The image itself is beneath contempt. Yet it is even more terrifying to reflect that for Reform UK, this is nothing new. This act of antisemitism represents only the latest demonstration of Reform’s openly racist and fascist platform. Nationally, they have been at the forefront of fuelling a rising tide of hatred, and discrimination. And on Reform UK Brighton & Hove’s Facebook, this antisemitic attack on Zack Polanski was followed yesterday by a further racist graphic declaring New York Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to be a terrorist. 

Brighton & Hove remains a city that is anti-racist, anti-fascist and that stands firm against hatred. Two weeks ago, Brighton & Hove Greens were proud to join more than 600 people at the Stand Up to Racism Unity March. We note that this follows our own party members being subjected to explicit antisemitic abuse in the public gallery during a council meeting earlier in the month. We will continue to stand against antisemitism and racism in any form – and stand in solidarity with Zack Polanski against such abuse.

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There can be no question that Simon Charleton’s comments are beyond unacceptable. As a city, Brighton & Hove stands firm in holding values of inclusivity, in standing alongside marginalised communities against discrimination and hatred, and in our City of Sanctuary status. Brighton & Hove Greens stand in full solidarity with trans and non-binary residents, and against the ‘hostile environment’ that Labour continue to operate.

At a time when migrants are being demonised, and where trans people are used as political scapegoats both in the media and by establishment political parties, Brighton & Hove Labour must answer for why they have selected a candidate who so clearly stands against the values of our city, and whether his views reflect their own. 

Posts shared by Simon Charleton include content echoing false, far-right narratives around small boats and immigration, as well as further posts that amplify cruel, transphobic talking points. Brighton Kemptown, where Queen’s Park is situated, has one of the highest proportions of trans people in England and residents deserve to know exactly where the Labour candidate stands on these issues of human rights and equalities. 

Labour council leader Bella Sankey has previously gone against her national party’s anti-trans narrative, including her defence of the vital Trans Inclusion Toolkit, and deserves credit for this. But she must now explain why she is enthusiastically campaigning for a Labour candidate who has publicly spoken against this resource. If she is prepared to support a candidate who is not only unwilling to support our trans and non-binary residents, but who is actively participating in discrimination against them, then questions must be asked about how sincere her solidarity really is.

An urgent clarification is needed as to whether these views are accepted by Brighton & Hove Labour Party.

Notes for editors:
Posts made by Simon Charleton are documented here: https://x.com/PinkieBrighton/status/1962437220406546748 

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Labour is abandoning our city. This is the 6th local council by-election in Brighton & Hove in two years, all of which have been caused by resignations of Labour councillors. This is the 2nd in Queen’s Park alone, with both Labour councillors elected in 2023 now having stepped down. Voters across the country are abandoning Labour, and in Queen’s Park we’ve already been hearing on the doorstep that people are putting their trust in us as the only bold and necessary alternative.

Marina and the Green Party will be fighting this election to work hard, speak up and get things done for our communities, which have been let down by a Labour-run council that refuses to speak out for our city or stand up to Keir Starmer’s shameful leadership. Whilst Labour councillors are too scared to challenge their own government, Greens will never stop speaking up for local people.

Marina, who works as a teacher and researcher, lives locally and has worked in the ward. Marina is an active campaigner, having fought previously for housing and land reform, as well as supporting neurodiverse communities and charities.

Labour have shown they cannot be trusted to put the people of Brighton & Hove first. The Green Party are the only party offering a real answer: introduce a wealth tax on the top 1%  and take on destructive corporations like Southern Water so that we can invest in a city that ordinary people can actually afford. 

Marina will speak up for every resident, fight for improvements to basics such as bin collections, social housing, and playgrounds, push back against Brighton College’s endless expansion, call for rent controls to bring down spiralling rents, demand action on protecting trans and disabled rights and an end to complicity in genocide.

Marina Lademacher, Green Party candidate for Queen’s Park says:
“I’m delighted to have been selected as the Green candidate for Queen’s Park. I’ve already been out speaking to residents who feel abandoned by the Labour Party and are clear that they want a real alternative to Labour austerity – someone who will listen to and speak out for them. We need truly affordable housing, rent controls, an end to homelessness and for the wealthiest to finally pay their fair share. If elected, I’ll never stop working to fight for the fairer, more equal Brighton and Hove we all deserve.”

Sian Berry MP, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion says:
“I have seen just how hard Marina works and cares about the local community. With huge public support and momentum behind her campaign and the Greens, she will soon be an amazing councillor, and another vital opposition voice to Labour in our city.”

Councillor Steve Davis, Green Group Convenor & Leader of the Opposition says:
“Marina is the absolute epitome of hard work and passion and would make an excellent councillor for Queen’s Park. Given this is the sixth by-election the administration has landed on residents in two years, Queen’s Park residents have the opportunity to vote for someone who will stay the distance and represent them with real passion.”

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The seat was won by Labour with a reduced majority. At the last local council elections in 2023, Labour won by over 1000 votes – but this time the gap was reduced to just 209 votes.

Greens say this should be a ‘warning sign for Labour’ after their record on both the council and in Government has been called into question by the result.

Geoff Shanks, Green party candidate says:

“I want to thank the residents’ of Westbourne and Poets’ Corner for their support throughout the campaign.

“The result is a clear warning sign for Labour.  I am disappointed to not be joining the Green Group on the council, but Greens will not let this result stop us standing up for the voters who repeatedly told us they wanted Labour to do better for our country and our city.”

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This council by-election has been called following the resignation of Labour councillor Leslie Pumm. Greens say that Geoff is the candidate to “hold Labour to account”. 

Geoff lives in the ward with his wife Sue, who is currently a Green councillor. He is a retired accountant and is currently treasurer for a local charity. He also volunteers for a national mental health helpline.

Greens came second in the ward in the last council elections in 2023, where Geoff Shanks was one of the two Green Party candidates. 

Geoff Shanks, Green Party candidate says:

“I am thrilled to have been selected by local members to stand in this by-election in the ward I live in. I know the area and the community well and would like to do my best to make our area better. 

“This by-election is an opportunity to push Labour politicians towards a more progressive and green agenda – not more Labour cuts. Labour have broken election promises in both Government and the council. Only by electing a Green can you ensure that your voice is heard on all the key issues.”

Councillor Steve Davis, Leader of the Opposition says:

“Geoff is a committed member of the community and we would be delighted to have him join the council as a Green councillor. 

“This election will be between the Greens and Labour, so every Green vote counts. Another Labour councillor will make no difference to how this council works. For another voice to hold Labour to account, Geoff is the only choice to vote for.”

ENDS

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Community Not Cuts – UNISON Rally
Thurs 30th Jan, 3:30pm, Hove Town Hall
Event link: https://fb.me/e/2vbwUy9H8

“More cuts. More job losses. fewer services. without a people’s budget, more decline is on the way for Brighton and Hove.”

A Labour Council, and a Labour government – yet Brighton & Hove UNISON’s warning about what’s to come for our city is simple. Unless Labour support a true people’s budget, vital public services will continue to collapse. Our schools, our communities can’t take anymore cuts. Labour were elected promising change – so far all they’ve offered is more of the same.

This Thursday, Brighton & Hove Greens will be bringing a motion to Full Council supporting UNISON’s campaign to #BringItBack and reverse over a decade of austerity measures in which the national government has taken £110 million that could have gone towards our transport, schools, parks, communities, and care. Local government services continue to be squeezed by rising costs and central government’s refusal to provide the necessary funding. If Labour want growth, they must recognise that public investment, not cuts, are the only answer.

Before the meeting, Brighton & Hove UNISON, Brighton Hove and District Trades Union Council, and Collective Action will be rallying for Community, Not Cuts – supporting of the Green motion, and calling on Brighton & Hove City Council to stand up to central government, and stand up for Brighton & Hove.

Join us tomorrow, Thursday 30th January at 3:30pm outside Hove Town Hall, and join us in saying enough is enough. Brighton & Hove needs a people’s budget.

Find out more about the rally here: https://fb.me/e/2vbwUy9H8

The post #BringItBack – Greens support UNISON in calling for a People’s Budget for Brighton & Hove appeared first on Brighton & Hove Green Party.

Since winning an extra council seat at the Brunswick & Adelaide by-election in Hove on 4 July, Green councillors have been due to receive an extra seat on the council’s committees.

Despite multiple attempts to meet with the Labour administration and discuss where this allocation should be, Greens were told yesterday (19 September) that their new seat will be on the non-political Licensing Committee, rather than the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) which helps to oversee the wider performance of the Council.

Greens claim the move is a politically-motivated one, designed to avoid proper scrutiny from the official opposition to the Labour administration.

Currently, Greens have just one seat on the Place OSC – having a second would give them enough councillors to put forward Notices of Motion and propose amendments to items on the agenda, giving them a louder voice and more opportunities to drive the Committee’s agenda.

Earlier this year, Labour changed the council’s governance system from Committee to Cabinet, putting decision-making powers in the hands of 10 Labour Cabinet Members despite making no reference to this in their local election manifesto.

As part of this process, two ‘Overview and Scrutiny’ Committees – ‘Place’ and ‘People’ – were created to scrutinise Cabinet Member decisions.

Steve Davis, Leader of Green Group said: “This is a clear attempt by the Labour administration to stifle democracy and shut out opposition voices. Their switch to the less democratic Cabinet system earlier this year had no mandate from residents, and now they are trying to avoid proper scrutiny by blocking opposition members from the very committees that are supposed to keep the administration in check.”

“It’s more obvious than ever that Brighton & Hove Labour reflect the increasingly authoritarian nature of their national party and are not remotely interested in proper debate and scrutiny. Despite what [Labour council leader] Cllr Sankey may think, people in this city who didn’t vote Labour still deserve their voices to be heard, and to be properly represented within this council.”

Notes

One of Labour’s own councillors, Joy Robinson, is currently under investigation after appearing to brag about Greens having “no voice” in the council, in a now-deleted tweet: https://www.brightonandhovenews.org/2024/09/18/here-are-the-reasons-for-the-latest-complaints-about-councillors/

Seats on committees are allocated based on the number of councillors of a political party. Prior to the by-election on the 4 July, Greens were allocated eight out of the total 63 seats – their win at the by-election increased that number to nine.

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17 September 2024 – Brighton & Hove Green councillors are proposing that Brighton & Hove City Council should award the prestigious Freedom of the City to Brighton Table Tennis Club (BTTC), in recognition of the incredible work they do in the city and their outstanding achievements at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Brighton Table Tennis Club has long been a beacon of excellence and inclusivity in our community, creating a space where people from all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can come together and discover a love for table tennis.

The recent triumphs of Bly Twomey and Will Bayley, who together brought home multiple medals in Paris, have been an immense source of pride for the city and speaks to the incredible work that Brighton and Hove Table Tennis club have done over the past 17 years.

The Freedom of the City is one of the highest honours that Brighton & Hove can bestow; it is reserved for individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the community.

Brighton Table Tennis Club has not only excelled in their sport but has also played a vital role in promoting physical activity, mental well-being, and social cohesion within the city.

Greens are calling for these proposals to be put before councillors at the next meeting of Full Council on 24 October.

Councillor Pete West, Shadow Cabinet Member for Sports and Recreation, said: “The achievements of the Brighton Table Tennis Club at the Paris 2024 Paralympics are nothing short of extraordinary. Their dedication to the sport and their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all players, regardless of background and ability, is truly inspiring. We believe that awarding them the Freedom of the City is a fitting tribute to their hard work and success.”

Table tennis player pic: www.freepik.com

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Green Party conference delegates burst into huge applause and gave a standing ovation for Brighton’s former Green MP Caroline Lucas as she addressed the conference with a passionate valedictory speech about the future of Green politics.

Caroline represented Brighton Pavilion constituency for 14 years as Brighton’s and the UK’s first and only Westminster MP.

She was elected in 2010 and re-elected three times, standing down in July. Brighton Pavilion voters elected Green Sian Berry in Caroline’s place.

Caroline’s parting words at conference: “Another world is not only possible, she is on her way, and sometimes I can hear her breathing…” (Arundhati Roy) Thank you.”

The Green Party of Brighton & Hove pay tribute to her years of service to constituents, the country and the planet.

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Wednesday’s counter-demonstration showed hope will always win against hate in Brighton and Hove 

9 August 2024 – Brighton and Hove Green Party were proud to join the thousands of counter-protesters who flooded Queen’s Road in Brighton to protest peacefully against the threat of organised racist and Islamophobia violence on the streets of our city on Wednesday.

The anti-racist crowd vastly outnumbered a tiny group of anti-immigration protesters. 

The racist protesters in the city on Wednesday were few and believed to have come from outside Brighton and Hove, as part of a targeted online campaign.

Greens are clear that these people are not welcome in our city and we are proud to have stood with the people of Brighton and Hove in opposition to these attacks on our communities. 

Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, Sian Berry, was among the counter-protesters along with city Green councillors Steve Davis, Kerry Pickett, Sue Shanks, Pete West and Ollie Sykes. 

Brighton and Hove is a proud ‘City of Sanctuary’, which celebrates diversity and is a safe, welcoming place for refugees. These values are embedded in our communities and across the city and will remain so.

Pic: Green city councillors Kerry Pickett and Steve Davis at the anti-fascist counter-rally.

Greens are clear that what is happening on streets across the country is not ‘thuggery’ but organised political violence perpetrated by fascist, domestic terrorists. This cannot stand and it is imperative that the Labour government starts to call out this violence for what it is and take action accordingly. 

Steve Davis, leader of the opposition on Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe living in our city. We want to support our residents in countering the wider impacts of this hatred that has made some people feel they cannot belong here if they do not fit within a fascist’s view of society.”

Greens stand in solidarity with every community that has been attacked or threatened by organised political violence on our streets in recent weeks.

Greens also support the police and emergency workers who are protecting the people in these communities as well as the community leaders and individuals working to bring communities together in the face of a political campaign that aims to divide us. 

Please reach out personally where you can to show solidarity with Muslim people and members of other ethnic minorities in your community. Together we can show that solidarity and love are stronger than hatred and fear.

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