Tom van der Lee

Biography

“Protecting the vulnerable”

Having your future depend on where you were born is simply intolerable. Inequality, injustice, and indifference are widespread obstacles standing in the way of emancipation. I have personally witnessed the catastrophic impact of the three key issues of our time: extreme inequality, forced migration, and climate change. For me, there is only one acceptable alternative: a fair, empathetic and ecologically balanced world.

International and social issues

Before being elected MP, I was campaign director and board member at Oxfam Novib for seven years, where I worked on climate change, corporate social responsibility, combatting tax evasion, and more. Before that, from 1990 to 2009, I was a political coordinator and press officer of the GroenLinks parliamentary group. I advised many GroenLinks MPs during that time, and spent a long time as the right-hand man to Paul Rosenmöller and Femke Halsema. You could say that I have an in-depth knowledge of sustainability-related, international and social issues.

Product of Catholic emancipation

I am the son of two teachers, the grandchild of a baker and a gardener, and the product of Catholic emancipation. I began rebelling against the church, nuclear weapons and big capital at an early age. I studied political science at the University of Amsterdam and was a student leader, a non-violent squatter, and a conscientious objector.

Linesman

In my spare time, I like to stay in shape by riding my mountain bike and watch my daughter play football for SV Kadoelen in Amsterdam-Noord, where I am also a linesman.