Green Hero - Andrew Brown
A Carbon-Free Future Delivered Fairly
This is the aim of our Liberal Democrat candidate for Bristol South, Andrew Brown. Apparently a safe Labour seat since the 1930s, Andrew hopes to channel the former Liberal MPs who held the seat from 1906 to 1929. It is very clear that Andrew has a strong sense of social justice and he took part in Bristol's 'Sleep-Out' in October this year raising funds for the cause with a Just Giving page.
Why am I standing?
Writing for the benefit of his local voters Andrew tackles an introspective question many candidates never bother with...
"First, I believe that people deserve a choice of candidates at an election and, in particular,
I believe that should include someone with a Liberal perspective…
Second, I believe that the big two parties have let down our country: historically
as well as over the past 3 and half years. People and areas that have been left
behind were sold the proverbial "pig in a poke" in 2016 - and they are
precisely the people and areas that have most to lose
if Brexit goes ahead…
Third… Climate Change: taking action to reduce our CO2 emissions, and living
more sustainably, is critical. The Liberal Democrats have developed a
comprehensive plan to do this, including measures to engage people and
mitigate the impacts on the poorest in society…"
Climate Change is the biggest challenge facing the world. It needs to be tackled at all levels: by the UN, the EU, the UK, our regions and nations, local authorities and individuals. But it needs to be tackled fairly...
"Creating an independent Just Transition Commission to report to Parliament on the costs and benefits of net zero policies and provide advice on how to ensure that the transition delivers high-value employment opportunities. We need to ensure that disadvantaged groups are protected, with the benefits shared fairly between income groups, industries, and regions."
Greening the administration
A Liberal Democrat government would establish a new Department of Climate Change and Natural Resources and appoint a Chief Secretary for Sustainability, with a remit to ensure all government departments and policy are consistent with achieving net zero. We would also earmark more of the International Aid budget for addressing Climate Change and its impacts.
The latest from the campaign trail is that the Tories plan to merge the Department for International Development (DIFD) with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office - likely moving a long way from the non-partisan agreement that we should match the UN target of 0.7% of GDP directed towards development goals around the world.
Making Change Happen
Andrew Brown is a key member of the Liberal Democrats team which can, together, make environmental change happen in Parliament, so we'll be doing all we can to help get him elected. Will you join us?
For more Green Heroes go to the Green Heroes front page here >>> https://greenlibdems.org.uk/en/page/green-heroes
