My wife Ruth and I moved to Canvey Island from London over fifty years ago, I have a son and daughter both of whom went to school on Canvey and I also have two grandchildren.

Full statement

I was self employed for most of my working life, for many years Ruth and I run a small printing business and in later years I worked as a Castle Point taxi driver.

In the 1970’s I was actively involved with the Castle Point Refineries Resistance Group protesting against dangerous installations on Canvey Island. In the 1990’s I was politically active in The Socialist Party and the Socialist Alliance and stood in local elections for both. In the 2020’s I was actively involved in the Campaign Against Arms Trade and served on the steering committee for two years.

I also become involved with the Peace Pledge Union and have pledged my support believing that War is a crime against humanity

In 2007 Ruth and I with a small number of very good and generous friends started the Socialist Diners Club and raised over £20.000 which we distributed to local, national and international organizations. I am currently the treasurer of Southend Keep Our NHS Public.

I am a supporting member of Liberty and some time ago I was contacted by them because two people had nominated me to stand as a candidate for their campaign committee. I regrettably declined due to other commitments. Ruth always took an interest in environmental issues and joined the Green Party years before me.

In her last years she expressed serious climate concerns and greatly influenced my thinking. I am now committed to the argument that for a great many years’ government short term polices, party interest and the casual indifference that the future is someone else’s problem has contributed to today’s serious problems that our children and their children will have to deal with. In truth I am comparatively new to green politics but most people are recycling, aware of what is happening around the world and of the future weather predictions.

All political parties claim to be green but only the Green Party gives 100% commitment and have the ability to survive whatever the future has in store for us. Britain is arguably the world’s most depleted country of natural wildlife. Creatures in our gardens, ponds, parks, meadows and woodlands that only a couple of generation ago thrived have today halved in numbers and have gone or are in danger of becoming extinct.