Green Parliamentary Candidate Cllr Steve McAuliffe wins hearts and minds at the Greening Steyning Climate Hustings
Last night, Wednesday 26 June, all six candidates for the Arundel and South Downs constituency participated in a ‘Question Time’-style Climate Hustings, organised by Greening Steyning. The audience in the packed Drama Hall at Steyning Grammar School heard a variety of views, from serious concern and the need for real action on the climate and ecological emergency, to scepticism about the issue from the Reform candidate. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the applause for Steve McAuliffe, Green parliamentary candidate for Arundel and South Downs, was notable.
The questions challenged candidates in ways many had clearly not considered. Did candidates hold shares or investments in fossil fuels? This question proved tricky to answer for all except McAuliffe. Other candidates were unable to confirm if their pension pots were ethical or that they had no such investments. McAuliffe confirmed he had an ethical bank account and invested his money in a scheme to promote green projects across the world.
“This is one really important thing we can all do,” McAuliffe said in a clear message to the audience. “Check your pensions, ask your providers about where your money is being invested and beware of greenwashing.”
In response to a question from a Horsham District councillor about solar farms, McAuliffe took a very different line to former Arundel and South Downs Conservative MP, who had called in the recent decision by Horsham Council’s Planning committee to pass a solar farm near Cowfold to the Secretary of State for review. McAuliffe, a retired ecologist, said that, while solar panels are best on buildings, warehouses and supermarkets, allowing them on farmland for a limited time has huge benefits in both allowing soil to regenerate and providing local, affordable clean green energy. He acknowledged that they can be an eyesore but emphasised the importance of giving some certainty of income to farmers beleaguered by unpredictable weather patterns and depleted soil.
After the meeting McAuliffe met local people who had been impressed by his knowledge, expertise and views on key climate and nature issues. The positive feedback is further confirmation that Arundel and South Downs, often reported as a ‘safe seat’ for the Conservatives, is ready for change. Looking at votes cast in the 2023 local elections across the constituency and covering the new boundaries, the picture places the Green Party in a strong second place.
The event was filmed by Greening Steyning and will be available to watch here.