain" will be clashing with the Just Transition panel organised by Cllr Romayne Phoenix. Possibility of getting a Vestas worker to speak on the panel.
5. PM will lend video camera for use at fringes, will need volunteers to operate it.
6. Stop The War Coalition have requested a stall
7. Discussion about having a GL stall. Noel Lynch (NL) has indicated that he would like there to be one. There is a question about how much material GL will have for the stall. Suggestion of having a laptop with powerpoints. AH to contact Leila Kersch about the possibility of a stall and if there will be a fee. Rota needed for minding stalls.
8. Problematic motions flagged up as being "Block of 37quot;, MEP replacement, and joint lists motions. Discussion of potential amendments. It was agreed to recommend motions that GL members could support or vote against.
9. Possible Emergency Motions to be submitted on Vestas and Low-paid workers.
10. Discussion of GPEX Candidates and blogs. JH had announced support for Tracy Dighton-Brown (TDB) on his blog. Derek Wall has pledged his support to TDB on her website. Suggestion that Rupert read has been involved in some form of telephone canvassing, NL and JH have made an official complaint to the ERO. Decided that GL Steering Group will offer critical support to Jayne Forbes and TDB, and will recommend members to vote accordingly.
11. PMc has announced that he will be having a GL Party at his house, he will announce the day in due course.
Newsletter
1. Suggested articles:
  1. Vestas, by AH, PM?;
  2. Schools, by Martin Francis;
  3. Nukes, by MB;
  4. Afghanistan, by FB
2. Mark Sanders-Barwick to be asked to design the layout.
3. Decided to do an initial run of 1000 lealfets, with 500 Conference inserts. To include joining forms and a statement of aims. Graham Lee to be approached for a quote.
Banner: AH and JH to liaise.
Climate and Capitalism Event
1. Vestas worker to be approached to speak (AH, JH)
2. GL members to publicise the event.
Convention Of The Left
1. Peter Allen has asked for feedback
2. caroline Lucas to be speaking at event
3. Stall has been confirmed
4. GL to build and publicise the event with leaflets.
Campaigns
1. Vestas: AH and PM had returned from two days on the IOW this afternoon. Reported that they had to continually apologise for the lack of Green Party presence at the factory, and that some people had said they were glad to see Green activists there finally. Simon Hughes MP (LibDem) had been outside the Vestas factory offering himself for photo-opportunities, but was not universally well-received. No contact had been established with the local Green Party. AH suggested the possibility of organising a minibus to take Green Party activists down to the IOW for the demonstration on Saturday 8th August. A Day Of Action has also been called by the Vestas Workers for Wednesday 12th August. It was indicated that IOW Green Party is supposed to have 15 members. JH will send a message calling for support on th eSouth East list.
2. Stop the War march � 24th October. Calling for troops out of Afghanistan. Decided that this event needs to built and planned for as soon as possible.
Fundraising Quiz
1. NL has agreed to do the quiz, probably in early October at the Lucas Arms, TBC.
2. Standing Orders to GL again suggested as another form of fundraising.
Luton: MB noted the recent demonstrations in Luton.
Army deserter: PM raised this as an issue, JH will find out more information from STWC
GL Regional Reps: AH thanked MB for travelling into London for the last two steering meetings, and made a request that all GL Regional Reps submit reports to all future steering meetings.
Next meeting: Next steering Group meeting to be held at 6.30pm on Tuesday 29th September, 2009, 1st Floor of Royal Festival Hall, South Bank, London.

Minutes completed by Andy Hewett, Secretary of Green Left, August 2009

DRAFT MINUTES of GreenLeft AGM of Saturday 20th June 2009 at GPHQ Archway, by Tim Summers, Secretary.

Attendance:Phelim McCafferty, Jane Ennis, Roy Sandison, Arthur Hayles, Chris Hyland, Mike Shaughnessy, Peter Allen, Chris Cotton, Payam Torabi, Andy Hewitt, Jonathan Essex, Brian Orr, Martin Francis, Malcolm Bailey, Ken Burgess, Sue Tibbles, Joseph Healey, Peter Murry, John Johnson, Noel Lynch, Farid Bakht, Anne Gray, Jonathan Buckner and Tim Summers.
Apologies for absence: Derek Wall, Peter Caspell, Katie Buse, Nick Foster, Sarah Farrow, John Nott, Steve Durrant, Gayle O'Donovan, Alan Wheatley, Aaron Kiely.
Minutes of GreenLeft AGM 2008 circulated and agreed.
Matters arising: Alan Wheatley would like a greater GreenLeft focus upon disability rights and Welfare Reform.
Academy and Trust Schools discussion:
1. Martin Francis, guest speaker, spoke for 10 minutes, summing up with slogans "Our taxes our Schools!" and "Reclaim our schools". Cllr Darren Johnson was also invited but declined to attend. Andy reported on Lewisham Bridge School: rooftop occupiers facing imminent eviction. Discussion noted its Trust School notoriety by Socialist Party, Newham hustings and report by Richard Lawson as well as the great pressure to create new school places.
2. Tim proposed a motion that the London Federation of 20th July should be persuaded to call on its delegates for a GPRC Inquiry at its meeting on 17/18th October 09, but with only 4 votes for, was heavily defeated.
Political update: Joseph reported the recent European Parliamentary election across Europe and UK for a general discussion. A shift to the soft-right conservatives and Euroskeptics and hard right fascists at the expense of Social Democrats and left (NPA fared badly), yet Greens did well. The European turn-out was lowest ever (allowed a fascist victory in N.West). Some thought the Hope not Hate/UAF position was hopeless. The rightward shifts in Italy, Spain, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Finland, Poland etc will recompose the European Parliament. Green coalitions with major/capitalist parties "were ruinous".etc.
Officers´ Reports chaired by Chris Cotton. Matters arising, high points were Palestine solidarity, economics debate, anti war fringes, pamphlet launch. There is a GreenRight. Questions; how green were the Nazis? Should the spy-photography of Green Zionists be banned? GL database has 81 members + 5 email addresses without I/D. GL subscriptions discussion resolved to keep �5 minimum per member per year with an appeal for donations by Standing Orders. Left Unity Liaison Committee has dwindled from 15 organisations to currently 6, but we'll stay in, Andy thanked. GL needs more Regional Representatives.
GreenLeft needs a new officer to monitor our 2 email lists, maybe a code of conduct as well eg Red Pepper´s. Offenders to be excluded from Discuss List, not Announce List...agreed.
Election of GreenLeft officers:

Co-convenors: Joseph Healey and Sue Tibbles.

Secretary: Andy Hewett.

Treasurer: Peter Murry.

Membership Secretary: Ken Burgess.

Political Outreach: Andy Hewett.

Press Officer:Phelim McCafferty.

Equality officer: to be coopted.

Trade Union liaison: Sue Tibbles.

Youth and Students: Jonathan Buckner.

Email Lists Moderator: Andrew Collingwood.

International coordinators: Jane Ennis, Joseph Healy and cooptees,

Campaigns Andy Hewett and Ken Burgess jointly.

Website (committee has not met, no progress).

Regional representatives: Andrew Collingwood, N.East, Nick Foster & Kate Buse, South West. Paul Frost, E Midlands. Gayle O'Donovan, North West. Phelim McCafferty, South.
Update on war in Afghanistan/Pakistan and campaigns discussion:
Payam urged quietness on Iran for now. Farid explained the war drive to control oil and gas pipelines across Afghanistan to western Europe and Eurasia, linking in to war in Pakistan. Afghanistan has copper: "terrorism" and opium are non-issues. He called for withdrawal of NATO troops, no replacement by UN troops, for a regional solution. Opinions on regional solutions differed between a Shanghai Corporation solution (China, Russia and ´stans) or a Muslim based local solution with Iran and Pakistan. The Taliban is a national resistance of war-lords, Al Qaeda and local gangs. Britain has been bombing Afghanistan for the last 8 years.

Convention of the Left and Left Unity Liaison Committee: Peter Allen recalled the resonance at the start of CotL in Manchester in early 2008, where the footsoldiers fared better than their London leaders. Next CotL will be in Liverpool on 12/9/09, then at Brighton, Brighthelm Community Centre, 26/9/09 from 10am to 4.30pm, beside the September conference of New Labour. CotL is supported by GL, LRC, SWP,Respect, Permanent Revolution, and CPB: Chris Hyland and Peter Allen are on the Steering Committee of CotL. Sean said that left sects are the past. For Left Unity Liaison Committee, see item 5 above.
Joint meeting with Socialist Resistance and Ian Angus on Saturday 12th September 09, Friends' Meeting House Euston, from 10.30 - 5.30pm. Romayne Phoenix will speak for GreenLeft; Sean Thompson will liaise.
Morning Star CPB Conference link on GL Website: discussion, Tim opposed but AGM endorsed overwhelmingly. Brian Orr was thanked for his �20 donation for a GreenLeft adverticement in MStar.
Autumn Conference, (4-7th Sept 09, Hove Town Hall) motions and fringes:
1. The deadline for amendments to conference motions falls in mid July. Joseph´s motion on Afghanistan (see item 8 above) will be supported by a GL conference fringe, perhaps with a speaker from Afghanistan.
2. Ann hopes to have a GPTU fringe with Alan Wheatley and PCS, with a pamphlet on ´Welfare Reform´
3. Jonathan will organise a conference fringe against Privatisation of public services.
4. Phelim will host a house party near Hove Town Hall on the evening of Saturday 5th September 09 - thanks!,
Items 13. Summer Camp and 14. Newsletter and Pamphlets were cancelled for lack of time.

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

Attendance: Sean Thompson, Joseph Healy, Payam Torabi, Farid Bakht, Peter Murry, Andy Hewett and Tim Summers.
Apologies for absence: Malcolm Bailey, Aaron Kiely, Sue Tibbles and Derek Wall.
.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.
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.
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.
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.

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

Attendance: Andy Hewett, Peter Murry, Joseph Healy and Tim Summers.
Apologies for absence: Sarah Farrow,Derek Wall, Payam Torabi, Malcolm Bailey, Farid Bakht, Phelim McCafferty, Sean Thompson, Sue Tibbles and Aaron Kiely.
Minutes of General Meeting of 18/4/09 and Steering Committee of 7/4/09
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´
GL bulletin #2 did not contain an article on health by Stuart Jeffreys, nor Motions on BJ4BW and nuclear energy.
Andy´s email digest is in progress, but no news yet of e newsletter from Farid.
Gl must monitor comments of Chris Goodall, Oxford Green candidate, ref nuclear power.
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.
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.
Optimum Population Trust: Joseph and Andy will continue to dissuade their inclusion in future Green events, eg Conferences.
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.
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.
SWC Conference report, Joseph, delegate reported that Hands Off Iran was refused affiliation, and that a sexist gaffe by Craig Murray was criticised.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Newsletter printing: Graham Lee to print another 300 for Burford and PSC demo. Imprinting with stickers? Updating?
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.

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.
Visitors, Duncan Chapel and Frank ?(Socialist Resistance), Ben Hart and Faith Kennedy (Climate Camp) and a speaker for NPA (France).
Apologies: John Johnson, Sarah Farrow, Jane Ennis...(more not recorded).
Introductions, briefly around the room.
Climate Camp speaker Ben Hart and discussion.
General discussion introduced by Andy Hewett.
Minutes of GL general meeting of Sunday 25th January 09 in Manchester circulated and agreed.
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.
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
People´s Charter: discussion and adoption: 1 million signatories needed. GL will propose adoption by GP London Federation.
Slogans discussion: "Workers for the world unite!" agreed and adopted as ´a´ GL slogan, not ´the´: GL slogan.
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.
GL Youth Officer: Aaron Kiely was elected until our AGM.
No to NATO protest at Strasbourg: Joseph reported on Franco-German paramilitary policing, searches and confiscations, etc.
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.
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.
Speaker from NPA (France), regarding the LCR turn to a mass anti-capitalist party.
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.
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.
Left Unity Liaison Committee, report by Andy: we should continue to participate and also with Convention of the Left.
Criticism of No2EU was agreed, text on GPTU blog.
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.

Attendance: Cllr Romayne Phoenix, Pete Murry, Andy Hewett, Jane Ennis, Farid Bakht, Joseph Healy (chair), Tim Summers.
Apologies for absence: Derek Wall, Sarah Farrow, Malcolm Bailey, Payam Torabi, Sue Tibbles, Sean Thompson.
Minutes of GL/SC of 4th February 09, agreed as correct.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
Email Digest: Andy Hewett will construct an internal digest for the GL announce list, then an external digest to those outside the Green Party.
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.
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: ": ...."
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.
Social event: Constructivist Exhibition at Tate Modern, TBA.
Any other business: Website captioning of EcoSocialist Manifesto 1 disputed. Peter will check if previous GL Minutes support his contentions.
Next meetings:
1. GL Steering Committee, 7th April, 6.30pm at RFH Southbank.
2. GL General Meeting, 25th April, TBA.
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

Attendance: Margaret Wright, Andy Hewitt, Derek Wall, Peter Murry, Joseph Healy, Romayne Phoenix, Sean Thompson, Jane Ennis and Tim Summers.
Apologies for absence: Sarah Farrow, Sue Tibbles, James Caspell, Payam Torabi and Farid Bakht.
Minutes of last Steering Cmmttee of 25th November 2008 agreed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Demos:
1. Obama in London, 2nd April 09:
2. Anti NATO, Strasbourg 4day event from 4th April 09.
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.

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.
Apologies for Absence: from Sarah Farrow, Andrew Collingwood, Chris Cotton, Malcolm Bailey, Paul Frost, John Johnson, Jane Ennis, Ken Burgess and Mike Prior.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Farid Bakht proposes a GL email bulletin on Egypt re Gaza.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Date of next meeting(s):
1. GL/Steering committee in February 09.
2. GL/AGM in June 09, tba.
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.

Agenda-setting discussion.
Minutes of GL Steering Committee of 8th October 08: agreed,
Matters arising: Peter updated our membership.
Finance: Sue Bineham , Treasurer has resigned and will pass the GL cheque book to Peter until cooption or GL/AGM in June 2009.
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.
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.
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.
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.
GL Policy Points consultation document to be circulated be GL email list for resolution at the next GL General Meeting in Manchester ,Feb 09.
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.
The Campaigns Officer Sarah Mitchell has resigned, a new candidate needed.
SOC: resignations by Steve Dawes and Mark Hill´s term of office ending create 2 vacancies at spring conference.
International Committee: Derek´s resignation creates 1 vacancy.
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.
Soiree at Romayne´s this Saturday.
CCTU: Peter and Romayne did not attend Saturday�s meeting, but conference is confirmed for Saturday 7th March 2009.
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.
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.
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.
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

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).
Apologies for absence: Sarah Farrow, Jane Ennis, Mark Sanders-Barwick, Chris Hyland, Tim Turner, Noel Lynch.
Introductions and Agenda setting.
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.
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.
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.
Finance & Membership: currently we have over 66 members thus (66 x £5) over £330. Joseph and Sarah will talk to Sue Bineham, Treasurer soon.
Website: adjourned to next Steering Cmmttee (on Tuesday 25th November 08).
Publications: Joseph re-elected as Editor for GL publications, matters deferred to future meetings.
GL Policy points consultation leaflet by Tim to be circulated by email.
Local forums: South London forum recently discussed Fuel Poverty "a step forward", and now seek a GL speaker.
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.
Next GL Steering Committee, Tuesday 25th November 08, 6.30pm, 1st floor, RFH Southbank, Waterloo, London SE1.
Next GL General Meeting in Manchester, February 2009,Saturday 28th preferred, tba.
London public rally for GL economic policy at LSE on a weekday in late January 09, deferred to Steering Cmmttee above.
GL pooled-fare proposal deferred to a future meeting.
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.
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,

Attendance: Sean Thompson, Joseph Healey, Peter Murry, Andy Hewitt , Farid Bakht, Tim Summers.
Apologies for absence: Payam Torabi, Sarah Farrow, Sue Tibbles, Cllr Romayne Phoenix, James Caspell and Sue Bineham. Aled Fisher has resigned from GL.
Minutes of GL General Meeting of Sunday 14th September 08 above the Lucas Arms, agreed.
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.
Minutes of GL Steering Committee of 22nd July 08 at RFH London, agreed.
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.
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.
Shall GL elect a Fundraising & Socials Officer at the General Meeting of Sunday 9th November 08, 2-5pm above the Lucas Arms?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Derek Wall has resigned from the GPEW International Committee; some regret.
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.
GL affiliated to the Campaigning Alliance for Lifelong Learning (CALL), ref Peter.
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.

Atunement for 1 minute.
Apologies for absence: Derek Wall, Sarah Farrow, Joseph Healy, John Johnson.
Introductions, briefly around the room.
Pooled Fare Scheme was proposed, discussed (nem con) but its introduction was deferred to our next General Meeting.
Minutes of last meeting, Headcorn Summer Gathering 16/8/08 circulated and agreed.
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.
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.
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.
.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.
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.
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.
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

Attendance: Joseph Healy, Pete Murry, Sarah Farrow, Farid Bakht, Derek Wall, Andy Hewitt, Tim Summers. Sean Thompson, Payam Torabi, James Caspell
Apologies for absence: Sue Bineham, Cllr Romayne Phoenix, Jane Ennis, Sue Tibbles. John Henry Marvin. Phelim MacCafferty
Co-options: James Caspell to act as TU rep jointly with Sue Tibbles.
Minutes of meeting of Monday 2nd June 2008: Accuracy date of Headcorn meeting 16/8/2008
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 r�sistance 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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Attendance: Sue Bineham, John Henry Marvin, Joseph Healy, Pete Murry, Sarah Farrow, Farid Bakht, Derek Wall, Andy Hewitt, Tim Summers.
Apologies for absence: Sean Thompson, Payam Torabi, Cllr Romayne Phoenix, Jane Ennis, Sue Tibbles.
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).
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.
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>
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).
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".
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.
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.
National Officers: discussed
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.
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.
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.
GreenLeft next General Meeting on Saturday 9th August 08 at Sarah´s pub, Headcorn, Kent.
Questions: can GL have another Summer Camp soon, a General Meeting in Manchester this winter and a Scottish GL?
The Meeting Closed-

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

AGM minutes 24 May 2008

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.

. Minutes of last AGM were not available

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

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.

European Report(Joseph Healy) Observers withdrew for this item. The full report is available on G,L email list.
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."

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)."

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."

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?)

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."

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)

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

Compass conference noted

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

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.

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.

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

THE MEETING CLOSED

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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