Chamber joined prospective parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion, Sian Berry, on the campaign trail for the upcoming General Election.
As today marks the launch of the Green Party’s Manifesto, watch here, this article details why the party’s recent successes in local elections and rising environmental concerns provide a crucial opportunity for the Green Party’s ambitions in Parliament.
Whilst the Green Party know that it is highly unlikely that they will be be in the running to become the next Prime Minister, their hopes are that they gain enough vote to gain influence.
First the Council, Next the Commons
However, with only one MP and three Peers, the Green Party has historically faced challenges breaking into the Houses of Parliament. But, in 2024, on the back of successive strong local election performances and in the face of mounting concerns on environmentalism – both in the UK and also across the world – the Greens are optimistic to finally be returning more than one MP. Chamber spoke with the Green Party’s candidate for Brighton Pavilion.
The Green Party and Their Record in Brighton
Since 2010, Brighton Pavilion has returned a Green MP in Caroline Lucas, with Brighton City Council having a Green Party leader of the council between 2011–2015, as well as 2020–2023. Brighton is well-known for being the key stronghold in the country (although Bristol, with a Green leader taking office for the first time in 2024, and co-leader Carla Denyer standing in Bristol Central, is being increasingly mentioned by media).
It’s therefore no surprise that Sian, when discussing her campaign highlights, talked about local groups she has met, as well as community events like the marathon and Brighton’s Pride event (widely regarded as the most popular and highly attended Pride event in the country).
“Days like that when the whole city comes out and supports people who are doing good work and celebrates its diversity…it’s a great city, it’s got a great spirit.” – Sian Berry.
A Changing Government, but a Consistent Green Voice
As is now commonplace for parliamentary candidates of all parties, Sian criticised the uncertainty surrounding the calling of the General Election. She highlighted that whilst people across the country are wanting change, Brighton Pavilion’s voters have the unique chance to send back an “independent green voice” for the city, in Parliament.
Caroline Lucas, the current MP for Brighton Pavilion, has been well-known for over a decade as Brighton Pavilion’s representative. As Vice-Chair of APPGs, and a regular appointee to the Environment Audit Committee (a rare feat for one MP, even rarer considering the size of the Green Party in Parliament) Sian praised Caroline’s work, adding:
“If we get into Parliament, hopefully that will be with a group of Greens, so that will be a different job to what Caroline has had.” – Sian Berry
The Green Party: What Issues Will be Focussed On?
Private Members’ Bills give MPs the chance to submit bills that may later become law (MPs are chosen by a lottery system). Previously referencing refugee policy, Brexit, and reform for the renting market, Chamber asked Sian about her own Private Members’ Bill, and what she would focus on.
“A lot of my ideas are about trying to get Labour to loosen those purse strings.” – Sian Berry.
Whilst Private Members’ Bills cannot involve extra spending, Sian did make it clear that the policy advocacy she would do in Parliament, if elected, would surround making sure that the state steps in to “build a better society”. Specifically referencing council housing, the NHS, and wider population health, the Election will be a pivotal point for the Greens.
To see all parliamentary candidates running in Brighton Pavillion, please click here.
This is just one of the articles that features in the pre-election edition of Chamber’s journal. To gain free, online access to other articles in our ‘On the Campaign Trail’ series, please subscribe here.
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