A New Era for the Green Party
Siân Berry, who is now finishing her first year as a Green MP in Brighton, says that the party’s change under leader Zack Polanski is a historic change. From her constituency office, which Caroline Lucas used to hold, she thinks about how far the Greens have come: from being the only voice in Parliament to being a group of four MPs shaping national debate. “Caroline was the only one who spoke out,” she said. “But now there are four of us, so we can split up the work and make sure that every Green voter is heard.”
Berry, Carla Denyer, Adrian Ramsay, and Ellie Chowns are all members of Parliament who work with more than one government department. Berry said, “If there isn’t a Green in the chamber asking a question, that question won’t be asked.” As the far right tries to take over public discourse, their combined efforts are meant to keep progressive policies in place.
Source: The Guardian
Membership Growth and Growing Power
The Greens’ membership has grown from 70,000 to more than 140,000 since Zack Polanski was elected party leader in September. The rise put the party ahead of the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives, which was a new political milestone. Berry says that Polanski is “a phenomenal leader” who brings new energy and hope.
She remembers times when the party grew, and she gives credit to former leaders Natalie Bennett and Caroline Lucas for broadening the party’s message to include social issues like workers’ rights and austerity. Berry said, “We learned how to talk about fairness and respect.” “That set the stage for this moment.”
Building Representation and Duty
Berry says that the Greens now feel more responsible because they have four MPs. “Everyone who voted Green in the country has to be represented by the four of us,” she said. Their power is clear, since polls show the party at 17%.
Berry’s work includes issues related to justice, policing, culture, the media, transportation, and democratic standards. “We have to be ready when problems come up,” she said. “Our presence makes sure that important issues like animal rights and refugee rights stay on the agenda in Parliament.”
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From Brighton to Westminster: A Personal Win
Berry’s win in Brighton was very personal because she had run campaigns for years without success. “Getting more than half the votes to cross that line showed that positive campaigning can win big,” she said. Caroline Lucas’s legacy lives on in her victory, and she is still well-known in the city. Berry said, “When I’m out with Caroline, it’s clear how much people still love and thank her.”
She said that Parliament was scary but also exciting. “There are a lot of rules that make you feel small, but I came in with more than 300 new MPs. They can’t make all of us feel small.”
How to Get Around in a Changing Political World
Berry is still worried about the rise of far-right populism and the power of the Reform Party. “Reform’s anger is strong because people are tired and broke,” she said. “Our challenge is to make hope and community the louder message,” and Zack is doing a great job of that.
She compares the Greens’ hopeful message from the ground up with Reform’s divisive language. Berry said, “Reform isn’t asking people to build community spirit, but that’s 100% of what we do.” She thinks that the Greens’ message of giving power to local people can bring people together even when they are tired of politics and under economic stress.
Tensions with Labour and Calls for Action on Climate Change
Berry was unhappy with how Labour handled environmental policy. She said, “Nature isn’t affecting Labour; big developers are.” “Instead of dealing with the real housing problems, they’re going after newts, bats, and snails.” She praised Energy Secretary Ed Miliband for standing up for climate initiatives, but she said the party needs to resist pressure from businesses.
She’s also upset that Parliament is moving away from progressive climate policy in general. “A rise of two degrees in temperature is possible. We’re on a knife-edge,” she said. “We can’t afford to fail this ecosystem; it’s our only home.”
Greens Present a Unique Progressive Perspective
Berry says that even though politics are divided, the Greens are still a strong moral force. She said, “There are Labour MPs who share our values, but they can’t always speak their minds.” “We can stand up for what’s right without giving in.”
Berry thinks the Green Party is strong because it is real and because Zack Polanski is in charge. She said, “Zack is helping people see politics in a new way.” “It’s about being kind, fair, and part of a community, and showing that hope can win.”
Looking Ahead: Purpose and Momentum
Berry thinks the party is in a better position than ever to shape Britain’s future now that membership is rising and the Greens are solidifying their presence in Parliament. She sees the party as more than just a protest movement; with Polanski leading a new generation of activists, she sees it as a political force ready to run the country.
Berry said, “The feeling is electric.” “We’re getting bigger because people want more than just anger; they want to feel like they belong.” That’s what we’re working on.
