“Green Left calls upon our fellow Green Party members in Birmingham not to stand a candidate in the constituency of Birmingham Hall Green in the coming general election in order to give a strong, progressive and environmentally aware candidate the chance of taking the seat. We believe that Salma Yaqoob of Respect is the candidate most likely to do this and her victory would be a victory for all those opposing the policies of privatisation, war, greed, racism and environmental destruction.
"We believe that this is an opportunity for the progressive movement in Birmingham to unite behind one candidate and not to make the mistakes of the European election, where a divided Left opened the way to the election of racists and bigots. For the benefit of the people of Birmingham and of radical politics in this country we ask the Green Party in Birmingham to stand aside and not to oppose Salma Yaqoob. We are firmly of the belief that this will benefit both the Green and progressive movements in this country and send out a signal that we are serious in challenging the neo-liberal economic policies of the three main parties as well as Fascism and racism.”
Joseph Healy, Co-Convenor Green Left
5 comments
James · 1 October 2009
Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. I actually already thought there was some kind of mutual agreement but this is fantastic news.
Does this Greens step-down only apply to Salma or other Respect cnaiddates?
Regardless, good luck to Salma in Birmingham Hall Green and good luck to Greens everywhere else! :)
RobM · 1 October 2009
An excellent statement and one which I will reproduce in the next Birmingham Socialist Bulletin.
However, I wonder if anyone from Green Left can clarify the position on Bethnal Green and Bow where, I believe, the Greens have not only selected a candidate but one who is actually a Green Left supporter?
ben · 2 October 2009
Hi Rob
How do i get the Brum socialist bulletin?
Admin. · 2 October 2009
Ben, if you send an email to midlands@socialistresistance.org then we can email it to you. If you want a hard copy, send our office four first class stamps and your address.
Derek Wall · 27 October 2009
The Greens in Hall Green have voted to support Salma, very good news and a credit to ecosocialists in both the Green Party and Respect.
What we need to do is get people out doing some election work to support her.