Since retirement from work in secondary education over 12 years ago, I have run a smallholding, using organic methods and keep bees (although they died over winter).

Full statement

I play the viola in Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra. I have supported asylum seekers and refugees in Kirklees and am very concerned about human rights and poverty. I am standing in this election because I believe that, in a Climate Emergency, sustainability has to be central to all decisions. Decisions taken today are very likely to have long-lasting effects: we must not make life worse for future generations when we look to solve today's problem. This applies in so many areas; to transport, to housing, to the way we dispose of what we no longer need and even to the way we care for those who need support. My grandchildren are all at primary school. I am frightened that, if we carry on as we are at the moment, talking about a climate emergency but not doing all we can to stop global heating, to cut emissions, to re-use materials not dispose of them, then my grandchildren will have lives that we wouldn’t want. With temperatures rising, ice melting, air quality deteriorating we all need to act now. Denby Dale may be just one very small part of the world but we have to play our part – in fact, why can’t Denby Dale be at the very front of securing the future? But, don’t think the Green Party is just about the environment – we have a full range of policies e.g. on education, on health, on industry etc. etc., on local, national and international issues. What appeals to me about the Green Party is that all our policies fit together. I hope that attracts you.