A photo of a group of Young Greens with banners

The membership of the Young Greens – the official youth and student wing of the Green Party of England and Wales – has hit 40,000. This makes the Young Greens the largest youth wing of any political party in the UK.

This comes in the context in the rapid and continued rise in Green Party membership. There are now more than 150,000 Green Party members. According to the Green Party, Young Greens now make up over 20 per cent of the party’s overall membership.

Speaking following the news, the Green Party leader Zack Polanski said: “We meant it when we said we’re here to replace Labour – and I could not be happier that our incredible Young Greens are yet again leading the way.

“Young people have been let down by successive Conservative and Labour governments, so it’s no surprise that they are desperate for an alternative.

“I said the Green Party wants to make hope normal again, and up and down the country our Young Greens are engaging in bold politics – whether they are members, activists or elected representatives – and doing that each and every day.”

Meanwhile, Ciara Alleyne – co-chair of the Young Greens, said: “Our generation knows that Labour won’t stand up for them or their future. They are looking for an alternative and despite what the media says, it is not Reform they are flocking to.

“Young people know what matters to them, and they are willing to fight for it by becoming part of a movement that spreads hope, not hatred and fear.

“We are ecstatic to have the largest youth and student wing in the UK, but it is only the start. We are organising across the country to take on politicians across the spectrum who are scapegoating the vulnerable and deferring to the wishes of the 1%.”

Callum Clafferty, the other Young Greens co-chair added: “When you are a member of the Young Greens of England and Wales you aren’t just a token for politicians to say they listen to young people. You are encouraged at every point to take up leadership positions, stand in elections, and drive the policy of the party.

“The Green Party recognises the enormous advantage the knowledge, experience and values that young people bring – and our ability to drive innovation in the way we do politics.

“For any young person looking to take control of their future and fight for a fairer country, you have a home in the Green Party.”