GREENS CRITICISE ANDREW SMITH MP

13th August 2005

Elected representatives from the Green Party today criticised Andrew Smith,
recently re-elected as Member of Parliament for Oxford East. Green City
and County councillors revealed that, despite no longer holding a ministerial
post, Andrew Smith is still refusing to sign Early Day Motions - the
Parliamentary method by which MPs show their support for worthy causes and
build momentum for legislative changes. While a minister, Smith was forbidden
'by convention' from signing EDMs - but despite having been a backbencher
for over 18 months, he has yet to respond to calls to resume his duties.

Cllr Matt Sellwood, Deputy Leader of the City Council's Green Group (and an
Oxford East constituent) revealed that he has asked Andrew Smith to sign
two early day motions since the General Election, both of which have been
met with refusals. Cllr Sellwood commented: "Andrew Smith promised his
electorate that he would be a hard working constituency MP if re-elected.
Instead, it seems that he can't be bothered to do something as basic as
signing Early Day Motions. His refusals cut off one of the few avenues
that his constituents have for influencing the work of Parliament." (1).

Jake Sanders, who was the Green Party candidate for the Oxford East
constituency, added: "It is extremely disappointing to find that Andrew
Smith is failing to represent the people of Oxford in this way. When he
was a Minister he was not allowed to sign EDMs, but as a backbencher he
should be representing his constituents, not Tony Blair."

ENDS

Notes: (1) Cllr Sellwood has contacted Andrew Smith MP about EDM 178 - 'Climate
Change', which is sponsored by former Environment Minister Michael Meacher,
and EDM 391 - 'Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bills'. On both
occasions, Andrew Smith has refused to sign them, despite claiming to
support their contents.

FMI - matt@greenoxford.com