23 July 2016
We would like to express our solidarity with those facing xenophobia and racism. We recognise that some have considered the referendum as open licence to voice intolerance, whilst others have aimed to legitimise this by claiming it to be an ‘inevitable fallout’ of the vote. Mole Valley, Epsom and Ewell Green Party and supporters condemn this behaviour. We note that Surrey Police are urging people to report any such incidents by phoning 101, or 999 in an emergency.
The referendum highlighted the failure of our democracy and the dishonesty of some of our politicians. The Green Party is committed to honest campaigning and we recognise that many felt that they voted ‘out’ after being misled by the Leave campaign, assisted by mainstream media. Where people feel that they have given their vote on the basis of false promises and misinformation, it is essential to UK democracy that they have recourse for this.
Rather than allowing politicians and media to blame ‘the other’, Greens want to see inequality redressed and UK politics work in the interests of ordinary people.
We echo the call of the national Green Party for an Alliance of Progressive political parties. We are keen to work with other progressive parties to prevent an ultra-right-wing coalition using political uncertainty to incite social division or to force further austerity on the British public. The Alliance must have a commitment to change the UK voting system to one of proportional representation – the present UK government was elected by only 24% of the electorate – we must act now to ensure that all voices in the UK are heard and fairly represented in future.
We echo the demands made by Green MP Caroline Lucas’s for:
· A Parliamentary vote on any terms of exit before invoking Article 50, to prevent a small number at the top of Government determining Britain’s future place in the world alone;
· Protection of free movement within the EU, strong environmental protections and workers’ rights;
· An emergency law which guarantees the rights of non-British nationals already living here in Britain. A non-binding vote on this has taken place in Parliament – we now need firm legislation to provide certainty for everyone who has made a life here;
· The protection of young people’s futures. The majority of young people voted to remain in the EU; the government needs to guarantee continued funding for Erasmus, student exchanges, and EU funded schemes targeted at young people. Under a Green government, 16 and 17 year-olds would have the opportunity to vote in all elections, giving them a voice in determining their future.
