Jean Lambert, the Green MEP for London, will be the special guest at celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of the Bromley branch of leading environmental pressure group, Friends of the Earth, on Tuesday 6th of March [1].

Established in 1972, the Bromley group has since been instrumental in spearheading local green campaigns, such as moves to block Biggin Hill airport from extending its operating hours during the London Olympics and plans to build restaurants next to the Glades Shopping Centre, which would have encroached on vital open park space.  Members also played an important role in pressuring the UK Government to introduce the world’s first legally binding climate change legislation.

During the evening, Jean will discuss the measures that need to be taken at the EU level to transform Europe into the global leader in terms of environmental protection, from policies on climate change and renewable energy to resource efficiency and air quality.

Speaking before the meeting, Jean said: “Whilst most governments’ eyes are fixed on the gloomy economic forecast, a much bigger issue, the environmental crisis, is passing us by.  Climate change is a very real, ongoing problem, with the consequences of our collective failure to act already visible in some parts of the world, such as Bangladesh. If we are going to stem the tide, we need to act now. 

“Bromley FoE shows what can be done when action on local issues is combined with global vision. Friends of the Earth was quick to understand the importance of the EU for environmental policy and its local organisations have been involved in campaigning for change at the EU level on issues such as pesticide use, water quality and tackling climate change. Such local activity has helped to shape international policy. So, while we still have problems to tackle, Bromley FOE also has something to celebrate.”

Notes to Editor

1. The meeting will take place at 7:30pm on Tuesday 6th March at Friends Meeting House, Ravensbourne Road, Bromley.