An influential report published today by MPs on the state of the nation’s health could have been taken straight from the Green Party Manifesto, Darren Johnson claims today.
"My policies for scrapping new roadbuilding, better provision for cyclists and walkers, a ban on the advertising on junk food and safe routes to schools are totally consistent with this new report, said Green Mayoral candidate Darren Johnson.
Darren continued, "One of my strategic goals is to create a London where there is less need to travel by private transport, whereby amenities are integrated locally. I want a London where essential services are within walking distance for everyone. My local London policies ensure that quality of life is top of the political agenda."
Specific policies include:
Extending the congestion charge to combat the damaging effect of air pollution. Over half London’s Boroughs fail EU Air Quality Standards. A new charge of £4 for outer London would be implemented with a 90% reduction for residents travelling locally.
Darren said, "Such a policy would create safer streets and encourage cycling and walking, especially for schoolchildren. It would also significantly cut down on the number of deaths on London roads and reduce the amount of respiratory illness."
10% of all journeys by cycle by 2008.
Increase the cycle budget four fold.
Create a Green Route Patrol
Darren said, "This would create safe routes for cyclists and the creation of a Green Route Patrol combined with my other transport policies would ensure that cycling is safe on our streets."
Banning junk food and drink vending machines from schools.
Darren said, "Nutrition lessons should be brought back into schools and every school child should be given the option of a healthy dinner at lunch times, free from additives and preservatives."
The promotion of farmer’s markets, 1000 new allotments and a GM free London.
Darren said, "Everyone has the right to a healthy and affordable diet. Food should be produced without cruelty, and as locally as possible."
Darren concluded, "London’s health inequalities reflect the poverty divide. People in London’s poorest boroughs can expect to die six years before those in its richest. This is totally unacceptable in modern day London and I pledge as Mayor that I will do all I can to ensure quality of life for all is top of my political agenda."
NOTES TO EDITORS
· Darren Johnson is 38 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.
· The Mayoral election will be held on June 10th 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.
· Jean Lambert is London’s Green Member of the European Parliament and she is No 1 on the list for the London Green Party. Her website is www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk
· Green Party Assembly Members are Cllr. Darren Johnson AM, Deputy Mayor Jenny Jones AM and Noel Lynch AM
· Biographies for all candidates are available from London Press Officer, Penny Kemp 07711 760692 or penny.kemp@virgin.net
ENDS
· Published and promoted by Chris Cotton on behalf of London Green Party both at 1a Waterlow Road, London N19 5NJ
· Printed by Penny Kemp, Press Officer on behalf of London Green Party at 1a Waterlow Rd, London N19 5NJ