Ealing Southall Green Party candidate Neil Reynolds tells why he wants to become an MP – EALING.NEWS – The Voice of Ealing 7 towns

On 4 July 2024, the UK electorate goes to the polls to vote for who they want as a Member of Parliament.

EALING.NEWS asked all the candidates in the three constituencies of Ealing Ealing Central and Acton, Ealing North and Ealing Southall 7 questions about who they are, what they hope to deliver and why residents want to vote for them.

Neil Reynolds, who represents the Green Party in Ealing Southall, answers the 7 questions:

Tell us a little about yourself, your priorities for the constituency and why you want to be the next Member of Parliament for Ealing Southall?
I first moved to Ealing in 1998 after leaving university and then moved to the Ealing Southall constituency in 2011. I want to be the next MP for Southall to give people the opportunity for real hope and real change .

This country has suffered greatly under Conservative and Labor governments over the past two decades. I am standing because I believe the Green Party will take meaningful action against the climate crisis, reversing the damaging effects of Brexit and protecting public services like the NHS from decline and privatization from the back.

What motivates you?
Despite all the cynicism, I still truly believe that democracy and politics can be a force for good. We have many of the solutions to make real progress on the climate crisis, it takes leadership and political courage to do so. Unfortunately, in Ealing the declaration of a climate emergency in 2019 has led to very little action from the Labor Council and progress towards the 2030 net zero target is not even properly measured. I also truly believe that Britain’s future is at the heart of Europe and I believe that the UK should at least seek membership of the single market, if not full membership of the EU. The more Green MPs in parliament, the stronger the voice for real hope and real change will be

What is your personal connection to Ealing Southall or any other part of the borough?
I have lived in Ealing for most of my adult life. I have lived in Hanwell or Northfields (which are both in the constituency) since I got married in 2011. Southall, Hanwell, West Ealing and Northfields are great places; vibrant and diverse I couldn’t imagine wanting to live anywhere else.

What do you consider to be your 5 most important political or personal achievements and what impact did they have?
Politically, I was delighted to support the campaign to save Warren Farm. The group of volunteers who worked on that campaign are some of the most capable and inspiring people I have come across in Ealing politics. When the Labor council reversed its plans to build on the site, it felt like a victory for local people and nature.

Personally, I have always worked in state comprehensive schools in North West London (22 years now!). It’s a job I find extremely rewarding and there have been a number of highlights. I was Deputy Head of an outstanding school, seeing students leave each year to start their adult lives at university or employment is very rewarding.

What do you see as the top 5 challenges facing Ealing Southall and how will you tackle them as an MP?
• It goes without saying that one of my highest priorities will be addressing the climate crisis. The government declared a climate emergency in 2019 in response to grassroots protests and campaigns calling for it, but has since abandoned any commitments that come with it. As an MP, I would fight to get the Green Party’s Caroline Lucas’ Environmental and Climate Emergency Bill through Parliament.

• In Ealing, people choose between heating and food. Our dependence on fossil fuels continues to drive up energy prices and cause devastating extreme weather events. If elected, I will fight for adequate investment in cheap and reliable renewable energy, as well as home insulation to reduce bills.

• Many people in Ealing are suffering because of the cost of living crisis. I would prioritize ensuring that all Ealing residents can put food on the table, starting with pushing to increase Universal Credit and raise the two-child cap.

• Our NHS is at breaking point – waiting lists are through the roof, medical staff are overworked and underpaid and much-needed funding has been cut. Many people in Ealing suffer from a lack of adequate healthcare and one of my priorities will be to fight for more investment in the NHS. We need an NHS for people, not for profit.

• Education has been systematically underfunded by our Conservative government. As an MP I would fight for adequate investment in our school infrastructure, better provision for SEND pupils and better working conditions to recruit and retain teachers and reduce class sizes.

What do you love about Ealing?
Open green spaces; Warren Farm and all the parks in the area. District h also has tremendous diversity, both in terms of population and the seven cities. It’s an interesting place to live, I first moved here 26 years ago and I learn something new about the area every week. I am very happy here.

How accessible will you be to the residents of Ealing Southall and how can they contact you now and if elected how will you ensure you are accessible to them in the future?
I will hold routine operations and public meetings. I will be involved with community groups and schools. I can be contacted at [email protected]

Click here for all Ealing Southall candidates.