GBRC

Sometimes campaigning gets a bit tedious. You can spend loads of time talking amongst yourselves - like minded greenies going round in virtuous circles agreeing with each other, but not making any real impression on those whose minds you've really got to change.

Well the campaign has kicked off a bit of controversy this week - which makes a refreshing change if you ask me. What's the fuss about? Kevin McCloud's appearance at the Conservative party conference in Manchester, that's what.

We've published a couple of critical comments that we've had in on the blog - you wouldn't expect us to shy away from a debate would you?! But let me set out where we're coming from...

First things first, the Great British Refurb campaign - and Kevin's association with it - are completely independent and apolitical. We have no natural preference for any colour in the political palette. Kevin is not about to enter the House of Commons at the next election! But here's the thing - we HAVE to work with all major parties because without political leadership, without policies being brought forward and enshrined in law, we are not going to see the change we need.

Let's also get something else clear. Kevin was invited by the Conservatives to come and tell them what he thought of their new policy - the "Green Deal" (it's basically Pay As You Save with another name - but more of that elsewhere) and the campaign was asked to show what type of green refurb could be done with a modest amount of money to a turn of the last century, "Coronation Street" house in Manchester. If we had been invited by Labour or the Lib Dems, we'd have done exactly the same thing.

Kevin made clear, on both his Sky news interview and his discussion in the conference session, that he was there to challenge the Tories. For example, he said, we'd need much more than £6,500 to tackle many of our older homes. Who better than Kevin and the campaign to hold the Tories' feet to the fire?!

So I appreciate the comments we've had - the fact that for some people, being seen to associate with political parties (particularly if you happen to disagree with that party's views) makes them feel uncomfortable. But I'm afraid we might have to agree to disagree. We will continue to engage with the Conservative party, as well as all the other main parties - encouraging, criticising, challenging, holding to account - because without that dialogue, we're simply crossing our fingers and hoping for the best.

John Alker
UK Green Building Council