It’s May the 3rd and the weekend of the hard fought for May Day Bank Holiday and a few days since Workers Memorial Day (28th April). I am running a little late as I join my Southampton Green Party colleagues. There is a crowd of people from across the Trade Union and political left movements. There is a buzz in the air, some anger at recent government decisions, both domestic and abroad, some pride in our collective unity and many groups all standing by one principle. United we are stronger.
It is important for the Green Party to be here as part of this community, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those that believe in a better future. A future not divided by difference, but united in our shared struggle and humanity. We slowly begin to move from the Bargate through the onlooking crowds, as they meander through the shops, pubs and restaurants of the high street. We are here to pay witness to those that fought for the weekend, that so many now enjoy. Some look perturbed by our very presence, some with phones film us with our varied banners and cries for justice, a more equal economy, humanitarian rights, and a peaceful existence. This is what those past generations of unionists fought for, those shoppers very right to rest, and ours to march and show solidarity. We finally stop at the bandstand in Palmerston Park, with stalls of our own and food to share.
There are speeches from The Trades Council, Unite the Union, The National Education Union, Southampton University Socialists, GMB, Stand Up to Racism, PSC and DPAC on the issues of the day: a £15 minimum wage, decent homes and human rights for all.
Then its my turn: The Thursday before, we witnessed a major disruption and a re-evaluation of the public’s voting habits. Something is changing in UK politics. We saw another big surge away from the non-traditional parties. The headlines have all been about Reform – the so called ‘new’ party of the right, but with the same old rhetoric of division and anger.
Reform are NOT the answer – all here know that.
Reform will merely accelerate all that is wrong with our current system. They will divide and distract us with whatever ‘other’ is the latest scapegoat, whilst accelerating at high speed towards selling everything to their billionaire friends.
Reform are NOT the answer.
And what does Kier Starmer have to say for Labour’s abysmal performance: Well, he says that he ‘get[s] it’. Apparently, they do not need to change direction or tack because: ‘[He] will go further and faster’ – in the same direction.
Labour are NOT the answer.
Labour NOW are completely wedded to a neo-liberal view of the economy… That means losing their principles and values, dog whistling to the far right, and the selling of publicly owned assets, including the ground below that, on which our hospitals and schools are built.
Labour are NOT the answer.
Then I cry out: “However, I believe that The Green Party does offer a true alternative.”
Lets acknowledge here in private that the Green Party may well be the NEW Party of the Left. It’s policies certainly demonstrate that. I urged the crowed “please do check them out online”.
What is most unique about the Green Party is that it has come to the same conclusion as many of those traditionally a part of this movement, in that to fix the Planet we must fix the economic model that governs it.
And for us in building a fairer society that serves the people, we MUST fix the economic model that governs us.
We Greens HAVE A MESSAGE OF HOPE, that dovetails with the needs of society as a whole. The tide is turning, voters are more fluid, change is coming. We need to have a compelling story to counter Reform and win over voters.
The Greens have that strong story to tell. We have the policies that are fit to tackle the problems. And we are growing. We are ready to show and demonstrate how and why we are different. Why our version of the economy will benefit everyday people and it is these everyday people that we must engage with if we are to become the solution and be able to enact the change we need.
So yes, the Greens, originally a single policy party, but one that has realised that it is the economy that shapes everything, including any hope of saving the planet, which we think of as a pretty important priority, understand that only by rebalancing the economy, do you also serve the needs of ordinary people, encourage innovation and foster green growth (where money flows green shoots grow).
The Green Party is still small; it needs to foster relations with Trade Unions, Co-ops and small businesses. It needs money, it needs to grow the size of its membership, it needs activists, and most of all, it needs to unite those of us that seek real change.
This is my appeal… “We need you, standing right here!”
It is time for the trade union movement to look at alternative options. The Green Party supports the trade union movement, and shares the same values. We have a vision for a new economic model, fit for the future and we are willing to listen to what they have to say.
It was a privilege to stand alongside Green colleagues with this message, on this day. With our Trade Union Liaison Officer – Neil Kelly, our Green Party members, Southampton City Council Candidates, and current and future Green Councillors alike.
Cllr. Matt Renyard – Green Councillor for Coxford Ward, Southampton.
Neil Kelly – Trade Union Liaison Officer