A group of London Green Party councillors from 10 boroughs have publicly called out Mayor Sadiq Khan for the Metropolitan Police’s purchase of armoured vehicles from an Israeli weapons manufacturer directly linked to Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.

The SandCat vehicles, recently acquired by the Met, are manufactured by Plasan — a company deeply embedded in the Israeli Ministry of Defence and a core supplier of military equipment used in assaults on Palestinian civilians. These assaults have resulted in mass civilian deaths, the destruction of homes and hospitals, and what the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in January 2024 to be a plausible genocide.

Councillor Danny Keeling (Green Group Business Manager, Newham Council), who led the letter to the Mayor, said:

“Let’s be clear — this is a genocide. The ICJ has recognised it, and the world is watching it unfold. For the Metropolitan Police to be buying equipment from one of the Israeli military’s key suppliers is morally repugnant and politically indefensible.”

They added:

“These vehicles aren’t just war-tested — they’re genocide-tested. It’s an outrage that public money from Londoners is being used in this way. It makes our city complicit in crimes under international law.”

The councillors are demanding that the Mayor:

• Disclose what role he or his office played in approving the purchase
  
• Reveal whether any human rights or ethical due diligence was conducted
  
• Explain why such militarised vehicles are being deployed in London
  

The letter is signed by 18 Green Party councillors across 10 boroughs, including opposition leaders, council group leaders, and members with direct community links to those affected by Israeli military operations.

Councillor Keeling concluded:

“The Mayor cannot continue to look the other way. Londoners deserve a city that stands for justice and human rights — not one that funds weapons linked to ethnic cleansing.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• A full copy of the letter sent to the Mayor is here: LINK
  
• For press enquiries or interviews, please contact: [coordinator@london.greenparty.org.uk or 07794554446 for Danny Keeling]

The post Green Councillors Call Out Mayor Khan for Funding Genocide Through Police Procurement Deal appeared first on London Green Party.

Councillor Hau-Yu Tam 譚巧瑜 was joined by Green Party Deputy-Leader Zack Polanski today at the Catford Civic Suite to announce that she has now joined the Green Party.

Councillor Tam represents Evelyn Ward on Lewisham Council and has sat as an independent Councillor since leaving the Labour Party in July 2024. She left the Labour Party following months of attacks, including attempted expulsion, from within the Labour Party in Lewisham and at the London regional level over her support for justice for Palestinians.

By joining the Green Party Councillor Hau-Yu Tam 譚巧瑜 restores the Green Party presence on Lewisham Council and she will be the only opposition on a Council that has been completely controlled by the Labour Party since 2018.

Councillor Hau-Yu Tam 譚巧瑜 said:

“I’m so pleased to join the Greens and work together to take on our Government, corrupt actors, far-right forces and forces of capital locally and nationally. Since I left Labour, the Greens have welcomed me with universal solidarity and kindness, and what’s more, stood by me as comrades in the same fights. 

We have been in overlapping crises for many decades. The Greens are working alongside community-led groups and social movements to offer solutions rather than just management of problems. 

In the face of increasing barbarism, we must articulate a politics of care and love in developing concrete alternatives. We need to respond humanely to community divisions, exploitation and migration; build alternatives to austerity politics and neoliberal spending; make lasting action to halt the climate emergency and ongoing wars; and build back genuine democracy.”

Zack Polanski said:

“I am so pleased to be here to welcome Councillor Hau-Yu Tam 譚巧瑜 to the Green Party. 

Up and down the country I am meeting people constantly who feel strongly that the Labour Party no longer represents them and their values. 

In a political world dominated by the super rich, people are realising that the Green Party is the only party willing to stand up for ordinary people. We are building on the long tradition of rejecting the politics of despair and division and growing a politics of hope and solidarity.

I’m always proud to see Green Party councillors who are doing work both in their community and through Councillor Tams work – a champion for migrant rights too.

I know Hau-Yu will continue to be a wonderful Councillor for the communities here in Lewisham – their effective and bold voice in the Council chamber that will hold the Labour adminstration to account.”

NOTES:

Hau-Yu Tam 譚巧瑜 is a community worker, writer, campaigner, union rep and a primary school governor. She works in migrant rights & justice and advocacy. 

She was elected in 2022 as a Councillor in Evelyn ward, Lewisham – where she has focussed particularly on making communities safer and community spaces more sustainable and inclusive, scrutinising policing and carceral approaches, Borough of Sanctuary, and wrongdoings within the local Council/Labour leadership. She remains active with JCWI Migrant Champion Cllrs Network. 

Hau-Yu is the only non-Labour councillor on Lewisham council, and prior to her leaving the Labour Partyin July 2024, Lewisham has had no other Opposition Members since 2018.

The post Lewisham Councillor Joins the Green Party appeared first on London Green Party.

Cllr Chowdhury said his decision to leave Labour for the Green Party is “due to three key reasons – Palestine, anti-racism, and integrity”.

Cllr Chowdhury said: “I believe strongly in the need to oppose the collective punishment of civilians in Gaza. Labour’s eventual support for a ceasefire was very belated and after more than 10,000 Palestinian children had been killed. I was disappointed in the defence of the LBC comments on cutting off power and water in Gaza.”

Cllr Chowdhury said that tackling racism is one of his “primary motivations for being involved in politics” and that he “no longer feels Labour is a home for anti-racism”

“I believe Labour needs to rebuild its credibility on anti-racism. There are numerous examples of where I feel the Party has leant into racism, most recently with the comments about ‘sending back’ migrants to Bangladesh. This language is reminiscent of the National Front and is not in line with my pro-migration views.”

Cllr Chowdhury added “As a strong advocate of democracy, I am dismayed at the continued disintegration of trust in politics. I believe this is, in part, due to insincerity, false promises, and broken pledges. An important part of democracy is being clear about our principles and staying true to them.”

Cllr Chowdhury said his decision “has not been taken lightly” but that he is now “looking forward to contributing to the Green Party, who I consider to be more aligned with my political beliefs. They are pro-Palestine, pro-immigration, and pro-democracy. They are also focused on the most pressing issues of our time: climate change and climate justice.”

When Cllr Chowdhury formally joins the Green Group later this month, the Group will grow to three councillors, becoming the joint largest opposition group on the council, and is the Green Party’s 20th councillor across London.

Cllr Nate Higgins, leader of the Newham Green Group, said: “I’ve worked closely with Areeq on council committees and have seen his great work representing residents in his ward at Full Council. We know Areeq is a compassionate councillor who really cares for the people he represents and the issues he campaigns on. I’m so delighted he has joined the Green Party and I’m looking forward to welcoming him to the Green Group at Newham Council.”

Cllr Higgins added “I know this won’t have been an easy decision for Areeq, but his residents now have a representative who is free to represent them on the issues that clearly matter. Labour’s culture of silencing and controlling their elected members is toxic and deprives residents of actual representation. Labour has let down communities up and down the country and particularly in Newham, and I know many like Areeq will be looking at the Green Party in a fresh light.”

Cllr Higgins invited other Labour councillors to join the Greens: “I know there are many decent, hard working and caring councillors who are similarly dismayed at the state of the Labour Party. From Palestine to climate, from austerity to democracy – the Green Party are standing up for those who need it most, where Labour are not. I know they would feel far more at home in the Green Party. We are growing fast, and the Green Party provides a progressive, honest alternative and a chance to represent residents with integrity. Our door is always open.”

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By fielding candidates across the city, we aim to provide every voter with the opportunity to choose a candidate dedicated to sustainability, social justice, and meaningful climate action. Our candidates are ready to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the challenges facing our communities.

We look forward to engaging with Londoners throughout the campaign and working together towards a greener, fairer future.

You can find all our candidates here: https://www.greenparty.org.uk/our-candidates.html

The post Green Party standing in every London General Election Constituency appeared first on London Green Party.

Councillor Bienfait’s appointment reflects her strong commitment to environmental issues and to the Green Party’s principle of seeking to work constructively with other parties.

The post Nathalie Bienfait Appointed As Lead on Tower Hamlets Environment SCRUTINY Committee appeared first on London Green Party.

Siân stepped aside on Tuesday 7th May to allow Zoë to take up one of the Green Party’s three London Assembly seats in her stead. Zoë has a decade of experience in public service, with her last role in the NHS, and has been representing the Green Party on Hackney council since 2022. She joins Caroline Russell and Zack Polanski at City Hall.

Zoë Garbett AM said:

“I’m so honoured to take up this position working for Londoners. I’ve been speaking with and listening to people across London, hearing the vitally important issues they raise, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to take up those concerns at City Hall. 

“We need a more affordable city, with cheaper public travel and free school meals for all pupils, and we’re beyond a housing crisis.  We know London needs change, and I’m ready to get to work. 

“I’d like to thank Siân for all of her work here in London. She leaves behind a fantastic legacy, having achieved so much in her eight years on the Assembly from winning new funding for youth services and protecting sports facilities, to stopping bus cuts and pushing the Mayor into allocating money to buy up new council homes.

“Siân has been an inspiration to so many of us and a driving force for positive change.”

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https://www.itv.com/news/london/2024-04-16/the-london-debate-mayoral-candidates-go-head-to-head-to-win-your-vote

Snippet from X below:

The post ITV Mayoral Debate – Zoë Shines Bright appeared first on London Green Party.

Zoë Garbett, who is standing as the Green Party’s candidate for Mayor of London, said:

“London isn’t working for too many people in our city. We need a plan to refocus London for the workers and renters of our city.

“That’s what this Manifesto is about. Not a mayor sitting in City Hall, but a campaign on the side of workers and renters in every workplace, neighbourhood and community.

“For so many Londoners, the problems of our city start at home. As a private renter, I know how unaffordable London is. I know how unsecure it can feel when you know that your landlord can hike rents or kick you out with little notice.

“In our manifesto, we set out how we will tackle this. Big ideas, bold plans, rooted firmly in what Londoners are saying and need. That’s what the Green Party is about – being on the side of workers, of renters, of people.

“The time for a Green Mayor of London is now.”

The policies the Green Party would introduce to address the inequality across London include:

• Reduce transport costs, including by extending free bus travel to under 22s, providing free bus travel to people seeking asylum and reinstating free pre-9am travel for Freedom Pass and 60+ Oyster card holders.
• Provide free school meals for primary and secondary school children.
• Set up a rent commission to get a better deal for renters – by not only introducing a rent freeze, but ultimately bringing down rents.
• Make the Met earn that trust and confidence of communities, reducing the use of stop and search on young people and deprioritising the policing of drugs.

The party held the event in zone three to draw attention to the fact many Londoners have been priced out of more central areas where they lived in, grew up in and called home and were moving to boroughs like Waltham Forest or further.

The Green Party Deputy leader and Green London Assembly member, Zack Polanski, said:

“London should be a national and global leader but when it comes to housing our city has some of the most expensive and worse quality homes in the country. The current Labour Mayor has not done enough to address this.

“One of our key commitments in this manifesto is that we will deal with the lack of affordable and good quality housing right across the City.

“As a Green Mayor of London, Zoë will demand rent control power and will introduce a two-year rent freeze as soon as we get them. We will also set up a Rent Commission to look at bringing down private rents.”

You can download the Full Manifesto

You can download the Mini Manifesto

https://zoegarbett.london/the-time-is-now-green-party-launches-manifesto-for-london

The post “The time is now.” – Green Party launches manifesto for London. appeared first on London Green Party.

London needs a Mayor that will hold The Met Police to account:

Green Party candidate for Mayor of London Zoë Garbett has already delivered in Hackney and is ready to do this for London.

Video on London Green Party YouTube

The post Zoë on policing appeared first on London Green Party.

The report, which was published on 21 March 2023, describes The Met as being institutionally racist, misogynist, homophobic and disablist. 

Baroness Cassey referenced racist officers and staff, routine sexism, and “deep-seated” homophobia.

Zoë Garbett, said “The failure to accept that the Met is institutionally racist after it was set out so clearly in report after report – most recently in Casey review is inexcusable.  

“The Commissioner could have accepted that charge but he chose not to. Londoners can see the disproportionality in policing and this desperately needs addressing.

“The police are meant to be there to keep Londoners safe – and the reality is for decades  many people don’t feel that is the case.

“Greens in City Hall have been the fiercest voice calling for a change in the way we do policing in London. But until the service recognises the issues, we can’t start the process of rebuilding trust.”

The Green candidate also pledged to focus more on local community policing which was another recommendation in the Casey Review.

Garbett added, “A Green Mayor would restore community policing and invest in supporting Safer Neighbourhood Boards and panels which represent local communities at borough and ward level where residents can direct priorities and hold the Met to account. 

“This would also help improve trust between the community and the police by creating regular communication and allowing local people and businesses to have much more input into local policing priorities.”

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