3 Reasons Why I Might Vote Green but Probably Won’t | Zac Ntim

The country heads to the polls this Thursday, in a supposed two-horse race between Theresa May’s strong and stable leadership, and Jeremy Corbyn’s humanistic touch. Participating in my first general election, three days out and I have fallen on hard times. Once a strong advocate of Mr. Corbyn I have allowed myself to be swayed by the charm of one Caroline Lucas, co-leader of the Green Party, I must now consider my options. Below are three reasons why I may vote Green but probably won’t.

Brexit

The biggest trump card in the deck, Brexit. The reason Theresa May still insists she called the snap general election. A remain voter, I was, and the result on June 23rd was disappointing to put it lightly. I vehemently disagree with Mrs May’s current negotiating stance, and I do not understand why relations with our continental neighbours must be strained to aid a so-called “Hard Brexit”, which she seems to prefer. The Green Party has pledged to push back on the government’s plan for an extreme Brexit and “campaign for progressive social, economic and environmental outcomes”. Nonetheless I cannot support 2nd, 3rd and 4th votes regarding Brexit which the Greens promise. The country voted democratically to leave the European Union, remainers, no matter how much we disagree cannot impede this wish, on this point the legitimacy of our democracy is more important than party politics. 

Equality

To my knowledge the Green Party, are the only political party to publish an entire manifesto devoted to BME (Black and Minority and Ethnic) issues. A community often underrepresented and unappreciated during election campaigns. Unlike Theresa May who I am yet to hear utter a word on equality, the Green Party promise to “fight for equality because equality and social justice are integral parts of what it means to be Green”, by introducing anonymous CV applications for example, changes such as this will help to even the playing field for BME people, just yesterday at a job interview I was asked if I was Muslim, when I answered no the interviewer sighed relief and said “okay good they’re a lot of hassle”. Though, all polls point to the Green Party remaining a minuscule force in British politics. Voting for the Green party will only end up taking points away from the Labour party, a viable choice, who also prioritise BME issues, effectively helping the Conservative party.

Environment

Climate change is single handily the biggest issue humanity face. Amid Brexit and foreign policy debates, it is refreshing for this to be thrown back into mainstream politics by the Green party. Living near London (pollution capital of Europe), my passion to improve the environment spurns from both knowledge and pure necessity. Our current way of living is simply not healthy, and Green party policies such as replacing fracking, coal power stations and subsidies for fossil fuels will help to improve our standard of living.

However, across the span of this election I have had unwelcome visits – I might add, from Conservative candidates, leaflets from both Lib Dems and Labour candidates, even UKIP, no matter how much I agree with Green party policy, I cannot hide the fact the first time I will see the name of my local Green candidate will be at the Ballot Box. There are three days until the election and I have no idea who he or she is. I guess the Green party just don’t have the budget to stretch campaigning to South East Hertfordshire.

Zac Ntim is a journalism student and writes about politics.