‘Standing For The Common Good’ The Green Party Manifesto launches at East London’s Arcola Theatre. Image: Emily Browne

The Green Party has launched its 2015 General Election Manifesto in the Arcola Theatre Hackney with the title  ‘For The Common Good.’

It sets out what the the Greens describe as ‘a bold, ambitious plan for a fairer society and a safer planet.’

In contrast to Labour’s use of the set of Coronation Street, The Green Party chose a theatre that had successfully participated in the 10:10 Project, which has reduced their carbon emissions by 32% over the last year.

MP for Brighton Pavilion Caroline Lucas and party leader Natalie Bennett speaking at the 2015 Green Party Manifesto Launch. Image: Emily Browne

The manifesto focuses on the Greens’ commitment to restoring and extending public services and tackling climate change.

Speaking at the event was party leader Natalie Bennett, alongside MP for Brighton Pavilion Caroline Lucas.

Natalie Bennett pointed out the The Greens are the only party to mention the environment during the Leaders’ Debate earlier this month.

Caroline Lucas discussed the importance of it not being overlooked.

The two covered the manifesto’s key points which included a public NHS, free education, affordable housing and better transport.

They are calling for a ‘peaceful, political revolution.’

The manifesto has promised to introduce a wealth tax on individuals whose wealth exceeds £3 million.

They believe this will raise £25 billion a year.

It promises to reverse ‘the creeping privatisation’ of the NHS, to ban fracking, and scrap university fees.

Green Party membership has risen from 12,000 members, to over 59,000 in the last five years.

In a statement from the launch, Bennett said,

Austerity had failed and we need a peaceful political revolution to get rid of it.

Our manifesto is an unashamedly bold plan to create a more equal, more democratic society while healing the planet from the effects of an unstable, unsuccessful economy.

This manifesto presents the Green Party’s genuine alternative to our tired, business-as-usual politics. We desperately need a more equal society and the policies we announce today pave the way towards a brighter, fairer future for all.

Green Party leader Natalie Bennett. Image: @TheGreenParty

The economy and climate change were top of the Green Party agenda.

By funneling money back into the public sector, into transport, healthcare and housing, the Green party pledges to create an extra 1 million jobs.

The promise to end austerity has always been a large part of the Green’s campaign.

However, Caroline Lucas and Natalie Bennett were grilled on the possibility of supporting Labour on a case-by-case basis, which goes against their staunch anti-austerity message.

The party has recently come under fire over the plan to increase the top tax rate to 60p, and introduce a 60% wealth tax.

At the 2010 General Election, only around 50% of 18-30 year olds went to the polling stations to cast their vote.

London Multimedia News asked Natalie Bennett about what she is doing to secure the youth vote.

This morning’s story of the Newham council tenant evicted from her home, and subsequent outrage from West Ham Green candidate Rachel Collinson, reinforces the Greens commitment to secure, affordable housing.

Natalie Bennett talking to the media this morning in East London. Image: Emily Browne

The Green Party pledge to abolish the bedroom tax, provide 500,000 social rented homes by 2020 and to cap ever-increasing rents.

Natalie Bennett’s party are also turning their attention to improving transport by returning railways to public hands, introducing a 10% cut in fairs to give passengers a financial-break and promote walking an cycling to reduce pollution.

Green Party campaign poster. Image: @CllrHowardAllen

At the same time, the Conservative Party launched their manifesto, which attempted to outline David Cameron’s party as the people’s working party, promising ‘the good life for all.’

The Green Party thought of the trees though when deciding to produce a short leaflet summary for the attendant media rather than hundreds of thick glossy booklets.

This was not necessarily appreciated by the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg

Click here for more information on the Green Party 2015 manifesto.

Images from this morning’s launch of the Green Party Manifesto by Emily Browne

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