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In May 2009, Andrew walked 150Km, from Cow Green reservoir on the Co Durham/Cumbria border, to Howick on the Northumberland coast. Cow Green was the site of one of the first modern conservation campaigns, as the reservoir threatened an internationally important site for the Teesdale Violet, Spring Gentian and other rare alpine plants. Howick Hall was the seat of the 2nd Earl Grey, champion of the 1832 Reform Act which swept away the 'rotten boroughs' and began the extension of the parliamentary vote.

These themes reflected the purpose of the walk, which was to raise funds for the Green Party's election campaigns in the North East (Euros 2009, General 2009/10). For every region or constituency where we stand a candidate, we must pay a deposit just to be on the ballot paper. Money raised by the Walk for Democracy allows us to give more voters the chance to vote Green at these elections.

For further information, see the Walk for Democracy home page.

Sat, 30 May 2009

Day 6: energy, how to generate it and how much do we need?

The route page explains the links between this issue and today's walk. After the 6th day of walking, and another long, hot day, I would love to have more of the human-powered form of energy!

When the nuclear lobby, or timid politicians, discuss our energy needs, the most important part of the energy equation is consistently omitted. They assume continuing usage at the current or greater levels. Only the Green Party has policies to tackle the more fundamental challenge, which is to reduce energy usage.

Energy reduction has two aspects: the first stage is to massively increase energy efficiency. The second is to alter our economy and lifestyles so that we need less energy. That is a longer- term task which many of our policies relate to, but the first stage could be achieved within a decade, for instance under our plans for a mass free insulation scheme. We rightly provide education and health care for free, and need to do the same for home insulation. Green councillors in Kirklees have proved that this can be done at a local level, with major benefits for employment and the local economy.

Finally, the Durham Probate mob will be pleased to know that I visited Warkworth church to view the Widdrington memorial.
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Promoted by Andrew Gray, 61 Addycombe Terrace, Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5NB