Volkswagen update – news on the Dark Side
Since the campaign to move Volkswagen away from the Dark Side launched four weeks ago, an incredible 250,000 people have joined the rebellion and millions have watched our spoof of the Star Wars advert online. The campaign is global, with the website being launched in China yesterday – an important new market for VW. Please keep sharing the film.
The company have responded by pointing to the technology they have developed to make cars more efficient, but they need to make efficient cars standard, not an expensive extra. VW have been reluctant to respond to our claims of behind the scenes lobbying to oppose key European climate laws.
Networks are currently keeping up the pressure with 'test drives' at
dealerships. Keep posted for some more real life activities in September. And
the latest online campaign action has just been launched.
Act now: Stop VW lobbying against climate laws.
John West Gone West
Great news from the tuna campaign: John West has finally changed their tuna fishing policies. 51,000 emails, almost as many stickers and the rest of the market leaving them stranded helped focus their minds at the negotiating table. This means all major UK tinned tuna players have completely shifted in just over six months, an amazing result in the world's second-largest tinned tuna market.
We also now have a UK-wide consensus in support of the Pacific Commons marine reserves. These wins will also really help Greenpeace offices around the world as they push their campaigns. If a market this big - with players this big - can shift, then anyone can and must shift.
John West will switch to 100 per cent pole and line and Fad-free fishing by the end of 2016. That's a while away, so we'll be closely monitoring their progress and that of everybody else who has made similar commitments. We'll be in touch for your help with this in due course. In the meantime, thanks for playing your part in a historic victory!
Simon Clydesdale, Oceans Campaigner
Common Fisheries Policy reform
And, as if we had planned it this way, just as John West rolls, we roll out the next oceans campaign: reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. Campaigning on this is being led by the local campaign networks. To find your nearest and throw yourself in visit www.greenpeace.org.uk/groups.
NVDA training
If you would like to help on Greenpeace's nonviolent direct actions, you need to attend a one-day basic training. You can request an application form from Jo Melzack or contact your local network coordinator to find out more. There will be training days in Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol during the autumn.
However, please be aware that you need to have been active with your local network for several months and involvement in actions means that you must be able to risk arrest and its consequences, and be available to participate during the normal working week (though we do try and give you as much notice as possible).
Political lobbying training
A free one day training course, for people interested in lobbying their MP on a regular basis, and a good introduction for individuals wanting to campaign with Greenpeace. Events are planned in London, York, Bristol, Belfast, Newcastle. Sign up now.
Thank you. We couldn't do it without you.
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