The Green Surge: Is the Green Party the Way Forward?

First published in Bricks Magazine.

The Green Party of England and Wales did well in the 2021 local elections – perhaps unexpectedly – leading some to describe the results as “quietly seismic” for climate politics. While it has been suggested that the Greens gained this advantage through taking ‘Labour votes’ since the UK’s main left of centre party had alienated its left-wing members under Keir Starmer, this is not representative of the complete picture – the Green party also took seats in traditionally Conservative areas. Even though many of these wins were unexpected, this phenomenon of a ‘Green Surge’ is not new. Rather, it illustrates a welcome, renewed appetite for change and a desire to do things differently.