News from Mid Suffolk Green Party

Pound coins

Britain’s first Green-run council has passed a significant milestone with approval of its first budget

25 February 2024

Mid Suffolk Full Council met to debate budgets for the 2024/25 year Introducing the proposals, Councillor Rachel Eburne said: “This Green Administration wishes to provide quality services to residents and businesses, invest in the district for the future while exercising good financial management. In the long term, this means ensuring the finances are secure, despite […]

Read More… from Britain’s first Green-run council has passed a significant milestone with approval of its first budget

Beaver. Photo by @stuartatkinsphotography

Beaver release in Suffolk

10 February 2024

Green Party councillors were very pleased to be invited to see the release of beavers in Suffolk, for what is believed to be the first time in the County. Dr Dan Pratt, councillor, ecologist and parliamentary candidate for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, said: “We welcome the release as a contribution to both flood alleviation […]

Read More… from Beaver release in Suffolk

Jessie Carter

Suffolk Green-led councillors Express Disgust at Rwanda Bill Victory

20 January 2024

Members of Suffolk County Council’s Green, Lib Dem and Independent Group today expressed their disgust about the successful vote in Parliament yesterday to further the Conservative policy to deport asylum seekers in Rwanda. The bill, which will now be discussed in the House of Lords, proposes that Rwanda is a safe country to house the […]

Read More… from Suffolk Green-led councillors Express Disgust at Rwanda Bill Victory

Letter from Mid Suffolk District Councillor Jen Overett

A letter from Green councillor Jen Overett in response to Ipswich’s Conservative MP Tom Hunt’s desires for a bypass to the north of the town

2 January 2024

Above is a letter published in the Ipswich Star and Essex EADT on 21 December 2023, from our Green Party councillor Jen Overett, who was writing in response to Ipswich’s Conservative MP Tom Hunt’s opinion piece about wishing to have a bypass to the north of Ipswich. […]

Read More… from A letter from Green councillor Jen Overett in response to Ipswich’s Conservative MP Tom Hunt’s desires for a bypass to the north of the town

Happy New Year - a message from Green Party leaders of two of Suffolk's district councils

New Year message from Suffolk’s Green council leaders

1 January 2024

As Green Party Leaders of two of Suffolk’s district councils, we are writing to thank residents for the opportunity given to us in last May’s elections to lead Mid Suffolk and East Suffolk District Councils for a four-year term.  Later in the new year, a third Suffolk council will also have a Green leader as […]

Read More… from New Year message from Suffolk’s Green council leaders

Greens say Council-owned farms should aim for local food and biodiversity gain

17 December 2023

Following the presentation of the Annual Property Report 2023, the Green, Liberal Democrat and Independent group at Suffolk County Council has questioned the commitment of the council to its County Farms policy. Suffolk County Council owns 4,960 hectares across the county which it lets to 127 farming and rural businesses. The income from the estate […]

Read More… from Greens say Council-owned farms should aim for local food and biodiversity gain

Nick Hardingham with Dan Pratt, Emma Buckmaster and team

Green parliamentary candidates checking the bike route

23 October 2023

As part of their preparations for the General Election, two of Suffolk Green Party’s parliamentary candidates have traversed their constituencies by bike. Starting at 10.15am from the Cornhill in Bury St Edmunds, Emma Buckmaster, the parliamentary candidate for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, followed the national cycle route 51 via Thurston, Drinkstone, Woolpit, Shelland, Harleston […]

Read More… from Green parliamentary candidates checking the bike route

Green Party co-leader statement on floods in Suffolk and Norfolk

21 October 2023

Green Party co-leader and MP candidate for the new Waveney Valley Constituency, Adrian Ramsay, spent this afternoon talking to people affected by the flooding in Eye, Suffolk. “The scenes and stories of flooding I’ve been seeing and hearing from Suffolk and Norfolk residents have been deeply shocking”, he said. “And I feel desperately sorry for […]

Read More… from Green Party co-leader statement on floods in Suffolk and Norfolk

Work has begun at Crown Street roundabout, Stowmarket

13 September 2023

Work has finally begin at the Crown Street roundabout in Stowmarket to remove the uneven and dangerous paving, provide new footpaths and pedestrian islands and make the area usable again for Stowmarket residents. Green Party Councillor for Stowmarket North, Keith Welham, campaigned for his county council seat on a promise that he would deliver the […]

Read More… from Work has begun at Crown Street roundabout, Stowmarket

Seven-spot ladybird on a leaf in its habitat

Greens cut through the confusion about mowing public land

22 August 2023

Green Party councillors are receiving more and more complaints about grass growing tall and not being cut. To reassure the public and set the story straight, they have published a very short guide to the basics, accompanied by a fuller explanation of meadow management and how it works. Roadside verges should be mown by the […]

Read More… from Greens cut through the confusion about mowing public land

Green Party 2023 Launch Graphic

Concerns remain over local election nominations

9 April 2023

Green Party councillors for Mid Suffolk remain very concerned that mistakes may remain in the published nominations for parish, town and possibly district elections on May 4th. This follows corrections to the District nominations published on April 5th . (EADT 6/4/23) Consultation with parish clerks and local councillors and investigation of the detail suggested that […]

Read More… from Concerns remain over local election nominations

Green candidates for Mid Suffolk Green Party holding up 'Vote Green' signs outside The Mix in Stowmarket

Local Green Party celebrates initial successes as nominations close

9 April 2023

People and plans to improve the Mid Suffolk District Mid Suffolk Green Party members are delighted to see their 29 District candidates are more than any other party, and several are certain to be elected where 2 Greens face only 1 opponent in a two-member ward. In addition all four Stowmarket Town Council candidates have […]

Read More… from Local Green Party celebrates initial successes as nominations close

Greens call for end to all shareholder payouts until water companies sort their sewage out

14 March 2023

Samples from River Waveney at Diss show toxic bacteria above levels for safe swimming. The Green Party has called for a halt to all further dividends to water company shareholders until the privatised monopolies end dumping sewage into the UK’s waterways and coasts. The call comes as tests show levels of E Coli contamination in […]

Read More… from Greens call for end to all shareholder payouts until water companies sort their sewage out

Adrian Ramsay, Andy Mellen and Caroline Lucas in Elmswell

Positive responses from supporters and public as top Greens visit Suffolk

13 February 2023

Hosts and visitors alike enjoyed a two-day visit to Suffolk on 9th and 10th February, by Caroline Lucas MP and Green Party Co-leader Adrian Ramsay. Starting with a packed meeting at the John Peel Centre on the Thursday evening, Adrian and Caroline tackled the urgent climate, biodiversity and cost of living issues of the day […]

Read More… from Positive responses from supporters and public as top Greens visit Suffolk

Adrian Ramsay Diss Parish Fields

Green Party co-Leader Adrian Ramsay launches his campaign to become MP for the new Waveney Valley constituency

14 December 2022

The Boundary Commission has proposed the new constituency which will bring together Diss and Harleston in Norfolk with Eye, Bungay and Halesworth in Suffolk. The constituency will be one of the top priority seats for the Green Party nationally. The party is already the main challenger to the Conservatives in the constituency in terms of […]

Read More… from Green Party co-Leader Adrian Ramsay launches his campaign to become MP for the new Waveney Valley constituency

Councillors call for sharper focus to reduce sewage pollution

8 December 2022

Mid Suffolk’s Green and Liberal Democrat councillors have welcomed unanimous support for their motion calling for more information and a strong focus on how planning approvals affect sewage discharges into the district’s rivers. Group leader Andy Mellen said, “The public will be reassured to know that councillors and planning staff recognise and share the widespread […]

Read More… from Councillors call for sharper focus to reduce sewage pollution

Green Peer has fears for farming and wildlife

19 October 2022

Baroness Natalie Bennett, Green Party member of the House of Lords, has been in Suffolk in support of the Mid Suffolk Green Party campaign for next year’s local elections. During the day she met members and councillors with a particular interest in agriculture and wildlife. The key focus for discussion was the future of the […]

Read More… from Green Peer has fears for farming and wildlife

A graphic saying 'news story' and 'Suffolk Investment Zones: A Recipe for undermining local businesses and riding over local democracy'

Suffolk Investment Zones – a recipe for undermining local businesses and riding over local democracy.

16 October 2022

The proposal of Suffolk’s councils for investment zones will undermine existing local businesses, and bulldoze local decision making and environmental protection, says the Green-led opposition at Suffolk County council. Andrew Stringer, leader of the county’s Green, Lib Dem and Independent group said: “These zones will create tax free spots dotted around the county which will put […]

Read More… from Suffolk Investment Zones – a recipe for undermining local businesses and riding over local democracy.

A picture of rubbish sitting in a river

Mid Suffolk Green councillors call on local Tories to join them in disowning Government’s attack on nature

28 September 2022

Mid Suffolk Green councillors call on local Tories to join them in disowning Government’s attack on nature. Mid Suffolk Green Party councillors have today written to all local Conservative councillors, calling on them to disown the Government’s ‘attack on nature’. In an open letter, the Greens have described plans to downgrade environmental protections as a […]

Read More… from Mid Suffolk Green councillors call on local Tories to join them in disowning Government’s attack on nature

County’s official opposition responds to school transport withdrawal

17 September 2022

Some Taxis have cancelled their contracts to take pupils to school. Green Party councillor responds Green Party Cllr Caroline Topping Suffolk GLI Spokesperson for Education and Child Protection, said: “It is crucial that this Council acts with the greatest level of urgency. The first few weeks in the new school year are highly important in […]

Read More… from County’s official opposition responds to school transport withdrawal

‘Turning the Air Green’ – comedy and politics combine in Suffolk

28 August 2022

TV’s ‘Mock The Week’ regular ANGELA BARNES headlines ‘Turning The Air Green’, a night of high class stand up comedy and satire at the Theatre Royal, Bury St. Edmunds on Sunday 18th June 2023. Barnes will perform her brand new show ‘Hot Mess’ direct from a full run at the Edinburgh Fringe, in a special […]

Read More… from ‘Turning the Air Green’ – comedy and politics combine in Suffolk

Top Greens visit Stowmarket

24 July 2022

Senior members of the Green Party call for much more action on single-use plastics during a recent visit to Stowmarket. Green Party peer, Baroness Jenny Jones called for more urgent Government action to reduce and eliminate single-use plastics, still widely used for packaging and other purposes. Together with Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay she visited […]

Read More… from Top Greens visit Stowmarket

Sizewell C development – response from Suffolk Green, Lib Dem & Independent (GLI) Group

22 July 2022

Please see quotes from the Suffolk Green, Lib Dem & Independent (GLI) Group regarding the recent approval of the Sizewell C development: Cllr Andrew Stringer GLI Leader “We believe this is the wrong decision for Suffolk. It locks in ever more expensive ways to generate electricity that we believe will be economically unviable before it […]

Read More… from Sizewell C development – response from Suffolk Green, Lib Dem & Independent (GLI) Group

Police won’t enforce 20mph safety zones

15 June 2022

On 2nd December, Suffolk County Council passed opposition Green, Lib Dem, Independent (GLI) group motion recognising changes to the Highway Code, giving clarity that 20mph limits should not be exceeded. The motion was passed unanimously and included the following stipulation: “This Council will write to the PCC and ask for confirmation that the Suffolk Constabulary […]

Read More… from Police won’t enforce 20mph safety zones

Richard Winch+Adrian Ramsay

Greens help polluted Suffolk rivers

28 May 2022

Increased commitment to Suffolk rivers as Green, LibDem & Independent Group motion passes

­­­­­­­­­­­­­All Suffolk rivers have been reported to have failed government standards. Suffolk GLI believes that our rivers in Suffolk should promote safe human activity, biodiversity, and important wildlife. Instead, Suffolk rivers are polluted with dangerous amounts of chemicals, destroying ecosystems with a rise in sewage discharge, storm overflow, as well as agricultural runoff. […]

Read More… from Greens help polluted Suffolk rivers

Greens call for undersea electricity grid

28 April 2022

As concern and opposition grow to National Grid proposals for huge new electricity pylons and cables from Norwich to Tilbury, the Green Party has proposed a radically different approach for getting power from wind turbines to the main areas of consumer demand. Some opponents to more and bigger pylons stretching across East Anglia have already […]

Read More… from Greens call for undersea electricity grid

Council to fund electric rural bus provision with £820,000 over 2 years

25 February 2022

Scheme is ‘green’ in more ways than one Green & Liberal Democrat proposal for Mid Suffolk to buy two electric buses to provide scheduled services to rural villages lacking provision has been included in the Mid Suffolk DC Budget for 2022/23 While the buses are being sourced, practical details will be worked out, probably with […]

Read More… from Council to fund electric rural bus provision with £820,000 over 2 years

Austin Davies

Thurston by-election triumph

18 February 2022

On 17th February the Green Party won the Thurston Ward District  by-election by a massive margin.  Our candidate, Austin Davies, won the by-election with 845 votes, more than double the Conservatives’ 399 votes, with Labour and the LibDems trailing far behind. The by-election was triggered by our previous councillor, Wendy Turner, moving away from the […]

Read More… from Thurston by-election triumph

Green candidate fears over pesticide danger to bees

11 January 2022

Government go-ahead as PM expresses “concern for biodiversity” at global conference The UK Government have authorised neonicotinoid to treat sugar beet seed. Mid-Suffolk Green Party Councillor Andy Mellen responded, “I am disappointed by the DEFRA decision to allow neonicotinoid seed treatment on sugar beet – though I welcome the strict limits imposed on its use. […]

Read More… from Green candidate fears over pesticide danger to bees

Green Party selects co-leader Adrian Ramsay as MP candidate in North Suffolk

19 November 2021

Green Party selects co-leader Adrian Ramsay as MP candidate in North Suffolk Replacing the Blue Wall with a Green Hedge. Party to target North Suffolk after recent election results make Greens the main challenger to Conservatives Announcement comes as party support continues to rise Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay has been selected to be the […]

Read More… from Green Party selects co-leader Adrian Ramsay as MP candidate in North Suffolk

Tory council erodes democracy by cancelling Mid Suffolk District Council Meeting

18 November 2021

The full Council meeting of Mid Suffolk District Council due for Thursday 25th November has been cancelled; the Green and Liberal Democrat Group strongly disagrees with this decision, which erodes democracy and accountability, with fewer council meetings held per year. Councillor Andy Mellen, group leader, said “full Council meetings are very important for councillors across the […]

Read More… from Tory council erodes democracy by cancelling Mid Suffolk District Council Meeting

Green councillors and public all oppose stop-gap school expansion in Elmswell

2 November 2021

Green councillors condemn short-sighted schooling decision and poor education planning Mid Suffolk’s conservative cabinet fund extra classrooms squeezed onto Elmswell school site despite opposition from local people and their elected representatives. Sarah Mansel, Green Party councillor for Elmswell and Woolpit, said: “I have never supported the proposal to expand the Primary School on its current […]

Read More… from Green councillors and public all oppose stop-gap school expansion in Elmswell

Conservative run County council failing to object to Sizewell C are selling Suffolk short, according to Green councillors

15 October 2021

The Green, Liberal Democrat, and Independent Group express extreme concern over today’s announcement by Suffolk County Council administration regarding their change in position on Sizewell C. The Group believe there has been a significant political underestimation of this project, and that the people of Suffolk are being sold short by the Administration’s inability to face […]

Read More… from Conservative run County council failing to object to Sizewell C are selling Suffolk short, according to Green councillors

Cycling – Tories won’t commit

8 September 2021

Opposition group calls on Suffolk County Council’s Conservative administration to commit £20m to spend on cycle network upgrades it pledged in election manifesto https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/ipswich/news/group-calls-on-councils-administration-to-commit-to-20m-it-9215220/ Calls have been made for Suffolk County Council’s Conservative administration to commit to spending £20million of identified cycle network upgrades pledged in its manifesto and outline a timetable for work. The […]

Read More… from Cycling – Tories won’t commit

Electric Taxi initiative blocked by Conservative chair casting vote

16 August 2021

Green and Lib Dem councillors voted against Mid Suffolk’s policy on taxis at the Licensing and Regulatory Committee, because the policy fails to support operators to transition to low and zero carbon taxi services. Councillor Daniel Pratt, Licensing Committee member, said “Our council has unanimously declared a climate emergency and has agreed we must do […]

Read More… from Electric Taxi initiative blocked by Conservative chair casting vote

Gateway 14 needs a day and a committee of 16

13 August 2021

A decision on the roads, infrastructure and outline of a major commercial development on the edge of Stowmarket is listed as the first of 8 agenda items for decision by Mid Suffolk’s planning committee A on Wednesday 18th August.   The opposition Green and Liberal Democrat group has called for the decision to be taken […]

Read More… from Gateway 14 needs a day and a committee of 16

Green oasis set to strengthen Mid Suffolk’s biodiversity

11 August 2021

Green Party councillors have welcomed the Council’s success in buying a parcel of riverside land which had changed hands twice this year as speculators considered development. Ward representative Councillor John Matthissen persuaded officers and cabinet member for environment, Councillor Jessica Fleming, that the land formed a key part of the biodiversity corridor along the River […]

Read More… from Green oasis set to strengthen Mid Suffolk’s biodiversity

Urgent call for more health provision

5 July 2021

The Mid Suffolk Green Party is calling for a third health centre to be provided to serve the growing town of Stowmarket. They suggest that land is allocated within the Diaper Farm planning application which is currently under consideration but consists only of housing and recreation. County Councillor Keith Welham, who represents Cedars Park and […]

Read More… from Urgent call for more health provision

Andy Mellen - Green Party Councillor

New Opposition Leader at Mid Suffolk Council

9 June 2021

The Green and Liberal Democrat group of councillors at Mid Suffolk have chosen a new leader following the decision of Rachel Eburne to step back from the role while continuing as a councillor. Andy Mellen, who represents the Bacton ward, will with immediate effect take on the leadership of 12 Greens and 5 Liberal Democrats […]

Read More… from New Opposition Leader at Mid Suffolk Council

County Council Official Opposition – Green Party councillor sets out stall

27 May 2021

Cllr Andrew Stringer, Leader of the Green, Liberal Democrat & Independent Group, gave the following speech today at the County Council AGM: “How great it is to be with all of you today. I would like to start by thanking all Officers & Councillors, whether County District or Parish, for continuing to deliver local Government […]

Read More… from County Council Official Opposition – Green Party councillor sets out stall

Suffolk Greens celebrate ‘treble, treble’ election success

15 May 2021

The Green Party’s Suffolk County Council representation increased from three to nine councillors in the elections last week, making the Green Party the second largest political group. Mid Suffolk Green Party increased their representation from one to three and were delighted that this achievement was matched by both Babergh Green Party and Waveney Green Party. […]

Read More… from Suffolk Greens celebrate ‘treble, treble’ election success

Queen’s Speech misses opportunities

11 May 2021

Queen’s Speech has nothing to improve social and environmental inequalities say local Green councillors In the midst of a climate and biodiversity emergency, the Government’s Queen’s Speech missed so many opportunities today. The Climate and Ecological Emergency bill, introduced by Caroline Lucas last year with cross-party support, won’t find parliamentary time. Instead, the parliamentary schedule […]

Read More… from Queen’s Speech misses opportunities

Record Green Party slate for Suffolk County council elections

9 April 2021

As nominations close the Green Party has announced 55 candidates for the County elections as well as more for Ipswich Borough, various district by-elections and the police commissioner ballot. Across the county the greens are fielding members with a wide age-range and diverse skills, professions and experience. Andrew Stringer, seeking re-election for his Upper Gipping […]

Read More… from Record Green Party slate for Suffolk County council elections

Green Party welcome for solar carports but not for obsolete gas generation at Eye

12 March 2021

Mid Suffolk District Council has approved funding for solar car ports at the Stowmarket Leisure Centre. This will enable the council to produce energy through solar panels to help run the leisure centres, as well as provide battery storage, and a number of electric vehicle charging points. Councillor Dan Pratt shadow environment portfolio said: “Green […]

Read More… from Green Party welcome for solar carports but not for obsolete gas generation at Eye

Suffolk has less to spend on potholes say Greens

20 February 2021

Cuts to government funding for road maintenance in Suffolk make it impossible for the county council to make long-term plans to repair roads across the area, opposition councillors have warned. Green councillor Andrew Stringer said his political group – which also includes Liberal Democrat and Independent councillors – was worried that many urgent schemes would […]

Read More… from Suffolk has less to spend on potholes say Greens

Mid Suffolk council commits £4m for Covid recovery projects in 2021 budget

19 February 2021

Jason Noble Local Democracy Reporter Plans to increase council tax in Mid Suffolk from April have been narrowly approved – while an extra £4million has been committed to helping with the Covid-19 recovery in 2021. Mid Suffolk District Council’s 2021/22 budget was approved by 17 votes to 16, with one abstention on Thursday night, meaning […]

Read More… from Mid Suffolk council commits £4m for Covid recovery projects in 2021 budget

Walnut tree walk loses its eponymous trees

3 February 2021

Mixed messages given to dismayed residents after felling of much-loved trees Shocked residents have been asking Mid Suffolk District Council why the walnut trees along Walnut Tree Walk have recently been felled, but to date have received a series of contradictory explanations in response. The Council initially issued a statement saying there was permission to […]

Read More… from Walnut tree walk loses its eponymous trees

Pound coins

Council property company buy business centre in Coventry

2 February 2021

Property company Cifco, owned by Babergh and Mid Suffolk councils, has bought yet another faraway building. Green & Liberal Democrat Shadow portfolio for investments Councillor John Matthissen said: ” I am sure the people of Coventry will welcome this investment in their local economy. I know however from many comments from constituents and others locally […]

Read More… from Council property company buy business centre in Coventry

Laptop computers for home schooling

22 January 2021

Government preparations for on-line home learning not good enough Green Party councillor Wendy Turner, for Mid Suffolk, added: “I’m glad schools are now beginning to help all families that are struggling with the lack of computer devices as it must be near impossible to work from a phone screen. “Forward planning is missing from central […]

Read More… from Laptop computers for home schooling

Councillor Andy Mellen calls for action on flooding

15 January 2021

Green Councillor Andy Mellen is calling for action by Suffolk County Council to alleviate persistent road flooding affecting several villages in his area. Councillor Mellen, who represents Bacton ward on Mid-Suffolk District Council, has been inundated with calls and e-mails from local residents frustrated at a seeming lack of response from the Highways and flood […]

Read More… from Councillor Andy Mellen calls for action on flooding

Gardening has helped me deal with waiting for lockdown to end

15 January 2021

Green Councillor Wendy Turner, 58, from Thurston, embarked on a project to ‘rewild’ her front garden, which also became very social as it was a conversation starter with passers-by. She said: “I think it has helped as I always feel better if I’m outside, whatever the weather, and it has given me a long-term aim […]

Read More… from Gardening has helped me deal with waiting for lockdown to end

Peel Centre Go-ahead

4 January 2021

Mid Suffolk District Council have agreed a long lease of 11 Market Place, the former Stowmarket NatWest bank, enabling the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts to expand and link to the Market Place. Green Party councillors, backers of the Centre from its inception, have welcomed the decision: Shadow Portfolio for Investment in the Green […]

Read More… from Peel Centre Go-ahead