Green Party conference: focus on children

A better future for children was the theme of Green Party leader Steven Agnew’s address to delegates at his party’s annual conference. “The next generation has always been at the heart of Green Party policy,” said Agnew, “and children have been at the heart of the conference as we focus on the issues that face our young people from cradle to career.” The North Down MLA criticised the Executive’s failure to produce an early years strategy.

Agnew also condemned Health Minister Edwin Poots’ decision to appeal a High Court ruling in October that the ban on same-sex and unmarried couples adopting children is unlawful.  He claimed that the Minister “seeks to deny” children in care the “opportunity of growing up in a loving family home because some of those families may not reflect the values of the Minister.” The DUP declined to respond to the criticism but Poots has said that his decision was taken “with a heavy heart” as the legal proceedings have already delayed the Adoption and Children Bill (see page 82). 
Education was widely discussed at the conference, which was attended by 70 of the party’s 300 members. Party members adopted a motion supporting the Waldorf education method, which emphasises the role of the imagination and creative thinking in learning.

Members also supported a call for a reduction in urban speed limits, from 30mph to 20mph. The party also re-affirmed its rejection of a cut in the top rate of corporation tax. All motions adopted become party policy.