MADAM – In response to the Green Party spokesman Carol Kambites’ letter claiming local Labour activists are at odds with the party line.

She also gives her advice to local Labour activists to support the Green Party.

This appears to be a bizarre attempt to drive a wedge between the local Labour and Green parties, who are actively co-operating in the district council administration.

Nationally, of course, it is useful to examine the Green Party’s record.

Before throwing in comments about the Labour Party, she should look at her own party’s record when in power.

Firstly, the farcical situation that exists at Brighton Council, nominally Green controlled (the only one in the country), where they are the council you have workers on strike, falling recycling rates and the local Green MP at odds with the local Green council leader resulting in him standing down.

Secondly, on education, Labour has consistently campaigned against the proposed Steiner Free school in Stroud; a position wholly supported by the shadow minister Tristam Hunt MP when he visited Stroud.

At one time, the Green Party were in favour of the free school, now it seems they are against it. A totally incoherent way of working.

Thirdly, on health, Labour has pledged to repeal the divisive Health and Social Care Act.

The last Labour Government invested record amounts into the NHS.

Waiting times lower than now, new hospitals were opened, patients being able to see GPs and specialists quicker than they can now.

Fourthly, a Labour government will get rid of the iniquitous bedroom tax; a practical measure instead of just useless motions.

In conclusion, I like many others am proud to be a member of a Labour Party that locally and nationally has championed public services, supports a fairer more equal society, that does not duck the hard issues but accepts the responsibility that comes with power.

Most importantly, the Labour party is the only real opposition to the most right wing dogma driven party in living memory.

So no thanks Carol, by suggesting the Green Party is a realistic alternative shows how out of touch you are with the reality of the current political situation.

The only alternative to Westminster’s man in Stroud, Tory Neil Carmichael, is to have Stroud’s man in Westminster, Labour and Cooperative’s David Drew.

Steve Lydon

Stroud district councillor for the Stanleys Gloucestershire county councillor for Dursley