Friday 30 January 2015

New book: VOTE GREEN IN 2015

Green Party Included In Election Book Series

The Green Party is pleased to announce its inclusion in the Why Vote book series, aimed at introducing the general reader to party policies ahead of the general election 2015. In the Greens’ edition, out on 29 January, Deputy Leader Shahrar Ali has recruited some of the Greens’ leading thinkers and activists to explore how the party provides a credible left-wing alternative to Labour in 2015. 
Darren Johnson, Green Party London Assembly Member said: 
“Green politics in the UK has been gaining rapid momentum in recent times. Membership and public support for the party is growing and voting Green is becoming a viable option for more and more people. Read Why Vote Green 2015 to find out what makes the Green Party tick and what its vision for the future looks like.” 
Among the contributors are Molly Scott Cato Green MEP for the South West on Economy, Sarah Cope, Chair of Green Party Women on Women's Politics, Deputy Leader Amelia Womack on Young People and Politics, Adam Ramsay on Constitutional Reform, and former Labour minister Tony Clarke on International Affairs. 
Baroness Jenny Jones, writing of the three crises in the Foreword, said: 
“Increasing numbers of people are mobilising against climate change. Increasing numbers of people reject the austerity agenda. Increasing numbers of people see the inadequacies in our political system. These people often think that all the parties are the same and that there is no one to vote for. Fortunately, they are wrong. The Green Party sees the crises clearly and has the policies to address all three of them.” 
Shahrar Ali, Green Party Deputy Leader and editor of Why Vote Green 2015 said: 
“It’s vital for Greens to be included at every turn, from the leader debates to an election book series. I feel proud to share with you our party’s key policies, commitments and ambitions in the voice of some of our leading spokespersons and activists. Why Vote Green 2015 creates a compelling case for the Greens as a party of government.” 
Dame Vivienne Westwood said: 
“There’s absolutely no other choice but Green. The others are all the same.” 
NOTES 
1. Full list of chapters and contributors: Foreword – Jenny Jones, Green Values - Shahrar Ali, Climate Change - David Flint, Economy - Molly Scott Cato, Education – Martin Francis, Women’s Politics – Sarah Cope, Welfare – Noel Lynch, Home Affairs – Peter Cranie, Young People and Politics – Amelia Womack, Constitutional Reform – Adam Ramsay, Housing – Tom Chance, Transport – Caroline Russell, Environment – Shasha Khan, International Affairs – Tony Clarke, Animals – Caroline Allen.

Green Party launches crowdfunder appeal to demonstrate its ambition of standing in 100% of seats

30 January 2015
THE Green Party today launched a Crowdfunder campaign to fund standing a candidate in as many seats in England and Wales as logistically possible.
Having previously committed to standing in 75% of seats in England and Wales [1], and already being close to achieving that goal, the party is democratising the decision as to whether the party should stand in more seats.
The need for a £500 deposit to stand a candidate in the General Election has often been an obstacle for smaller parties. The Green Party is today launching a public appeal to raise the £72,500 needed to stand in as many of the remaining 25% of seats without a Green candidate as possible.
The Green Party is polling at its highest levels ahead of a General Election in decades and is committed to providing an opportunity for as many voters as possible to vote Green on May 7th 2015. 
Natalie Bennett, Leader of the Green Party said:
“Crowdfunder is a novel and pioneering way of political party funding. Rather than relying on corporate interest or big business the Greens are handing over the decision to the voters and asking them whether they will back us to stand in more seats. The Green Party has already raised over £79,000 [2] on Crowdfunder, with thousands of backers funding Green campaigns.”
“The Green Surge has energised Green voters and members all over the country. Countless new local Green Party branches are being opened and are eager to run candidates for this coming election. With this campaign the Greens can guarantee a record number of voters will be able to vote Green in May 2015.”
Graeme Roy, Head of Marketing at Crowdfunder commented:
Crowdfunding is a democratic way for political candidates to reach out to their supporters. The Green Party have shown real innovation in using crowdfunding and certainly have made the most of the platform that Crowdfunder has for political fundraising." 
Notes to Editors
[1] There are 533 constituencies in England and Wales. 75% of seats represents 400 candidates. The Greens have currently announced candidates for over 350 constituencies, with selection processes undergoing in more seats.
[2] For details on current crowdfunder efforts Green Party campaigns can be seen here: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/campaign/green-party/