“London has the ability to lead the world in becoming a sustainable city which puts social, economic and environmental justice at the top of its political agenda. My 12 point action plan is the beginning of that vision and as Mayor of the worlds most famous city, I would provide that visionary alternative that is so desperately needed for today’s modern world," said Darren.
“Now that Ken has rejoined Labour, The Green Party is the only serious choice for those voters that want policies based on peace, justice and equality for all. Opinion polls already indicate my vote will rise significantly as a result of Livingstone rejoining Labour,” he continued.
Darren’s 12 Point Action Plan
1. Creating 80,000 new jobs in the transport and environment sector as well as new jobs in the creative industries, manufacturing and local public services.
2. Reducing traffic through a £3,000 a year parking levy on company car-parking spaces and expanding the congestion charge scheme.
3. Ensuring all vital public services, such as healthcare, libraries and post offices are within walking distance for everyone and are of a decent quality.
4. Making solar panels compulsory in all new developments to combat climate change.
5. Pushing for the introduction of congestion charging for air traffic and opposing airport expansion.
6. Creating 1,000 new allotment plots in London to improve the local environment and promote local food production and ensure protection of all green space.
7. Reducing the 30mph speed limit to 20mph and ensuring there is a safe route to school for every single school in London
8. Setting up a devolved "Housing for London" unit to end homelessness and ensure London provides high quality, truly affordable social housing.
9. Ensuring a living wage for all low-paid workers in London and an increased London Weighting to £4,000.10. Focusing of police resources on violent, corporate and hate crimes – not personal drug use and victimless crimes.
11. Adopting a Zero Waste target to maximise recycling and shut down our existing incinerators.
12. Establishing a GLA Strategy for Animals to tackle animal suffering and abuse – including a non-animal medical research centre and tissue bank for London.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. Darren Johnson is 37 and was selected as the Green Party’s candidate for Mayor of London in May 2003. He was elected to the London Assembly in May 2000 where he is Leader of the Green Party Group. He was also elected to Lewisham Council in May 2002.
2. The Mayoral election will be held on June 10th next year at the same time as the elections for the London Assembly and the European Parliament. At the last Assembly elections the Greens scored one of their best ever results in the Party’s history, securing 11.1% of the vote across London and winning three seats on the 25-member Assembly.
For further information and to arrange interviews with Darren Johnson contact Penny Kemp on 07711 760692
ENDS