Leading human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell today added his support to the growing campaign to re-elect Caroline Lucas as an MEP in next week's European elections.

"I am delighted to support Caroline Lucas's bid for re-election to the European Parliament. She is Britain's best known and most effective MEP," said Peter Tatchell, himself a Green Party parliamentary candidate for Oxford East.

"Caroline has done extraordinary work on European initiatives to combat climate destruction, unemployment and social deprivation," Mr Tatchell added.

"Greens in the European Parliament have been at the forefront of EU legislation for equality and civil liberties.

"As well as highlighting environmental issues, the Greens have now displaced Labour as the party of social justice and employee’s rights.

"Climate chaos is a Europe-wide threat. We therefore need coordinated European-wide action to cut carbon emissions by promoting renewable energy and energy conservation.

"To solve the economic crisis and to combat climate change, the Green Party is proposing pan-European investment in green jobs like home insulation, which will lower household fuel bills. We also want major investment in solar, wind, wave and tidal power, which will revive Britain's engineering industry, boost employment and expand exports.

"Only Caroline and the Greens have a serious agenda for a safer, cleaner and fairer Britain and Europe," said Mr Tatchell.

Caroline Lucas is also Leader of the Green Party and candidate for the Brighton Pavilion seat in the forthcoming general election.

Further information: Peter Tatchell 020 7403 1790

Brighton Green Party: 01273 766673