Seb Van Bilsen Irias | Sheffield Green Party

Cllr Alexi Dimond replies to Abtisam Mohamed MP’s opinion piece in the Sheffield Star.

Dear editor,

I was pleased to read Abtisam Mohamed MP’s opinion piece in The Star calling for the renationalisation of water – which has been Green Party policy for decades.

I also noted its impeccable timing to coincide with the Walkley by-election (where water leaks are a huge issue). I find it ironic though that Ms Mohamed fails to recognise the biggest obstacle to water renationalisation is her own Labour Party which has been in government from 1997 to 2010 and 2024 to now. Labour has resisted the policy even as water companies have failed to invest in infrastructure, paid billions in dividends to their shareholders, and pumped our waterways and seas full of sewage.

Similarly, Ms Mohamed has managed to raise the profile of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Palestine in Parliament – without ever truly acknowledging her own Party’s role in that genocide. It is well documented that the UK government sells weapons to Israel, shares intelligence information, protects Israel from any accountability internationally, and sends spy-planes from its base in Cyprus to support Israel; which remains a key strategic military and economic ally under the Labour Government.

If voters – or Ms Mohamed – wanted to support water renationalisation (or end the UK’s participation in genocide), surely they would vote for (or even join) another party rather than Labour?

Ms Mohamed knows full well that Andy Burnham (who has already backtracked on renationalising Thames Water) is not going to pay any attention to a petition started by a Labour local election candidate for the purpose of electioneering. However, a Green win for Seb Van Bilsen Irias in Walkley (and Green gains across the country) could perhaps spur the Labour Government into action.

Yours,

Councillor Alexi Dimond

A message from Seb Van Bilsen Irias

Walkley is a pretty great place to live. But we can make it even better: water leaks, potholes, fly-tipping. I’m Seb Van Bilsen Irias, and I am the Green Party candidate for the upcoming by-election in Walkley, Upperthorpe, and Netherthorpe on September 17th. I moved here 4 years ago, and I love this area like my home. I was born in Latin America and later lived in France and Italy while studying for multiple physics degrees. And because I’ve lived in different countries, I know that one of the things that makes Sheffield great is that people can come from all over, contribute to the city, and make a life here. As a Councillor, I want to work on improving communities and green spaces so that we can all come together and thrive no matter where they’re from. For years now, Greens have taken action directly in Walkley Ward, even before the May elections, reporting needs and putting pressure on Yorkshire Water to take action. We’ve been doing food bank collections every month for nearly six years and door-knocking to learn how to best represent you on the council. And we have seen recent wins from having a bigger green group in council. We told Palantir to get out of the NHS. We pushed for free bus travel for young people, and we raised 1 million pounds for solar panels in schools. Being a Councillor is no easy task. I’m aware, but I’ve got the skills to do it. I’m an experienced data analytics manager, meaning I know what it takes to see a project from beginning to end. I can work with the team and stick to deadlines. Together with my Green colleagues, we’ll make sure your voice is heard in the council. It was close between us and Labour in May, and it will be close again. But with your vote, we can win and make sure we give Walkley Ward the attention it deserves. So vote for me, Seth Van Bilsen Irias, in the September 17th by-election.

We are pleased to announce that Seb Van Bilsen Irias is the Green Party’s candidate in the upcoming Walkley by-election on Thursday, September 17.

After moving to the UK from Central America, Seb developed a deep appreciation for England’s democratic values and community spirit. He has made Walkley his home for the past four years and wants to give back to the community that has been so welcoming to him. He says:

“I’m honoured to be given the opportunity to stand as your local councillor, and I cannot wait to build on the work Andy Davies started.

This will include taking Yorkshire Water to task over their failure to act on Walkley’s decaying water infrastructure at a time of drought. It includes improving the bus services here in Walkley so we can get to work and see loved ones. And also ensuring that the most vulnerable have the support they need so they no longer need to rely on food banks.”

“I’m looking forward to speaking to residents across the ward over the next several weeks to learn more about the issues impacting our community. I hope you will consider voting Green on Thursday, 17 September.”

If you are interested in supporting Seb and the Green Party to act on the issues affecting our community, please email walkleygpdist@gmail.com

Tag: Seb Van Bilsen Irias

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