The Green Party of England and Wales, established in 1990, is a political party dedicated to environmental sustainability, social justice, and “grassroots democracy”. It originated from the PEOPLE Party, founded in 1972, which later became the Ecology Party before adopting its current name. The Green Party emphasises the urgent need to address climate change, advocating for renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable development. Beyond environmental issues, the party also champions human rights, equitable economic policies, and social inclusivity. Known for its commitment to ecological knowledge and non-violent activism, the Green Party strives to create a fairer, more sustainable society through “transformative grassroots” policies and community-based initiatives.

2024 General Election Manifesto – Key Points Summary

Healthcare

• NHS Funding and Reform: Increase taxes on the “super-rich” to adequately fund the NHS and fix the broken care system.
• NHS Public Ownership: Commitment to a fully public NHS, reversing all privatisation.
• Staff Pay and Working Conditions: Boost NHS staff pay and support junior doctors’ pay restoration.
• Primary Care Investment: Increase funding for primary medical care and reduce administrative burdens on GPs.
• Mental Health: Ensure access to evidence-based mental health therapies within 28 days and provide tailored mental health services.

Housing

• Affordable Housing: Provide 150,000 new social homes annually and end the “right to buy” scheme.
• Rent Controls: Empower local authorities to introduce rent controls and end no-fault evictions.
• Sustainable Homes: Introduce a Fairer, Greener Homes Guarantee for warm, safe homes meeting high energy efficiency standards.

Economy

• Tax Reform: Strengthen global tax agreements to prevent corporate tax evasion and ensure fair taxation.
• Investment in Public Services: Advocate for investment in public services and green infrastructure without being restricted by fiscal (taxation) rules.
• Universal Basic Income: Push for the introduction of a Universal Basic Income.

Education

• School Funding: Increase school funding with £8bn investment and restore the role of school nurses.
• Higher Education: Fully fund higher education, restore maintenance grants, and scrap tuition fees.
• Special Educational Needs: Invest £5bn in SEND provision and ensure all schools have accessible buildings and fully-trained teachers.

Climate Change and Environment

• Nature Protection: Introduce a Rights of Nature Act and set aside 30% of land and seas by 2030 for nature protection.
• Green Energy: Invest in renewable energy sources and increase support for nature-friendly farming.
• Food Security: Increase domestic food production and expand local horticulture.

Transport

• Public Transport Investment: Increase annual public rail and bus travel subsidies and bring railways back into public ownership.
• Cycleways and Footpaths: Invest £2.5bn a year in new cycleways and footpaths.
• Electrification and Green Transport: Support electrification and invest in green transport solutions.

Crime

• Drug Law Reform: Establish a National Commission for evidence-based reform of drug laws.
• Support for Vulnerable Groups: Ensure the legal rights of those with mental health struggles and support inclusive welfare.

Taxes

• Corporate Tax: Tackle corporate tax avoidance and ensure a level playing field for UK businesses.
• Public Sector Debt: Advocate for borrowing to invest in the green economy and public services, emphasising climate protection.

Immigration

• EU Re-joining: Work towards re-joining the EU and restoring the free movement of people.
• Worker Exploitation: Change visa systems to end the exploitation of overseas workers, particularly in the care sector.