Along with red, green is one of my favourite colours, the colours of the flag of my country of birth. Black and white are my other two favourite colours.
I haven’t come across a single person in my life who doesn’t appreciate the green spaces, clean parks and well-kept planters that are vital for our environment, our health, and our wellbeing. Nor have I come across any political party that has not contributed, in its own way, to maintaining and improving these spaces.
Greening Wingrove
During my time here in Newcastle, I have witnessed the efforts and contributions of both the previous Liberal Democrat administration and the Labour administration. My dear friend, comrade and colleague, the late Nigel Todd (may he rest in peace), who served as a Labour councillor for almost five decades, was a living example of commitment to green causes. Under his drive and leadership, Greening Wingrove was established.
The green agenda
For anyone to suggest that parties do not care or do not deliver on the green agenda is misleading. Equally, for any one party to claim sole ownership as the protector of the environment and the planet is also false and misleading. Each political party has its strengths, but to dismiss the efforts of others is unfair and wrong.
North East councils, like many across the UK, have suffered massive cuts under Tory austerity. This has directly impacted councils’ ability to maintain green spaces as we would all wish. However, the commitment of each authority remains within the limits of their resources.
This week, I joined my ward colleague, City Council staff and partners to clean a patch of Elswick and plant bulbs in two planters. Massive thanks to the council staff, partners, local activists and community leaders who joined us in the rain. My ward colleague and I are truly grateful to you all.
