The big Green question

There has been much discussion here on whether the Green Party can be an effective political vehicle for liberal-lefties in Britain, by David and Donald. This weekend Green party members decide whether it should ditch its system of having two principle speakers, representing each sex, in favour of a party leader system. The public overwhelmingly supports such a move, though it’s unclear whether the change will make it more electorally successful. Westminister Hour recently did a report on the issue. What do readers think, Good or bad idea? I’m somewhat in favour of change. Surely the focus should be on good policies not the structure; why be different for its own sake?
Update: Paul Linford also agrees.

Swedes and Greens

I’ve never been much of a joiner. Even though I’ve worked as a writer/journalist for a few years, I only sent my form off to the NUJ last month. The Union, the Tartan Army, the Tufty Club… and, er, that’s about it. Still, I have given recent thought to joining my local Green Party – so I read Dave Osler’s recent piece: Green Party: vehicle for the British left? (and there), with interest.

Like Dave, I doubt the Greens can build a systematic left-wing alternative to Labour, now properly classified as a ‘centre-right’ not a ‘left’ party. But I do believe the popularity of mainstream greenish politics offers something. A ‘moment’, perhaps, for slipping something with a progressive flavour in with the recycling. A reasonable place to look for inspiration is Sweden.

Sweden’s Green Party have just finished 8 years as junior coalition partners in a red-green government. Top of their list of achievements was the inauguration, in January 2005, of a so-called Alternation Leave policy. Under this scheme, 12,000 Swedes have the annual opportunity to take a government subsidized sabbatical from work (similar to parental leave, but without a baby). Three main conditions apply: employer consent is required; the vacancy may only be covered by recruiting from the pool of current unemployed; you may not work while on leave, except to start a new business.
continue reading… »

Green Party: vehicle for the British left?

The website of Red Pepper magazine is currently hosting a debate on whether or not the democratic left should fill out Green Party membership application forms. The opening shot is written by gay rights activist Peter Tatchell, a former Labour parliamentary candidate who will contest Oxford East for the Greens at the next general election. Other contributions come from Clare Short. Jon Cruddas, Chris Smith and Neal Lawson. Here’s the case I make for being a member of New Labour, despite and not because of its track record in office:

Greetings from member L0093001 of Hackney North and Stoke Newington CLP. Yes, after devoting most of my political energies for over a decade to arguing and actively working for a new political party of the left – even writing a book making an extended case as to why such a party is essential – I last year decided to rejoin the Labour Party.
continue reading… »