Saskia Felicitas Sabelus

“I have been a Bromley resident for nearly 20 years where I live with my husband and three daughters who attend local primary and secondary schools. I teach psychology and criminology at a number of UK universities. Lifelong learning is very close to my heart, and I am currently studying for a degree in Environmental Sciences (partly to equip myself with facts regarding the increasing misinformation spread largely by fossil fuel industries regarding the climate crisis).”

“Since my youth, I have been active and involved in a range of campaign groups and organisations (stop racism and anti-fascism groups, Amnesty International, Bromley for Europe etc.) As part of the Green Party, we campaigned for 20mph outside schools and safer streets, against the expansion of Biggin Hill airport, and supported efforts for a second confirmatory Brexit referendum. Being an active member in the community, I was also one of the founding members of “Friends of Widmore Green Spaces”, thus know about the need and benefits of community groups.”

“My overall current concerns relate to deep structural inequalities in our society and how any austerity measures and “cuts” disproportionally affect the poor and most disadvantaged. This is reflected also at council level. Any problems in our society are blamed on immigrants or refugees, the disabled or any other marginalised group rather than looking at the actual causes of these problems (reckless gambling by financial institutions, Brexit, the “mini budget”, decades long underfunding of public services etc.). This divisive narrative is detrimental to our society and community cohesion, and I strongly reject these views.”

“The climate crisis is inextricably linked with social justice as those disadvantaged will be disproportionally affected by any climate impacts.”

“The following aims are some of my priorities:”

“• Listen to residents’ concerns”

“• Accurate and comprehensive monitoring of air pollution (across the borough including Biggin Hill airport)”

“• Building a more sustainable and climate resilient borough (e.g. by using green infrastructure such as green walls and roofs, installation of green screens, increasing tree planting programmes)”

“• Provide more social housing and fund hostels for rough sleepers with the overall aim to end rough sleeping by 2030 (in line with the Mayor of London’s pledge)”

“• Support small local businesses by investing in green renewable energy schemes and promote a local economy strategy”

“• Reintroduce vital mental health services; invest in more community and youth services”

“• Zero tolerance on discrimination and racism”

“• Protect our wildlife and their habitats, our green spaces, our parks and our mature trees”

“• Introduce more 20 mph zones which will save lives by reducing accidents and cutting pollution”

“• Lobby for better bus services and co-ordination in the south of the borough, and provide better linked and safer cycle lanes”

“I am standing for fairer and greener communities. #HopeNotHate”