KINGSBRIDGE Greens heard Dr John Green, chair of the South Devon Green Party speak at their recent inaugural meeting.

‘You can make a difference’ he encouraged when speaking at the meeting this week at the Crabshell Inn, Kingsbridge. ‘Even though there may not be many Green Party politicians in central or local government, those that are involved have been critical in shaping key social policies, tackling marine pollution and providing solutions concerning affordable housing’, he continued.

‘All of these issues are important to those of us living in the South Hams, and the Green Party has an important role to play in championing policies that align with local concerns’.

Led by Robin Ladkin, Kingsbridge Greens’ local organiser, the night’s discussion went on to explain more about devolution and how it will shape provision of housing, health care and social services within the region.

‘The Greens back the idea of devolution’, explained Robert Vint, Green Devon County Councillor, ‘but we are pushing for greater transparency and accountability in the way it is being undertaken. In particular, we are advocating for local community involvement, rather than relying on those with vested interests to make decisions which will affect us for generations to come’.

The Greens’ response to the recent EU Referendum was also a hot point of discussion. Amanda Keetley who attended the meeting explained Caroline Lucas’s call for a Progressive Alliance in the wake of the result and the political turmoil which has followed it.

‘The Greens are taking the lead in forming such an alliance, which would aim to change the “first past the post system” and ensure that any government in power represented at least 51 per cent of those who voted, rather than the current system in which a minority of the population voted for those in power.’

The possibility of Kingsbridge Greens initiating cross party conversations was raised as a first key event for the group to organise.

If you would like to be involved, please contact local organisers Donna and Robin Ladkin at [email protected], or connect with the group’s Kingsbridge Greens Facebook page.