The internationally recognised human rights campaigner and founder of the gay human rights group Outrage!, has been chosen as the UK Green Party's general election candidate for Oxford East. Peter Tatchell faced strong competition from Matt Morton, a local environmental activist, and the vote was put to the local party. Peter Tatchell won 63% of the vote. Oxfordshire Green Party is one of the most successful in the country with Green councillors elected to all levels of local Government – county, city and parish. The eight-strong Green Group currently holds the balance of power on Oxford City Council. At last year's local election, more than 1 in 5 people voted Green. “I am honoured to be selected as the Green Party candidate,” Mr. Tatchell said at a press conference at Oxford Town Hall. “My first priority is to consult with the people of Oxford and listen to their concerns. Over time, I hope to win their trust and confidence. “The people of Oxford have an opportunity to make history by electing Britain's first Green MP. Labour and Andrew Smith have lost their heart and soul. They are the party of war, privatisation, the unfair council tax system and public services that often fail to deliver. It is time for change. “Climate change is the single biggest threat to Britain's prosperity and security. The Greens are the only party with serious, credible policies to halt global warming.” Welcoming the result, Green Party principal speaker, Dr. Derek Wall, said: “Peter has been a friend since 1988. From his citizens arrest of Robert Mugabe to his work in Outrage! using direct action to promote gay liberation, his record on human rights and social justice campaigning is one of the most impressive in Britain.” Ref: UK Gay News (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 26th April 2007 - 12:00pm