Thursday 24 March 2011

e-Hustings for Green Party Members

House of Lords e-Hustings: Jessica Goldfinch (Total words: 350)


Question 1: The purpose of the House of Lords is to scrutinise and amend legislation drafted by the House of Commons. This is highly technical work, as are the rules governing procedures and processes within the House.
Could you tell us how your background and work experience have given you the skills to work with draft legislation as a Green peer, and what those skills are?
Transferable skills: reading, assessing, critical analysis, scrutiny, research and application of documentation, reports, research – including legal documents. Experience from: 1 year bi-lingual Law/LSE and King’s College; BA (Hons) Psychology/Exeter and three years’ postgraduate; charity work with Rethink, (scrutiny of mental health legislation) and Mediawatch, (legislation of media); Chair of Regulatory – Norwich City Council.
I intend to take full advantage of the non-partisan/ impartial advice and training offered to new peers.
 (words – 70)
 Question 2: Are you in favour of abolishing the monarchy?
No – “The Marmite Monarchy” - agree with much of the Republican argument, (http://www.republic.org.uk). I prefer to use these arguments to reform the monarchy, e.g. transparent auditing and fair taxation. The psychological and financial impact of a living breathing monarchy is underestimated. I am persuaded that the smallest of businesses rely on income from its existence e.g. Royal Wedding estimate, £100 million including security; revenue estimate 1 billion.
Open to persuasion.
(words – 70)
 Question 3: Do you agree that promoting workers' co-operatives is an important aspect of laying the foundations for a green society? If you do, how would you work for this in the House of Lords?
Yes – bicameral work/collaboration are essential. Both Houses, Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and London Regional Assembly have Cooperative Party representation. Likewise NEF, (http://www.neweconomics.org), would be an excellent starting point.
Members can promote a particular issue within the House in a variety of ways:
·         Ask the government a question
·         Request a short debate
·         Introduce a Private Member’s Bill
(words – 59)
Question 4: How would you support growth in renewable energy provision and wide-spread conversion to electric cars?
Using methods as described in question 3 – Lord Reay’s criticisms (11/01/11 ), notwithstanding! http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201011/ldhansrd/text/110111-gc0001.htm
Building on the work of the Science and Technology (03-04) EU(07-08) and Economic Affairs Committees (07-08) and advice from e.g. Friends of the Earth, Norway Communicates.
I would not support conversion to electric cars unless impact of battery cell production and energy source assessed.
(words – 58)
 Question 5: If elected, what will you do, if anything, to further the cause of the immediate abolition of the House of Lords and the creation of a democratically-elected second chamber of the British parliament?
Bicameral liaison with Caroline Lucas (MP)/other members.
The Committee, led by the Deputy PM/Cabinet Office, is independent of the Lords. To change House of Lords reform legislation, the Government has to amend current legislation or introduce a new piece of information. The Lords would consider this through the same procedures as would apply to all legislation and/or use methods Xref. Question 3.
FYI: Lord Steel Private Lords Reform Bill - at the Lords’ Committee stage; a response to omissions made in Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill 2009–10 (Royal Assent April 2010).
 (words -93)

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