The Green Party in England and Wales has launched its manifesto, titled ‘Real Hope, Real Change,’ outlining key promises such as increased taxation on the wealthy, substantial investments in public services, and aggressive environmental policies. The manifesto offers a comprehensive vision for a greener, fairer, and more socially just future, positioning itself as an alternative to mainstream political ideologies.
The Green Party in England and Wales has launched its manifesto, titled “Real Hope, Real Change,” ahead of the upcoming UK election. Key promises include increased taxation on the wealthy, substantial investments in public services, and aggressive environmental policies.
Taxation and Economy:
The manifesto proposes a wealth tax on individuals with over £10 million in assets, increasing national insurance rates for higher earners, and aligning capital gains tax with income tax rates. These measures aim to raise between £50 billion and £70 billion annually. Additionally, a carbon tax set at £120 per tonne of carbon emitted is expected to generate up to £80 billion.
Housing:
The party pledges to build 150,000 new social homes annually and invest £30 billion over five years to insulate homes. Other measures include mandatory solar panels and heat pumps in new homes and rent control powers for local authorities.
Environment and Energy:
The Greens aim to cease all new fossil fuel projects, cancel recent oil and gas licenses, and phase out nuclear energy. They target wind energy to provide 70% of the UK’s electricity by 2030.
Public Services:
They plan to invest £50 billion per year by 2030 in health and social care to reduce waiting lists, ensure access to NHS services, and improve NHS staff pay. The party also proposes bringing water companies, railways, and energy companies into public ownership and abolishing university tuition fees.
Workers’ Rights:
Key proposals include a £15 minimum wage, a four-day working week, and repealing “anti-union” laws.
Social Support:
The Greens propose increasing Universal Credit and legacy benefits by £40 per week, abolishing the two-child benefit cap, and introducing a universal basic income. Health plans include providing free personal care, boosting carer pay rates, and legalizing assisted dying for those with terminal illnesses.
Transport:
The manifesto commits to £10 billion annually for public transport subsidies and £2.5 billion yearly for cycling and walking infrastructure.
Education and Culture:
The Greens aim to increase school funding by £8 billion, eliminate tuition fees, and abolish high-stakes testing and Ofsted. They also propose £5 billion to support community sports, arts, and culture.
Immigration:
The party plans to replace the Home Office with a Department of Migration, end immigration detention, and allow asylum seekers to work while their applications are processed.
Foreign Policy:
The Greens advocate for rejoining the EU, supporting Ukraine against Russia, and dismantling the UK’s nuclear weapons. They also propose increasing international aid and climate finance contributions.
Rights and Freedoms:
They pledge to defend the Human Rights Act, implement proportional voting, and campaign against violence towards women and girls. They also support self-identification rights for trans and non-binary people.
The manifesto is positioned as an alternative for voters disillusioned with Labour’s stance on various issues, with the Greens targeting several key seats in the upcoming election.
