Nigel Hennerley is the Green Party candidate standing in the 2019 elections for Tatton. But if he were to be elected, what would he fight for in parliament? Find out where he stands on these key issues, which are at the heart of the Tatton Greens manifesto:
HS2
As you are probably only too aware, the High Speed Rail 2 project has been proposed to be built across much of our constituency. The effect of this mismanaged white elephant on our environment would be devastating, as well as impacting local communities and resident’s wellbeing.
"But would it be worth the sacrifice for the National Interest!", we hear the Tories exclaim.
Well, actually it would not. For HS2 to become carbon neutral would take 125 years.
It would see no less than 108 ancient woodlands under threat.
Additionally, whilst being marketed as a low carbon transport system, it is actually being designed with the intention to connect Birmingham and Manchester Airports, thus expanding air travel and increasing growth based on the ‘business as usual’ economics which threaten our climate.
The Green Party would shut down HS2 and redirect funds to improve local transports systems, reducing local traffic and giving free access to a low carbon transport source.
Farming & Food Production
Our countryside is a living ecosystem that is essential for the survival of human communities, both rural and urban. It has an innate value that cannot be assessed in solely monetary terms.
The Green Party believes that we all have an obligation to live within the natural limits of our environment and to adopt lifestyles that will not irrevocably damage the environment for future generations.
Food production is the basis for every functioning society, the original basic need. Here in Tatton we have an opportunity to support local grown food and our farmers that produce it.
Our principals are:
be sustainable over the short and long term;
provide nutritious and healthy food;
support diversity and local food markets;
be fair to farmer, distributor and consumer;
respect animal welfare.
Housing & Transport
The UK finds itself in a housing crisis under the current government. It is estimated that 320,000 people are classed as homeless in the UK, whilst we boast the 5th largest economy. Imaginative schemes, as proposed in the Green Party Housing Policy, are needed in order to address the issue of rural homelessness and to secure a supply of affordable homes.
A Rural Housing Agency will be established to keep under review the needs of people working in rural areas who might not be able to access homes through traditional routes.
Transport needs of rural areas differ from those of towns, yet too often the rural service is no more than the poor relation of an urban based system. Because of the inadequacy of rural facilities and employment opportunities, distances travelled are generally greater, involving greater expense than in urban areas.
Dependency on cars for essential trips is much greater, with many villages and remote communities having no, or an inadequate, public transport alternative. Such are the distances to be travelled the alternatives of walking or cycling may well be unrealistic.
'As the Tatton MP I would campaign for better bus services especially in places where services have been lost entirely, leaving many people - elderly and young alike - cut off and dependent on others.'
Economy
The linear economy that underpins the majority of our modern policy is based on the principal that we can grow and grow perpetually, without limitation. However this thesis is not compatible with the finite planet we live on, therefore we need to change our way of thinking and what we value in society.
The nature of some industrial sectors must change, such as from the linear model (resource extraction, production, and waste) to the 'circular economy'. For example, landfill and incineration will shift to reuse, repair and high-value recycling. Similarly, fossil fuel extraction must be replaced (not supplemented by) investment in renewable energy solutions.
New Industry areas will need to be developed and will create significant new employment, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises. Innovation is needed to deliver sustainability while reducing overall energy production and consumption.
'I see this as providing a great opportunity for Tatton to be part of the change. As the Tatton MP I would want us to be at the forefront of this Green evolution.'
If you would like any more information about Nigel Hennerley's policies, don't hesitate to get in touch by emailing nigelharbingers@live.co.uk