British politics is a conservative business. It shifts in generations, not moments. Events seemingly seismic in scale fade away and the old landscape remains. Yet change, when it comes, is more fundamental then sometimes believed.
The House of Commons, remains dominated by the the mainstream parties, albeit on an ever reducing turnout at General Elections, but serious inroads are being made elsewhere.
On the progressive end of the politcal spectrum the most successful challenge has come from the Green Party of England and Wales (GPEW). The party has reached a crucial point in its growth and development and can claim quite justifiably to have a serious future in UK politics.
Green Party History
The start of the green revolution in politics was less auspicious, and it has taken several decades for any progress to be made. The Green Party started its journey as the PEOPLE party set up in 1973 by a few individuals with a focus on human overpopulation before transforming into the Ecology Party in 1975. Eventually in 1985, it became the Green Party to match its sister parties in Europe. In this time, the influence of both the 1968 generation and more 'modernising' forces were keenly felt, and the party moved to a distinctively left wing focus in policy.
Slow but Steady Progress is Made
Electorally, it remained insignificant although gaining in experience. 1979 saw a breakthrough of sorts with 39,918 votes at an average of 1.5%. Although modest this pointed to at least the possibility of green politics making an impact at the ballot box, and subsequent General Elections saw ever increasing numbers of candidates being put up. As each candidate requires a £500 deposit, lost when inevitably the candidate received less then 5% of the vote, this pointed to the increased support and financial resources of the party.
The Green Earthquake at the 1989 European Parliamentary Election
In 1989 with green issues, especially around the impact of CFCs on the ozone layer, receiving unprecedented publicity, the European Elections took place. From nowhere the Green Party took two million votes, a 14.5% share. Suddenly the Green Party looked like a serious force. However the divisions always present were forced to the surface and the party lost its two leaders and most recognisable faces, Sara Parkin and Jonathon Porritt, in a bitter wrangle.
Green Politics and Proportional Representation
Despite this the Green Party managed to recover its momentum, and unified around a radical, principled, but pragmatic approach to politics. Gains were made at local elections with a current tally of 116 Cllrs. The advent of devolution to a Scottish Parliament (leading to the creation of a separate Scottish Green Party in 1990), a Welsh Assembly and London Assembly with proportional representation created more opportunities. The introduction of Proportional Representation to the European Parliament provided the Green Party with its most significant gains and now it has two MEPs, Caroline Lucas and Jean Lambert, with increased votes over the last two elections.
A Green Future?
The party has undoubtedly established itself as the pre-eminent progressive alternative in British politics. The next General Election sees the party well placed to win a MP in Brighton and potentially Norwich. This breakthrough will arguably see the party match the status of other European Greens, with all the problems and opportunities this will bring.
 |
 |
 |
 |
