Green MEP for London, Jean Lambert, will welcome the launch of the East London Green Jobs Alliance, a new grassroots coalition of trade unions, NGOs and community organisations working together to create green and decent jobs for East London citizens, at its inaugural evening in Hackney on Thursday 22nd September.
Starting within the five boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham, Waltham Forest and Greenwich, the East London Green Jobs Alliance will seek to stimulate the local green economy and provide training and jobs for local people, especially the young and unemployed.
Jean has been a long-term advocate for green jobs as evidenced by her recent ‘What is a Green Job?’ campaign, launched in February with the premier screening of the ‘What is a Green Job?’ film at the Arcola Theatre, Dalston. The short film looks at how three London enterprises from across the city are using their successful businesses to contribute to a fairer society and a greener environment for all.
As a member of the European Parliament Employment and Social Affairs Committee, Jean has taken theopportunity to push the European Union to support new jobs in the environmental sector and changes in existing workplaces to help create a low carbon economy for future generations.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Jean said: "The change towards a sustainable economy is not only an ecological necessity but an important step towards securing fair employment and training for all, yet the UK continues tomiss out on possible new jobs thanks in part to a historic lack of investment.
"In the face of draconian public spending cuts, the East London Green Jobs Alliance is just the kind of grassroots initiative needed to trigger a green revolution in the east of the city, bringing essential opportunities to the young and unemployed. I wish the Alliance the very best as it seeks to build a fairer and greener community for future generations."
For further information about East London Green Jobs Alliance, please visit: http://www.otesha.org.uk/programmes/east-london-green-jobs-alliance
What is a Green Job?’ can be viewed on the Green Party YouTube Channel at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGSsAvSSQ14
Jean Lambert is one of eight MEPs representing London and one of two UK Green representatives in the European Parliament. Jean was first elected Green Party Member of the European Parliament for London in the 1999 European elections and was re-elected in 2004 and 2009.