29th October 2010: "We're in a crisis - get us out of here!: tackling the economic and environmental crises - the way forward"

"We're in a crisis - get us out of here!: tackling the economic and environmental crises - the way forward"


Keith Taylor, Green MEP for the South East Region

6.30pm, Friday October 29 Old Sessions House


Canterbury Christ Church University’s series of political debates continues with a talk by Keith Taylor MEP from the Green Party. The event is part of the “Making Politics Matter” initiative, in which well known local and national politicians discuss key issues and encourage public debate.
Dr David Bates, Programme Director of Politics and International Relations stated: “It has been argued not least by President Obama that the green economy might be a key to lifting America and Europe out of their current financial difficulties. There are few more pressing issues than the ecological and the financial crisis – and few issues which are more politically charged. Making Politics Matter welcomes everyone to this important event.”
The debate will begin at 6.30 pm on Friday 29 October at the University’s Old Sessions House lecture theatre, North Holmes Rd, Canterbury, and is open to all.


ABOUT THE SPEAKER

European Parliament
Keith sits on the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), the Committee on International Trade (INTA) and the Committee on Petitions (PETI). He is a full member of the Parliamentary delegation to Afghanistan, and a substitute member of the Iran and Palestine delegations. Keith is also Vice President of the UK’s Local Government Association Group in the European Parliament – and a member of the Intergroup on LGBT Rights.


Political Background
Keith was a Green Party councillor for St Peter’s & North Laine ward in Brighton and Hove for 11 years, having been elected in 1999. He served as leader of the Council’s Green group from 2001, and on the council planning committee for two years.

In his role as councillor, Keith worked on a huge range of campaigns and case work. He was instrumental in the successful campaign to secure the release of Brighton resident Omar Degayes from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. He was a representative for Brighton and Hove on the UN Peace Messenger City project and a City representative to the Local Government Association.

Keith also helped to secure a High Court victory for families with severely autistic children – overturning a council decision in the process.

Keith was a Principal Speaker for the Green Party of England & Wales between 2004 and 2006, before the party adopted a single leader structure. He has been a Green spokesperson on planning and regeneration, has led the development of the party’s manifesto, and has a history of outstanding performance in local and European Parliament elections.

Keith worked for Green Party leader Dr Caroline Lucas MEP for five years as her Regional Liaison Officer, gaining a thorough knowledge of the South East region and developing regional economic policy.