North East of England Green Party (NEEGP)

     The Green Party is part of the wider Green movement - a movement of many groups and individuals who are campaigning on a huge variety of issues. From genetically modified food to climate change; from animal rights to social justice; from those who are active campaigners to those who work for change through their own personal lifestyles - the green message is getting louder every day.

     But it is not enough. The Green Party actively supports non-violent campaigning on green issues and protesting from the outside is necessary. However, getting inside the council chambers and assemblies where decisions are made is what really makes the difference. We contest elections at all levels of government, even though the voting system for most British elections is unfair.

     And we are making progress. The number of Green councillors at all levels of government is growing. We hold seats in the European Parliament, the Scottish Parliament and the Greater London Assembly. Wherever it is elected, the Green Party is challenging institutions and bringing fresh ideas into politics. In Lancaster, just seven Green councillors have successfully fought off greenbelt developments, introduced recycling services and play areas, and made sure developers don't get it all their own way. Recently we revealed a secret council decision to financially support the nuclear power industry. We even shamed British Energy into giving the council its money back!

     In the north east, we have a number of Green parish and town councillors as well as a district councillor, Nic Best, who sits on Castle Morpeth District Council in Northumberland. Individual members are closely involved with transport issues and consultations, farmers' markets, peace campaigning, defending public services and environmental protection.

     > NEEGP website

     Furthermore, Green Party involvement in politics over the last decade has encouraged the development of policies such as kerbside recycling, support for organic farming and local food, and awareness of climate change.