Our Manifesto for Kent
The Green Party’s 2009 election manifesto explained how the £44bn investment package would be funded, and how many jobs would be created in which sector by each project. Not pie in the sky politics, just common sense in the real world. For the full Green Party manifesto, click here.
Economy
- Higher minimum wage - one that people can actually live on. Tax high earners, over £100k, at 50%.
- Raise the state pension to £170 p.w. bringing 25% of pensioners out of poverty.
- We offer real support for local businesses. We will fight the big business take over of our high streets and industry.
- Protect public services by reducing top earning public sector wages preventing job cuts.
- More co-operatives - banking should be in the hands of real people, not driven by corporate greed
- An end to "economic growth at any cost". What we need is "a sustainable economy at all costs". This starts with real new green collar jobs, including one million new jobs to reduce our carbon emissions.
International and Immigration
- High levels of immigration have been driven by the government's appalling foreign policies. We need to tackle the causes of immigration, i.e. poverty, war, climate change, pollution, etc.
- No more illegal wars, such as Iraq or Afghanistan. Withdrawal of British troops from NATO's occupation of Afghanistan, and work with the UN to bring stability and democracy there.
- No backing of destructive foreign regimes such as Israel, Zimbabwe or Burma.
Crime
- Crime is worse in the more unequal a society is. Our policies to reduce inequalities would have the added benefit of reducing crime.
- We would ensure that heroin and crack addiction is treated as a heath problem, not a criminal one. Over 50% of crime is caused one way or another by these drugs - tacking the production of drugs and helping the addicts will make a real difference to crime rates.
Public services
- Reopen post offices to give communities a hub and people access to essential services.
- Keep the NHS public - no more privatisation of public services.
- Support our postal workers - do not privatise the Royal Mail.
Climate change
- A Green New Deal for the UK - creating 1 million new jobs in green industries to reduce our carbon emissions.
- Through free home energy audits, provide free insulation for all homes that need it. Fuel poverty, job creation and carbon emissions can be tackled together.
- 10% reduction in CO2 emissions year on year from now until 2030, in line with the scientific consenus to stop catastrophic climate change.
Transport
- Make public transport cheap, reliable, convenient and public!
- Promote walking and cycling
- Free bus passes for all school kids
- 20mph in all residential areas
- No airport expansion
Education
- End selective education
- No more academies
- Ensure kids learn life skills
- Stop school league tables which mean that there will always be 'losers'. Children should attend their nearest schools which should all be of a good quality.
- End the myth that schools and educational attainment are getting better every year.
- Save money by stopping University expansion. Instead pay for training via apprenticeships whereby students learn on the job.
Democracy
- Proportional representation - a real voice for people
Local Election Manifesto
General Election Manifesto
