FOCUS ON LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Democracy is not a spectator sport, it’s a participatory event. If we don’t participate in it, it ceases to be a democracy.

Our democracy is in bad shape. The country is deeply divided with many feeling unrepresented and out-of-touch.  We risk creating a vacuum which can be filled by right-wing populists.

The first-past-the-post voting system stifles new thinking. For example, at the last European elections in 2019, held under a Proportional Representation voting system, the Green Party received the second highest vote in Oxford, more than Labour and Conservatives.

Councils elected via first-past-the-post fail to fairly represent the views of electors.

The Green Party has consistently opposed infringements on democratic participation and civil liberties. We want to see the right to protest protected and would scrap anti-trade union laws. Democratic reform has to start locally with the empowerment of communities. We will continue to press for:

  • More opportunities for members of the public to engage in local decision-making. For example, citizens’ assemblies, enhanced speaking rights at Council meetings, with participatory budgeting
  • Replacing the first-past-the-post system with a fair and proportional voting system so that every vote counts
  • The right to vote for 16- and 17-year olds
  • Unnecessary and unfair voter ID laws to be scrapped.
;