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Are young people gradually dropping Labour for the Green Party?

In recent history, a vote for the Green Party has felt almost like an act of protest. As Labour’s stance on social issues become less clear, however, young people are being allured by the underdog’s progressive policies.

Is there an end in sight for two-party politics in the UK? While it appears unlikely in the immediate future, as we approach vital climate deadlines, there are signs that the Green Party may emerge as something of a dark horse.

Historically, voting Green in a battle between Blue and Red has been widely regarded as an act of protest – almost akin to spoiling a ballot for lack of ideal choices.

As it stands, the Green Party has just one MP in Parliament and there has been little to no chance of them forming a majority government since sprouting up in 1990, no pun intended.

For the first time, however, it appears as though the winds of change could be blowing. Ecological policies are constantly discussed as the countdown to climate catastrophe ticks on, and we’re constantly seeing the subject discussed within mainstream media.

We’re also witnessing record-breaking heatwaves each summer, which is quickly wising folk up to the fact that, yes, global warming is a problem.

As green policies become less of a niche for progressiveness, and more of a priority – particularly for young people – can we expect the Green Party to establish a more influential presence in the current political landscape?

The data allows for cautious optimism. Between the 2017 and 2019 general elections, the vote share for the Green Party increased by a massive 65%, which was by far and away the largest uptick for any party.

This wasn’t a one off anomaly either. The party has since been voted to lead Brighton and Hove and Lancaster (during local elections last May) and is in coalitions across 13 other authorities. Don’t doubt it, people are concerned about the climate, and they want to see action urgently.

Labour has traditionally secured young votes, but the current cabinet led by Kier Starmer is inadvertently leaving the door open for competitors.

Since taking the reins in 2020, Starmer has merely paid lip service to the issue of climate change and has even directly opposed demonstrations from activist groups like Just Oil. In 2021, Labour actually lost close to 100,000 members, and many point to its diluted position on important topics as the key factor.

Recently speaking to Dazed, Sapphire, a 27-year-old climate justice consultant for Amnesty International, suggested that the Green Party is stepping up to the plate and cutting through the ambiguity for left leaning voters.

‘I feel like the Greens are so much clearer on their stance on key issues [than Labour], like the Green New Deal and centring antiracism and trans rights,’ she says. ‘They’re much more inspiring to the younger generation.’

On that last point, the Green Party has outlined its specific aims to achieve equality instead of merely making the right noises and this could prompt many more to jump ship.

Despite the growing support, however, the first-to-the-post system will continue to hinder the Green Party and other smaller constituencies. Back in 2015, the Conservatives won with just 36.9% of voters.

The structure is far from fair, and a recent poll found that the majority of the public want wholesale changes made for future ballots. Failing this, proportional representation would allow smaller parties to gain more seats in Parliament and grow their influence.

One thing is certain in all of this, young people are dedicated to change and will take the necessary avenues to make it happen. As climate change becomes increasingly more pressing, voting for green policies feels less pie-in-the-sky, and more like common sense.

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