Chloe-Louise Reilly is the Green Party candidate for Tynemouth
North East Bylines asked candidates for our 27 constituencies ten questions on a range of subjects. We will be publishing their answers over the next few weeks.
1, What is your plan for economic revival in the North East?
I’ll push for a Green Economic Transformation, investing in renewable energy, retrofitting buildings with better heating systems, and modernising public transport. I’ll fight to bring utilities back into public ownership to ensure they serve us, not shareholders. I’ll support local small businesses by advocating for regional mutual banks and I’m pledging £250 a month to help our local communities thrive. By taxing the wealthiest, we can fund vital public services and invest in green research and development. Together, we can build a fairer, greener circular economy that benefits everyone and protects our environment for future generations.
2. How will you help to meet the UK’s Net Zero targets?
I’ll support our community in meeting net zero by focusing on local solutions that also tackle the cost of living and inequality crises. We’ll invest in renewable energy projects in our area, making energy cheaper and more sustainable. I’ll advocate for retrofitting homes to be more energy-efficient, ensuring warmer, healthier living conditions while reducing bills. By promoting public transport and active travel, we’ll cut emissions and create a more connected, healthier community. I’ll support local initiatives to restore our natural environment, including the various rewilding projects already going on in North Tyneside, enhancing green community spaces for everyone to enjoy.
3. How will you work to end child poverty in the North East?
As a school governor at Percy Main Primary, I am actively involved in ensuring the best for our children. I will work tirelessly to end child poverty in our community by advocating for increased school funding, more resources, and safe buildings. I will ensure every child receives free meals and has access to quality early years education. I will push for increased financial support and more affordable housing. By focusing on a holistic approach, including better SEN support and the provision of internal school support, we can create a nurturing environment where every child can reach their full potential.
4. What is your view of the war on Gaza and how would you resolve it?
Watching the ignorance of world leaders has been heartbreaking, I firmly believe in upholding international law and human rights without compromise. I am committed to promoting a permanent ceasefire and ensuring peaceful, long-term resolutions are implemented. I actively oppose arms sales to Israel, advocate for reinstating funding to UNRWA, and work to dismantle barriers like hostile environment policies. I advocate for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and support the return of all hostages. I will push for safe and legal routes for refugees and seek justice through prosecution of those responsible for war crimes.
5. How can the curriculum be widened to make it more useful and inclusive for our pupils?
To broaden the curriculum and ensure it is more useful and inclusive for our pupils, we need to implement comprehensive reforms. This includes integrating LGBTQ+ history and issues, promoting disability awareness, introducing basic political literacy and tax education, expanding multicultural studies including various religions, and enhancing sex education to cover LGBTQ+ topics, consent, healthy relationships and appropriate behaviours. These updates will equip students with a deeper understanding of societal diversity, foster empathy, and prepare them to navigate real-world challenges.
6. How do you propose to protect our waterways from contamination with sewage?
I will protect our waterways by pushing for an end of water privatisation and bringing companies back into public ownership. This change will prioritise investment in fixing leaks and upgrading infrastructure to prevent sewage contamination. I’ll advocate for a £1.5bn increase in DEFRA’s budget to strengthen the Environment Agency and Natural England, enabling effective monitoring and enforcement against pollution from fertilisers, agricultural waste, and sewage. This proactive approach aims to ensure cleaner rivers and seas, safeguarding our local environment for future generations.
7. What do you see are the main benefits of Brexit?
Personally, I have not seen any benefits from Brexit, and I believe it has had a predominantly negative impact on our community.
8. What will you do to fight for fair pay for all NHS staff?
I will prioritise repealing anti-union laws and implementing a robust Charter of Workers’ Rights. Specifically, I’ll aim to secure additional funding to boost NHS staff salaries, ensuring fair compensation for our healthcare professionals who are vital to our community’s well-being. A minimum wage of £15 per hour for all ages will be a key focus, alongside addressing retention challenges within the NHS.
9. Which historical figure would you go to for advice?
This is a really good question and a wide variation of figures have crossed my mind but I have settled with two; Aristotle and Rosa Parks. I would like to ask Aristotle about the early formation of science and if it has led in a direction that he would have wanted. It would be an honour to seek advice from Rosa Parks on connecting communities and reducing the recent surge in hateful living.
10. How would you ensure that you represent all constituents, including the ones who didn’t vote for you?
I am committed to representing all constituents, regardless of how they voted. I will ensure inclusivity by hosting regular people’s assemblies and drop-in sessions throughout the community. These platforms will provide opportunities for open dialogue, where every voice is heard and every concern addressed. By fostering transparency, accessibility, and genuine engagement, I aim to serve and advocate effectively for the diverse needs and interests of our community.
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