THE LABOUR Government has shown its real colours where the environment is concerned. Its decision to change its policy on the Birmingham North Relief Road not only represents a U-turn from its policy in opposition, but is a complete capitulation to big business interests. The government's decision to make this the first major toll road in Britain is not going to improve the quality of life or the environment in the Midlands. We have to step up the campaigning to get the government stop this road from being built. The decision is bad on two levels. If more roads are to be built, they should be built out of taxation. The road systern should be free at the point of use, like other public services and public infrastructure. We cannot allow a situation where it is only businesses that can afford to use roads.
But of even more importance is the impact that the building of the road will have on the environment. The stakes are high - 27 miles of Green Belt will be 2L TELL YOU HOW MUCH THIS COMANNY CARE A VOK TIME THERE'LL BE A STATE-OF-THE-ART WASTE TREATMENT PLANT WHERE THOSE 1222 destroyed, and two nationally important sites of special scientific Interests (SSSls) will be damaged.
What measures can be taken that reduce congestion on the roads that do not damage the environment? Is it possible for cars to be shared? Can goods and services be produced on the local level?
We know that if the road is built we would soon see an increase in car traffic and not a reduction. More and more of the green belt would be ruined, and more jobs and housing could leave the inner cities, and be relocated in this area.
BRR is motiABOUT THE ENMRONMENT - IN vated by profit, which cuts across the interests of the environment and those of workers. Some consultants are furious at this, and want BRR to re-think their plans due to the damage they are doing. On October 5, BARBELE the Alliance against the Birmingham Northern Relief Road went to the high court to challenge John Prescott's decision to go ahead with the motorway. The campaign representing the residents argued that the Secretary of State acted illegally in approving the UK's first toll road. They were rejected: what a surprise! But the battle to stop this road will continue at many levels and needs to be supported by all Socialist Outlook readers. For further information contact Birmingham Community Conference c/o 723 Pershore Rd, Birmingham B29 7NY. reopen it and offering the workers they had made redundant their jobs back at worse rates and conditions.
When applications of this kind are submitted, and local residents object, councillors and MPs are normally quick to lend their support. A proposal for a major leisure development on the Leeds ring road, including a cinema, a Casino and bowling alley attracted opposition from councillors from all three main parties, As a and both local MPs. The con- spokesperson for trast with the the South Leeds Action situation over Group said in an the much interview with Radio larger development at Elland Leeds, Road is stark. happened to In spite of democracy?" widely publicised opposition by local people, only one local councillor had the courage to oppose the application. He has now been deselected, and there are strong rumours that his opposition played a part in this.
Prescott The Planning Committee has now said that it is 'minded' to approve the application, although the final decision rests with John Prescott, the minister responsible. Most local residents think majority, would rather talk to big business than its natural supporters.
Millbank
As a spokesperson for the South Leeds Action Group said in an interview with Radio Leeds, "Whatever happened to democracy?". The undemocratic nature of Labour's Millbank machine is becoming more and more obvious. Over the European elections, the Scottish and Welsh assemblies, and in the attempt to silence members of the NEC, their distrust of working class people clear. "Whatever The Leeds experience is likely io be repeated elsewhere. In mid-November, the Paymaster-General, Geoffrey Robinson, said: "We have made great strides with the Private Finance Initiative in the past year. But we must continue to identify and develop partnerships and opportunities with the public and private sectors.
"We need to exploit all commercial potential in public sector assets through a sensible balance of risk and reward."
No doubt he means public risk and private reward!