DARREN JOHNSON, LEWISHAM DEPTFORD,GREEN

cllrdarrenjohnson@btinternet.com

www.greenparty.org.uk
 

Climate change - a far bigger threat than terrorism


ii.
why did you make the decision to stand in this constituency and for this party (as an independent)?

The Greens have been building up support in this constituency over a number of years. We have had significant electoral success in the area. I was elected to Lewisham Council in 2002 and we made it to second place in this seat in last year's European and GLA elections. Labour have failed nationally and locally and it's time for a Green MP.
 

iii.
what kind of vote are you expecting on May 5th?

I am fighting to win and this is one of our top targets in the whole country. The support has been very very positive so far. Even if we don't make it this time I think we can get a clear second place and win the seat next time.
 

iv.
aside from the vote what are you hoping to get out of this campaign?

Give people a genuine Green alternative and build up the Green presence in Lewisham
 

v.
in your view what is the greatest threat to our civil liberties at the moment?

New Labour home secretaries
 

vi.
Blair has taken us to war three times since coming to power (not including the occasional ad hoc bombing raid) in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq. Can war ever be justified?

I believe the Second World War against the Nazis was justified and the only realistic course of action once Hitler invaded Poland but none of Blair's wars were morally justified.
 

vii.
There is very little left to privatise in this country, if you had your way what would be brought into public hands?

The key priorities are the utilities and tube and rail. Rather than wholesale nationalisation the undemocratic power of big business is better challenged by promoting strong regional and local economies and more locally-owned businesses and workers' co-operatives.

viii.
Some environmental campaigners have started talking about nuclear power as a way to bring down CO2 emissions - what do you think of this?

Dangerous nonsense. A typical nuclear reactor produces electricity for around 30-40 years yet the radioactive waste it produces remains unsafe for thousands of years to come. We also need to phase-out nuclear power stations as quickly as possible. Our energy needs could easily be met by a combination of renewable energy, such as wind, wave and solar power, and energy conservation measures.
 

ix.
Asylum and immigration will be central issues in this election.
What action on this issue would you like to see the next government push through?

x.
What question do you wish was on this list but doesn't appear?

How has Labour let people down in your constituency and what would you do?
 

2005