Archives for Comment
The grassroots green revolution is why I’m proud to have represented the South East in the European Parliament
It sometimes feels at the moment like the world is a dangerously depressing place. Fires continue to rage, air pollution is still killing thousands of Brits a year and many…
The success of the student divestment campaign shows what the climate movement can deliver
Over half of UK universities have now made a commitment to divest from fossil fuels in some way. Of the 78 divested institutions, a majority of their commitments cover all…
What will happen with the EU Withdrawal Bill in the House of Lords?
Next week the House of Lords will be debating the EU Withdrawal Bill – what will become the law determining crucial events in the UK in 2020 and beyond. Should…
Keir Starmer’s pledge to ‘end factionalism’ would take Labour back to vapid personality politics
Image credit: Chatham House - Creative Commons Keir Starmer’s campaign to be Leader of the Labour Party has so far pitched left narratively, hamming up his history of supporting unions…
Boris Johnson’s attack on BDS sides with the powerful over the weak
Image credit: Magne Hagesæter - Creative Commons In order to meet our obligations under international law, the UK needs to be a critical friend of Israel, not just a friend…
Was climate change the right battle ground for the Greens in the General Election?
A year ago, I wondered whether climate change was really the leading issue. But when the election was finally announced, I had to stop wondering and decide on campaign points.…
The truth behind the Greens’ performance in the General Election
Image credit: YouTube Screengrab The election is over. Social media is filled with rancorous debate - unpicking Labour’s defeat. But what of the Greens? How was this election for us?…
The Green Party’s future lies in a transformative, participatory programme of the left
Image credit: Bristol Green Party - Creative Commons There have been lots of different responses to the general election writ large. Mired in defeat and punch-drunk with the loss of…
How can Labour rebuild its base?
Photo credit: Andy Miah - Creative Commons With Labour's serious loss to Boris Johnson's Conservative government, much of the British left is in a period of mourning and reflection. The…
It’s time for the left to move beyond Brexit
Late on election night, as I’d just arrived at the Banbury constituency count, I was feeling despondent. I’m sure this was a feeling shared by progressives across the country in…