Opinion

Much has been said by both sides about the merits and deficiencies of the current “temporary” cycle lanes. What is inarguable is that they were put up in a short space of time with minimal – if any – consultation. Certainly there was none with disability groups. The A270 Old Shoreham Road cycle...

It’s almost unimaginable that government can screw covid testing up so badly. The greatest weakness of Britain’s strategy from the start has been testing and we’ve always known that autumn would hail a new set of covid challenges which would require a functional testing regime tackle it – yet...

The pop-up cycle lanes in Brighton and Hove have met with opposition, with some drivers saying they increase congestion and pollution and make access hard for those who have no choice but to use a car. Bricycles – Brighton and Hove Cycling Campaign – busts a few myths. Congestion and pollution...

The council has special responsibilities when it comes to remembering our past, looking after our war memorials and commemorating the service of our veterans. Councils are responsible for organising and facilitating remembrance events and marches, maintaining and cleaning memorials and the...

As Greens, we value the great contribution of EU citizens in our city. EU nationals are vital for our culture and hospitality sectors, they are saving lives in the NHS and in the care sector every day during the ongoing covid-19 pandemic and they have helped keep our city going during lockdown....

One of the industries that’s been hit hardest by the public health crisis in our city has been our events and culture sector. Most of the outdoor events calendar for 2020 was forced into cancellation by covid-19 and the local economy has suffered as a result. Now though, places are reopening...

In November 2018 local residents held a public meeting at St Cuthman’s Church in Whitehawk Way to discuss their concerns at news that the council was proposing to develop Whitehawk Hill nature reserve as part of the council’s blueprint for the city, “City Plan Part 2”. Among the reported...

It’s my 50th birthday today! I count myself very lucky for lots of reasons but one is that I’ve never really been anxious about getting older. When I look back I was definitely very happy and fulfilled in my twenties but the truth is that I’ve been happier, healthier and more fulfilled in every...

As schools go back, it is an appropriate opportunity to reflect on the huge impact covid-19 continues to have on our city’s families and young people. The pandemic has upturned life for us all and the routines on which many rely to manage family life. A sudden shift to our working lives,...

The pressures on our city and those who lead it are urgent and critical. It will take clear purpose, co-operation and innovation to lead the city through the challenges of the coronavirus, Brexit and the economic tsunami that’s upon us, particularly after a decade of massive reductions in local...

The spectacularly incompetent implementation of cycle lanes on the seafront and elsewhere in Brighton and Hove has not only inflicted chaos but contributed to a spike in congestion and pollution. The changes are described as “active travel” measures. They were put in place by the previous...

The Greens and Labour joined forces to vote for a cut in the number of firefighters in Brighton and Hove at a meeting of East Sussex Fire Authority on Thursday 3 September. The number of firefighters will be reduced from 104 to 100 across the three fire stations at Preston Circus, in Roedean...

Children have been in the news a lot recently. Covid-19 has made me think hard about the importance of family, safety and health – and despite a difficult six months, I know that my family are among the lucky ones. So, when I saw the pictures of people crowded into inflatable boats, many of...

Last month’s collapse marked a shameful end for a Labour administration that destabilised the city, brought Brighton and Hove into disrepute and consistently let its residents down. Labour ultimately fell after failing to live up to its promise to be an anti-racist council and amid the council...

Each year, 175 people die locally from the impact of toxic air pollution. North Street is regularly shown to be one of the most polluted roads in the UK. The climate crisis we face isn’t just affecting our planet – it’s affecting our health. While air quality in the city has improved in recent...

During this ongoing uncertainty, many groups and individuals are supporting those in need in our communities. And more help is always welcome. We are lucky in Brighton and Hove to have a thriving charitable and third sector, jam-packed full of volunteering opportunities for us to all pitch in...

Let’s talk about an issue that’s dividing our city right now: traffic and cycling lanes. You know I’m not one to dodge a tough issue and I also like to try my best to really understand something from the inside. Well, this is no different. Ever since the easing of lockdown, more people have...

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the students across the city on their A level and GCSE results that have come out in recent weeks. Pupils in Brighton and Hove have worked hard in really difficult circumstances. Having schooling disrupted at such a crucial point in the academic...

It is regretful, yet predictable, that when the catastrophic consequences of the recent introduction of cycle lanes became apparent, the Green administration seeks to blame the government for making them do it. It is also inevitable the Greens will claim they have only just taken over from the...

Throughout the pandemic, so many of us have attached great value to the city’s parks, open spaces and seafront. One downside to the increase in people using our outdoor spaces as we have come out of lockdown in the hot weather has been the huge increase in anti-social behaviour and litter. As...