ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE LONDON ALLIANCE
- How was
The London Alliance formed?
By a group of concerned people
who had lost faith in existing political parties. We came together,
about 300 of us, at the "Gathering for Change" which was organised by
The Sustainable London Trust at Goldsmith's College in New Cross 4th
April, 1998. It was proposed that an independent candidate for Mayor was
elected. Subsequent meetings culminated on 24th October when it was
agreed that The London Alliance should be formed and that it should not
only propose an independent candidate for Mayor but also put forward
candidates for the Greater London Assembly.
- Why was
The London Alliance formed?
To provide a realistic and
genuine alternative to existing party-politics. There are countless good
and capable people in London, committed to good causes, who feel real
distaste for the existing political parties. The London Alliance intends
to harness talents and resources in the service of London and Londoners,
and to engage people within its 500 communities.
- Who are
the members of The London Alliance?
Members come from a
diversity of backgrounds who are committed to The Declaration of The
London Alliance and to enabling people in London's communities to have a
meaningful input into the governance of their own
environment.
- How will
it select candidates for office?
The London Alliance now has
a London-wide representative Council, representing its supporters in
most of the 14 new London electoral areas. Anyone who has registered as
a supporter of the London Alliance - you can join by contacting the
secretary at the address given above or your local group - will be
entitled to vote and help choose the candidates for Mayor and Assembly.
It will be truly democratic and open.
- What are
its principal aims?
These are set out in the Declaration.
What is needed is a socially just society: suitable housing and
effective solutions to homelessness, well-resourced schools to educate
whole human beings and an environment which is healthy, pollution free
and uncongested, attractive, enjoyable, well-cared for and safe. Our
agenda for the Mayor and the new Greater London Assembly is true social
economic and environmental sustainability - cultural and social
cohesion; personal and community empowerment and the ending of poverty;
spacial planning that enables people to live near were they work; an
integrated transport policy; waste management and recycling targets; and
a plan to protect London's wildlife. In addition to these broad
principles, we intend to set up specialist groups to work out more
detailed policies. Our long-term intent is to create a new kind of
democracy in London based on community regeneration and environmental
concern. This is the only way, we believe, to revive our democratic
institutions in London and tackle our problems
effectively.
- Why is
The London Alliance different from other political parties?
Because we are a civic body primarily interested in local
government. Existing political parties are concerned with winning
General Elections and are controlled from the centre. All our local
groups are and will always be autonomous: what holds us together is our
shared belief in local democracy in London and a commitment to improving
the lives of Londoners in real ways. Above all, we believe party
politics should be kept out of local government. The issues are what
count. So The London Alliance represents a real alternative.
- How is it
organised?
An all-London Council has been set up which meets
monthly. It is open to anyone who is interested in and supports our
objectives. The London Alliance will strengthen its groups in each of
the fourteen electoral areas which are being created for the London
Assembly elections. Each London Alliance area group will - contact
like-minded people in its area - call local meetings - contact the local
press - choose candidates - campaign for these candidates and develop
existing policies for each locality - liaise with other London Alliance
groups. The London Alliance wishes to recreate the notion of active
citizenship - the involvement of everyone in the affairs of London,
irrespective of party politics.
- How is
The London Alliance funded?
The London Alliance is funded by
collections and donations.
- Can the
London Alliance make a difference?
Without question it can.
Millions of Londoners will welcome The London Alliance's vision for the
capital and its special brand of democratic local politics. Join and
help to make the difference. You can contact the secretary or your local
area group through the addresses and phone numbers shown above and on
our 'Contacts' page.
Office address at :
43 Milson Road,
London W14 0LH
email
address: jhy@LondonAlliance.co.uk
To find out about our policies
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To become
a
member
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