Whilst Greens consider if it's worth a legal challenge, its interesting to reflect on just how wrong the proposed televised leader debates might look. Not only is there an all privileged all white male line-up, but the announcement just after a whole pile of media fuss-and-bother over one turncoat UKIP MP just gets people thinking.

We know the lobby groups are the strongest, richest, best connected people in our so-called democracy. We know they serve only the 1%, and by contrast the Greens represent not just the well-being of our generations to come, but the weakest, poorest, least well connected 99%. It is therefore no surprise to find that these lobby groups are pushing with indecent haste to promote the next best thing to the Tories, because they see the Tories failing fast.

It's a bit late to be asking the media to be the bastions of democracy. The media have failed time and again to give the Greens their due, regardless of the inescapable fact that Green policies are the most popular in the country. The mainstream media prefers the populist mendacity of fake immigration claims and the opinions of derivatives bankers who only a few years ago brought this country to it’s knees.

The recent WWF report clearly stated that we have already lost half of our animal population, that we are cutting trees faster than they can grow, that we are catching fish faster than the oceans can restock, that we are using water faster than rain can fall, and we are emitting more C02 than the forests and oceans can absorb. And all the time we burn fossil fuels because the fossil fuel lobby is so powerful. All the time we allow the corrupt banking system to milk all but the super-rich, and all the time we allow policies to punish the poor for being in a poverty trap manufactured by government precisely to keep them there.

You don’t have to subscribe to far left ideals to see that the property developers will not build until the profit level is to their liking, it’s not actually left leaning to point out that the tax loopholes and havens allow our communal wealth to be siphoned out of the country, and it’s definitely not left wing to admit that it now takes 10 working days to maintain a household which previously managed very well on 5.

So when once again the Greens are barred from the leadership debates, it’s not because they have no stomach for leadership, it’s because the ruling elite of bankers, fossil fuel companies, big pharmaceutical companies and media barons have no stomach for a Green kind of leadership.In other words they have no stomach for democracy. 

The fact that Greens would address our glaring inequality, and as Kate Beckett and Richard Wilkinson point out in their ground breaking work ‘The Spirit level’, make our streets safer, our health better and our society more sustainable, is anathema to the lobby groups representing the very rich. Green strategies to make this planet fit for the future could just make life a little more challenging for the fossil fuel companies and their shareholders.

Banning the Greens from the leadership debates is obviously wrong. We have had an MP for some years now, not just a few days. Greens find it hard to see the erosion of social justice and the gagging of anyone who speaks up for a fairer, more equal society, but the act of this ban shows quite clearly the tip of the monstrous iceberg of the corporate takeover of democracy.

The decision on these debates, as it stands, represents the self-interest of the elite no matter which way you wrap the rules, but the difference is that it's now blatantly obvious.

The Wales Green Party has just announced it will stand a full slate of candidates in Gwent for the General Election in May 2014.

Elspeth Parris recently resigned her position as a minister at St David's Church in Merthyr, to concentrate on social justice issues. She was selected as a candidate for Merthyr Tydfil on 20th October. Since then she has been the leader of the local Bedroom Tax campaign and has been supporting tenants to appeal against this desperately unfair imposition on the poorest in our community.

Elspeth said “I joined the Green Party because it became clear to me that Labour no longer offer any real alternative to the programme of austerity that has been impoverishing our people and crippling our local services."

“I’m standing as an MP for Merthyr because I want to give people something they can really believe in. When you vote Green, you get Green. Greens represent the 3 pillars of a society working for the common good – social justice, economic justice and environmental justice.”

The Wales Green Party is buoyant after gaining popularity with the public on policies such as renationalising the railways, raising the minimum wage to £10 an hour, and putting a wealth tax on the richest 1% of Britain's who own over £3million in assets.

Growth in the Wales Green party has recently soared by 76.39% since January this year.

Pippa Bartolotti, leader of the Wales Green Party explained, "Only the Green Party offers a way forward for our country without austerity. It is time that the rich started paying their fair share of tax, that banks repay us for the bailouts given to them by the Labour Government, and that we stop letting the interests of Big Business trample over the needs of people.

“It is only the Green Party who have the guts to stand up and say these things - that's why people are getting behind us and going Green. The Vote for Policies website puts the Greens well ahead on matters which have deep meaning for ordinary people – like renationalisation of the railways and keeping the NHS in public hands."

The Green Party will be producing a fully costed manifesto over the coming few months, which will include scrapping tuition fees, opposing fracking, and investing money in creating jobs and training opportunities for young people.

Pippa Bartolotti will be a guest speaker for Compass Cymru on Monday 27th October. She will be speaking on “Towards a new Union” – the UK, democracy and making your voice heard.

The former businesswoman and leader of the Wales Greens since 2011 said, “The old 2 party system is breaking up, and that is good news for voters. Choices are opening up and the growth in Green membership shows that our message resonates with many. People are buying in to the fact that there is a real and healthy alternative to business as usual.”

The Greens have seen an unprecedented surge in membership this year, and in Wales membership has grown by a staggering 76%.

Pippa Bartolotti continued: “The success of the Greens and the SNP in the Scottish Independence vote has woken up a lot of people. They didn’t win of course, but in a way they achieved something much more precious – an inspiration and a political awakening. Obviously a fairer voting system helped – and a shake up of the voting system would be first on my list for the Democratically Reformed country in which I’d like to live.”

“The Tory, LibDem and Labour Little Britain has failed 99% of people. It has given us no more than political indifference and a downward spiral of poverty, disenchantment and degradation. Change is urgently needed, and the 2015 vote will provide us all with an excellent opportunity to show how we feel. Now is the time of the smaller parties to proudly voice the alternative to austerity, casino banking and poverty. ”

Steve Brooks, Director of Electoral Reform Society Wales will also be speaking at the event.

http://www.compassonline.org.uk/events/compass-cymru-south-wales-towards-a-new-union/ When: Monday October 27th 6pm-8pm Where: Suite 4, Unite Building, 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9HA

It has just been announced that Joseph Champion has been selected to be the Green Party Candidate for Blaenau Gwent.

Joseph went to Tredegar Comprehensive School, before attending Glamorgan University and Cardiff University. Since leaving education Joseph has worked as a Community Development worker for various different charities in Blaenau Gwent and Cardiff, focusing on helping people overcome the barriers that poverty creates for individuals and communities.

Joe said, “I am proud to be standing as the Green Candidate for Blaenau Gwent. I was born here, and this is where most of my family and friends live. South Wales has a rich history of community based politics and the Green movement should be the next step of that! Poverty is on the increase in Blaenau Gwent and across the UK. People might feel like politics and political parties no longer represent their interests anymore, but that can change. By voting in new politicians and leaders we can send a message to the vested interests that carrying on as before is no longer tolerable for the most disadvantaged in society.”

The Wales Green Party is buoyant after gaining popularity with the public on policies such as renationalising the railways, raising the minimum wage to £10 an hour, and putting a wealth tax on the richest 1% of Britain's who own over £3million in assets.

Growth in the Wales Green Party has recently soared by 76.39% since January this year.

Pippa Bartolotti, leader of the Wales Greens explained, "Only the Green Party offers a way forward for our country without austerity. It is time that the rich started paying their fair share of tax, that banks repay us for the bailouts given to them by the Labour Government, and that we stop letting the interests of Big Business trample over the needs of people.

“It is only the Green Party who have the guts to stand up and say these things - that's why people are getting behind us and going Green. The Vote for Policies website puts the Greens well ahead on matters which have deep meaning for ordinary people – like renationalisation of the railways and keeping the NHS in public hands."

The Wales Green Party has just announced it will stand 30 candidates in Wales for the General Election in May 2014.

'Protection of unique wildlife on the Caldicot & Wentlooge (Gwent) levels. Reduction in transport-generated CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions. Prevention of noise pollution. Avoid diversion of funding from the NHS and Education in Wales. It will encourage more car-based journeys if it proceeds. It makes no sense to build this motorway based on the discredited 'predict & provide' model when traffic growth has not happened in the past 6 years. If there is too much traffic on the M4 then take steps to reduce it, not build more motorway to encourage more traffic!'
-38 Degrees Cymru

Sign the petition

The Wales Green Party has just announced Katy Beddoe as their General Election candidate for Caerphilly.

The prospective Parliamentary Candidate said, ”I have put myself forward to stand in this election because all young people need to have a future to look forward to. We have created generations that have no hope, who feel marginalised from our society, who have no confidence that things will change. As the UK is the 6th richest country in the world this is a disgrace. I stand for equality, social and ecological justice and democracy, I believe that 'ordinary' people deserve to be heard and to be represented; that is why I have decided to stand for the Green Party.'

Katy Beddoe grew up in the South Wales valleys as a lifelong Labour supporter. She become despondent about politics after Blair took the country to war in 2003, and only continued to tactically vote Labour to "keep the Tories out”.

“With inequality in our society growing, I hoped that Ed Miliband would bring socialism back to Labour. After 3 years of disappointment and the same old neo-liberal agenda with sprinkles of pseudo socialism I gave up. As a mother and a youth worker, I knew I had to look at the long term; tactical voting would only ever bring us different shades of Tories, and this country desperately needs radical change. I looked at the alternatives and found the Green Party policies to be exciting, common sense and that they reflected my own values.

“Every day I see young people horrifically affected by government austerity and the inequality in our society. Education and opportunities should be free and available for all regardless of your circumstances.

“The current issues with legal highs are another indication that we need a complete reform of our drugs legislation. Quite frankly our war on drugs is as effective as the war on terror.”

Pippa Bartolotti, Wales Green Party Leader added, “ Katy is a champion for the rights of young people. She will be an outstanding candidate for Caerphilly where so many of our youth are troubled by lack of prospects in a society which has lost touch with the needs of tomorrow. Tomorrows jobs are in the industries of the future – good steady green jobs which bring energy security and hope for a future built on free education and freedom from debt.”

Katy Beddoe is a mother, youth worker poet left wing activist and grassroots campaigner involved in campaigns such as South Wales Against the Bedroom tax and CND. Wales Green Party membership has more than doubled since the Euro elections in May.

Carwyn Jones

First Minister

Welsh Assembly

Dear Carwyn,

The latest IPCC report states quite clearly that climate change is set to inflict “severe, widespread, and irreversible impacts” on people and the natural world unless carbon emissions are cut sharply and rapidly.

This report is the result of the collaboration of thousands of scientists and is the most important assessment of global warming yet published. It is clear and detailed. More burning of fossil fuels will place too many risks on the ecological system which supports humanity.Fracking will mean more burning, and we would be unwise to even consider taking such a foolhardy risk.

Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General has sent a message to the investors of large pension funds, asking them to divest from fossil fuels. Here in Wales we can either increase the extraction of fossil fuels, or remove them from the equation completely. We should take the historic opportunity to do the latter.

Fracking sites are planned all over Wales, and the Welsh Government has full jurisdiction over the planning process, we therefore ask that you use your authority to stop the process of fracking in its tracks.

The arguments over safety, contamination and pollution should be enough to stop this insidious process industrialising our countryside, but the IPCC report lays it on the line: burning more fossil fuels will cause irrevocable damage and increase the pace of climate change.

Leaving these fossil fuels in the ground will not harm the Welsh economy either. Our renewables resource is one of the greatest in the world. Renewables will provide the strong economic base for Wales which oil did for Scotland. The difference is that renewable energy will never run out.

Poised as we are on the cusp between a clean, safe and healthy future, or a dirty, contaminating, harmful future, I would have thought the choices would be obvious.

Let us lead the way in Wales, and plan for a future we will all be proud to share.

Yours sincerely,

Pippa

Pippa Bartolotti

Arweinydd Plaid Werdd Cymru

Wales Green Party

Riding on his successful election to the Llandrindod Town Council, where he represents North Ward, Chris Carmichael has been selected by the Green Party to stand as their candidate for the Brecon and Radnor constituency in the 2015 General Election.

Chris moved to Wales in 1994 and has lived in Llandrindod Wells for twenty years. For a long time he was a strong Labour supporter, only moving to the Green Party when Tony Blair took Labour away from socialism, steering it to a centre right position which conflicted with his long held beliefs in social equity.

Chris has worked as a postman in Llandrindod since 1998 and is still their union representative. He has been involved in keeping rural post offices open and opposing the centralisation of this vital service.

During this time he gained a BA with Honours in History through The Open University in 2012.

Chris sits on the steering committee of the Llandrindod Transition movement and represents Wales on the Green Party’s regional council.

On being asked how he felt about his selection Chris said,

“I’m just delighted and very proud to represent a rapidly growing political party that isn’t hamstrung by its obligations to capital investors. The Green Party truly listens to and speaks for people and planet”.

The Wales Green Party has just announced that Peter Varley will be the Green Candidate for Islwyn in the 2015 General Election.

Peter Varley went to school in Bettws when his family moved to Newport in 1971. He worked as a software engineer for several years, and then studied as a mature student at Cardiff University, gaining a Masters degree in Energy and a PhD in Computer Science.

Peter Varley said, “I believe that respect for nature and its diversity is essential. We are part of the natural world, and, as we harm it, so we harm ourselves. We cannot treat environmental protection as an optional extra to be added on to other political systems. It must be built in from the start.

“I also believe in social justice. We must ensure that everyone can afford nutritious food to eat, clean water to drink, and a home to live in. In the UK, we can achieve this with a Universal Basic Income, something I have campaigned for since 1981, and I am delighted that this idea is now gaining public support.”

In the 2003 Assembly Election, Peter was the Green Party's lead candidate for South-East Wales, and in the 2005 General Election he stood as a candidate for Newport West. At that time he was active locally on the coordinating committee of One World Week and in the Stop the War Coalition - non-political groups which support the Green principles of sustainability, egalitarianism, radical democracy, social justice and non-violence.

After working abroad for seven years in Japan and Spain, Peter Varley returned to Wales. He added, “Essential infrastructure should be in public ownership. The NHS must not be privatised, and the water and energy companies and railways must be renationalised.

“But we must never forget that the most essential infrastructure of all is the world we all live on. Our lives depend on the natural world, and we must do all that we can to protect it.”

Pippa Bartolotti, Wales Green Party leader, who lives in Newport said, “This is the first time everyone in Gwent will have a Green candidate to vote for. It is essential that the alternative argument for freedom from austerity, for the preservation of the planet and the future of our children is put forward at every opportunity.

“Peter is a long standing member of the Wales Green Party, and I know he will champion the Green values of freedom and dignity with intelligence and integrity – for the common good.” The Wales Green Party will be issuing a costed manifesto for the General Election.

The Wales Green Party has just announced Christopher Were as their General Election candidate for Monmouth.

The prospective Parliamentary Candidate said, “I am very thankful that the members of Wales Green Party have chosen me to represent their policies here. I am standing because I feel that mainstream British politics lacks a true progressive option for voters. I fully support the Green policies we've decided to campaign on here in Wales which include, but are certainly not limited to, addressing pay inequality between men and women, a reformed benefits system which can help people both in and out of work, a strong mandate for renewable energy and the decriminalization of cannabis.”

“We need a complete reform of our drugs legislation. Treating sufferers of addiction like criminals is not a constructive way for us to act and only ends up costing tax payer money while harming our community. Quite frankly our war on drugs is more harmful than helpful.”

Pippa Bartolotti, Wales Green Party Leader added, “I am so happy that young people like Chris are stepping forwards to represent the Greens at this General Election. Polls have consistently shown that young people will be voting Green in large numbers in 2015. This election will decide if the country prepares for a low carbon future and greater equality, or just gets stuck in the depressing loop of policies for the past.”

Christopher Were has enjoyed living in Monmouth for most of his life. He works as a freelancer design and online video consultant, working with individuals and businesses from around the world.

Wales Green Party membership has increased 121.56% since January 2014

The Wales Green Party has announced it will stand more than 30 candidates for the General Election in May 2015, with Pippa Bartolotti and David Mclean standing for Newport West and East respectively.

David Mclean is a PR consultant and ex-trade media journalist who has many years’ experience representing companies that produce sustainable products for the construction industry. Mr Mclean is outspoken on the need for Newport to be more economically and socially sustainable.

The candidate for Newport East said, “For too long Newport has pandered to multinational companies that see Newport as a resource to be drained. Yet they give very little by way of quality jobs, reward or even loyalty in return for what they take out. We need more real industry and jobs and to be more self-sufficient in generating revenue.

“For me, that’s what sustainability is all about. It’s about standing on our own two feet and building independence in all areas – energy independence so we aren’t at the mercy of international oil and gas giants, and economic independence so we are no longer cap-in-hand to international business and banks. We should making and selling more, and buying less. Only then can Newport start to achieve any real growth.”

Pippa Bartolotti, leader of Wales Green Party and candidate for Newport West, said "Greens are offering the people of Newport the only alternative to the tired and failing Westminster parties. The Lib Dems have let voters down by their record in Government, such as tripling tuition fees despite promising to abolish them. Meanwhile, our sitting MPs and the Labour Party have completely failed to offer any alternative to the program of austerity that has been crippling people and services in Newport.”

"Only the Green Party offers a joined up way forward for our country without austerity. It is time banks repaid us for the bailouts given to them by the Labour Government. It’s time we stopped letting the interests of big business trample over the needs of ordinary people and the ecology of the planet.

“This message is the reason people are getting behind us and going Green. The Green surge in membership shows a real belief that Greens can win elections. Our Party has so much to offer to the people of Newport, and we will be working hard to get that message out to local people in the lead up to the election."

The Green Party in Newport will be campaigning for a fair deal for women – equal pay for equal work; abolition of student tuition fees; and safe and affordable energy.

The Green Party is buoyant after gaining popularity with the public on policies such as renationalising the railways, raising the minimum wage to £10 an hour, and putting a wealth tax on the richest 1% of Britain's who own over £3million in assets.

Pippa Bartolotti has been Wales Green Party leader for 3 years. Wales Green party membership has increased 121.65% since January this year.

Following a surge in membership, local people are starting up a Green Party group for Montgomeryshire.

The launch meeting will take place in Machynlleth at the Canolfan Glyndwr on the 8th December starting at 7.15pm.

Membership of the Green Party in Wales has more than tripled this year following their increased profile, both from having an elected MP in England and from the work of the Scottish Greens on the independence campaign.

As part of the launch, leader of the party in Wales, Pippa Bartolotti, will be giving a speech on the parties policies and future. New members and old will also be there to answer questions and say what inspired them to join.

Following the welcome speech a business meeting will follow for existing members and anyone who wishes to join on the night.

[Montgomeryshire residents will also have an opportunity to meet deputy leader Anthony Slaughter at the Montgomeryshire Energy Debate on Thursday 27th November in Welshpool.]

Most residents of the city will recognise that culturally Newport is a shadow of its former self. You only need to look back to the 1980s and 1990s to find a city that was culturally vibrant with a hugely successful and throbbing nightlife, a global reputation for music, and when the likes of Sir Elton John and David Bowie were performing at the Newport Centre.

David Mclean, Green parliamentary candidate for Newport East said, “The museum used to attract major touring exhibitions. There was a time when queues formed across John Frost Square for entry to an exhibition of paintings and sculptures by Gerald. As you walked around the town you got the feeling of a town built on a rich heritage played out on grand murals that most of Newport’s residents took for granted. That was just the way it was. It’s hard to think of Newport then and Newport now without being struck by the scale of the contrast.”

“History, heritage and culture doesn’t really fit with multinational retail. The two tend to live in entirely different unconnected worlds. But if and when history, heritage and culture become an obstacle or an inconvenience, Newport City Council has no qualms in brushing it aside. Chartism is not as important as Next and Nandos to this Council.”

We can’t blame it all on Westminster austerity, or the Cardiff Bay lapdogs who meekly do as they are told. We know austerity hasn’t worked for the majority no matter which way you look at it. The poor have got poorer, the rich richer. Shutting down our culture, our history and our access to works of learning is tantamount to shutting out our quite remarkable past.

Pippa Bartolotti, Wales Green Party leader and Parliamentary Candidate for Newport West said, “Greens are horrified that Newport Council are not only propping up austerity, but propping up the demolition of our culture, be it the Chartist Mural, or our museum and library. I remember when Newport was a thriving town throbbing with life and energy.”

Pippa Bartolotti added: “It seems to me that history, heritage and culture have become an obstacle to the erection of shiny new shopping sheds. It was no problem to vote through £90 million of taxpayers money for new temples to consumerism, yet it is now horribly apparent that there is no appetite to find the much smaller amounts of money to retain our temples of learning.

“We now have a battle on our hands: learning versus consumerism. How pitiable it is that the cultural desert of consumerism is the top thing on the minds of Newport Council.”

The latest ITV/WGC poll shows that the Wales Green Party could get it’s first Assembly seat in 2016.

Pippa Bartolotti, Wales Green Party Leader was delighted with the news. She said, “This poll supports our own data, and the continuing Green surge in membership suggests we are on course to win 3 Assembly seats in 2016.

” The Green surge in Wales has really taken off – in fact it is gaining pace. Wales Green Party membership stands at 160% more than it was in January 2014, with the majority of new members coming from the Lib Dems (35%), ex Labour voters (25%) and Plaid Cymru (18%).

The Wales Green Party leader added, “People all over Wales are joining us because Greens are talking about the issues which matter most in Wales – preventing privatisation of the NHS, renewable energy investment and taxing large corporations effectively.

“Greens are not career politicians. We are here because a cruel succession of governments have abandoned the poor, the needy and the overwhelming evidence that climate change is a real threat to our lives and the ecosystem on which we all depend.”

Greens are now experiencing very productive new ground. A sea change in politics is in full swing. New Green groups are forming all over the country, and the Wales Green Party plans to stand at least 30 out of the 40 Welsh constituencies in the General Election next year. ENDS

The Wales Green Party has voted with its feet and re-elected its incumbent Leader – Pippa Bartolotti to lead them forwards and into the next general election. As part of the same voting process  Anthony Slaughter was elected to be Deputy-Leader.

“I am thrilled that our members have shown such extraordinary support to both Anthony and myself in this way. To be your Leader for a fourth year is an enormous honour. I am humbled by the privilege. Members will know that my hard work and dedication will remain unfaltering as we strengthen our teams and expand our influence across Wales” Bartolotti declared on hearing the election results.

She went on to say “With our powerful Green message of hope, together with an unprecedented surge in Green membership, we will be gathering momentum right up to the General Election, and our first seats in the Assembly are firmly in sight. There has never been a better time to join Wales Green Party.”

Disappointment with other parties, concerns about our environment and worries about attacks on social justice has seen a surge in Green Party membership which now stands at 160% more than it was in January 2014. The majority of new members coming from the Lib Dems (35%), ex Labour voters (25%) and Plaid Cymru (18%).

“We’ve seen a 21% increase in our membership in the last month alone. This is good news for us and good news for Wales.” Bartolotti continued

The research showed that the Greens have attracted new members in large part through their campaigns against N.H.S. privatisation, for a living wage, renewable energy and their opposition to fracking.

“It’s no surprise to me “ Bartolotti added. “ The main parties appear remote and uncomprehending about the lives, fears and aspirations of ordinary people across Wales. We are serious about our ambitions for May and serious about offering the electorate a viable alternative that places the right issues firmly on the agenda”

The Green Party now intends to field candidates in every constituency in Wales in May 2015 for the first time but also has longer view ambitions in mind as well.

“We will also be working had to get a Green into the Welsh Assembly in 2016 and with this growth in membership our prospects are improving every day” concluded the WGP Leader.

A recent ITV/GPC poll indicates that the Wales Green Party could be in line to get not one but three Assembly seats in 2016, but for now their priority is the General Election and giving all Wales residents the opportunity to vote Green.

The 2015 General Election could be the most important general election in a generation - and it’s certainly likely to be the most unpredictable.

Electoral law has changed, and millions of young people have disappeared from the electoral register. Since June last year, registration is individual, so each potential voter is responsible for making sure they are registered.

Pippa Bartolotti, Wales Green Party leader and Parliamentary Candidate for Newport West said: “Right now 96 per cent of older people are registered to vote but only 50 per cent of young voters are registered. The future belongs to our young people, and it is pretty underhand to suddenly make it harder for them to vote. What is worse is that this government has no campaign to let young people know what they should do. I really hope local media across Wales get behind a campaign to make sure everyone who has the right to vote, can vote.”

Traditionally the electoral register has been based on households. A form would be sent to each household asking how many people living there are British citizens of voting age. Students are no longer registered by their colleges, so are most likely to be missed off the register.

The number of students registered to vote in some cities in Britain has fallen by 60 per cent. Across the UK as many as 200 seats could change hands if young people are able to get out and vote. Every vote really will count his time.

Pippa Bartolotti added “It is no secret that the youth vote is mostly a Green vote. Greens are taking action, because young people hold the key to direction our society takes -backward-looking and mean, or positively moving towards diversity, compassion and social justice.”

The Wales Green Party is launching a campaign to let students know how to register. Greens groups will be leafleting students all over Wales in the next few weeks.

This election will be about not just who voters want to vote for but, perhaps for the first time, whether potential voters actually get to vote. Young people who move more frequently and often live in rented accommodation are more likely to be unregistered than other age groups.

Pippa Bartolotti, Wales Green Party leader and candidate for Newport West launched a crowdfunder appeal today.

She is appealing for £2000 to help pay for leaflets and posters for the 2015 General Election campaign. This is believed to be the first of its kind in Wales.

Unlike other political parties, the Greens do not take money from unethical organisations or from individuals who do not pay their taxes in the UK. Without big union backing or large donations from big business, Greens simply do not have huge resources to throw at elections. In a world where the political parties with the most money tend to be the winners, money counts.

Pippa Bartolotti, candidate for Newport West said, “We need a more democratic form of political funding. Crowdfunding is just that – the democratisation of political funding. You don’t have to be a member of the party, or even to vote for us. Crowdfunder donors are interested fair play and knowing more about the alternatives to a low wage economy and irresponsible banking.”

Recent polls show that 22% of young people intend to vote Green, and with Greens now regularly pegging level with the Libs Dems in polls, plus the fact that almost three quarters of people want to see the Greens on the TV debates, it is clear that the vast majority of the population want to know more about what Greens stand for.

Just last night the Green Party overtook UKIP in an unprecedented Green surge as membership members as they hit 42, 500 members. They are expected to overtake the Lib Dems by Friday. At one point they were gaining new members at one every 54 seconds.

Pippa Bartolotti added, “This crowdfunder is about making sure that everyone in Newport gets to hear about Green values and Green policies. The current MP’s in Newport don't need crowdfunding, but they will always be indebted to their party's big backers, such as the nuclear and fracking industry.”

Greens all over the UK have had success with crowdfunding appeals. Pippa Bartolotti’s crowdfunder website is at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/help-elect-pippa-bartolotti-mp

Plaid Cymru peer Lord Dafydd Wigley has today called upon all Welsh people living and voting in England to embrace the new politics of the UK and to seriously consider voting for the Green Party on May 7th.

Lord Wigley, who is Plaid Cymru's General Election Campaign Co-ordinator - used a press conference in Westminster this morning to appeal in order to boost support for the three parties that offer an alternative agenda to the failed policies of the Tories and Labour alike.

Speaking during the press conference, Lord Wigley said: "Plaid Cymru, the SNP and the Greens are separate, distinct parties with their own objectives and policies. The three parties do, however, co-operate as a single Group in the House of Commons.

"On key issues such as austerity, Trident, and moving political power away from Westminster, the three parties share a common approach; and on environmental issues there is much common ground.

"Recent polling that suggests that our parties are highly likely to hold the balance in the new House of Commons. In the coming election, the three parties offer an alternative agenda to the stale, failed policies of the Tories and Labour alike.

"In these circumstances, I believe that Plaid Cymru supporters – and indeed all Welsh people – living and voting in England in this election should seriously consider voting for the Green Party, particularly in the twelve target constituencies and in Brighton Pavilion, where the Greens hold the seat.

Pippa Bartolotti, Wales Green Party Leader said,“I’ve a great deal of time for Dafydd Wigley. He’s telling people to vote Green because he knows that Green policies and Green politics are essential for this country to pull away from austerity and turn the agenda towards protecting and helping the next generation who will be trapped in an impoverished world of dwindling resources.

“Support for the Green Party in Wales is growing at an unprecedented rate. Voters in both England and Wales know that Punch and Judy politics must be consigned to the dustbin of history, and we must quickly move to a more inclusive, more thoughtful and more progressive kind of politics where the needs of everyone are properly considered. That means no more politics for the vested interests of the few.”

Greens in Pembrokeshire are angry that a well performing school such as Ysgol Dewi Sant should be threatened with closure.

Wales Green Party leader, Pippa Bartolotti said, “Forcing children to travel 25 minutes by car to get to school, or to travel the 45 minutes each way on public transport, is not good policy when a fine, well-established school is already in the community. Closure will force families to move away from the area, and new families will not be encouraged to settle here.

“Communities need their schools, and Ysgol Dewi Sant is an important part of a community which is heavily dependent on tourism in the summer, but badly needs local families and amenities to keep it going in the winter. The knock on effect of the proposed closure will hurt businesses, services and damage the much needed backbone of young families necessary to support and enrich a community all year round.

“Closure of the school will turn St Davids into yet another retirement village, and I hope todays council meeting will reflect thoroughly on the many negative impacts such a closure will bring.

“Green believe in small classes, local schools and a sustainable local infrastructure for communities large and small. Removing local schools forces more traffic onto roads, increases pollution, and compromises child safety. I can see no upside to this proposal.”

In the light of recent social media harassment from some Plaid Cymru members, I would like to make the following statement:

The Wales Green Party have always been open to discussions with Plaid Cymru. I myself have met Leanne Wood twice in the past few months. Once with Ann Were and once with Anthony Slaughter. The meetings were called by myself in the hope of finding some common ground which worked for us both in a reciprocal way, appropriate to our relative standing.

The last meeting was a long term proposal from the Greens. I was trying to instigate a joint programme to break the back of the Labour vote in Wales to our obvious mutual benefit. Leanne’s last words to us were, and this is pretty much the direct quote: “You stand down in Ceredigion, and we’ll see if there is something we can do after that.”

These were not the words of a leader of a political party interested in a deal.

Since that time there has been even more of a Green surge, even better polling for us, and substantially more media coverage. The harassment and online bulling from certain Plaid Cymru members has increased. We are all fed up with it.

I subsequently had a meeting with Rhun ap Iorwerth after the Sharp End TV programme in which I asked why Plaid had not put forward an alternative energy plan for Yns Mon in line with Plaid Cymru's policy against nuclear. He said he would like to see such a thing. I said the door remained open, but we would need to see Plaid working in line with their own policy.

Mike Parker (Ceredigion, Plaid) has now asked to speak with me, and the clamouring and threats have increased.

Clearly Plaid Cymru are terrified of losing Ceredigion. This is not our problem. We live in a democracy and anyone with £500 can stand as a candidate. The Greens do not split the votes, the voters do. Standing a candidate in Ceredigion is entirely the business of the local party.

Plaid Cymru were terrified of losing their MEP, and much skulduggery ensured, culminating in Plaid announcing that the Greens were not standing a candidate, which was untrue. Jill Evans hung on to her seat, but it was badly done.

Now is not the time to feel sorry for them. This is politics. Our very values are at stake. We are on track for a 4-6 degree warming of the planet, and this will not support life as we know it. Yes we are an anti-austerity party, but we are much, much more than that.

I am so sorry that many of our candidates and members have been experiencing social media harassment. If Plaid truly wanted to work with us they could have at any time come up with a reasonable plan, but from the leadership down the only thing we can detect is ‘Greens get lost’. Well, we won’t. We stand for something more precious, more rare, more beautiful than any other political party. We stand for the preservation and enhancement of life, which can only come about in a more equal world.

Message from Anthony Slaughter, Wales Green Party deputy leader

These are exciting and challenging times as we approach an election more unpredictable than any I can remember. The ongoing ‘Green Surge’ appears to show no signs of slowing as membership of Wales Green Party continues to grow at an unprecedented rate on a daily basis.

This growth has resulted in new local Green Party branches being formed across Wales with the result that every member in Wales now has a Local Party. This increase in membership and activity has come about for a reason. People are joining, getting involved and standing as candidates because they have found a Party that genuinely reflects their concerns and offers a new values-based politics that recognises that ‘business as usual’ is no longer an option.

This passion and enthusiasm stands in stark contrast to the negativity and insults thrown at us, by those we thought of as allies on many issues, especially in the self perpetuating echo chamber that is social media.

As others panic about their own predicament they seem to take refuge in accusing us of betraying a ‘pact’ that has never existed. I share the concerns of Pippa and many others in Wales Green Party that this ongoing campaign of deliberate misinformation and personal attacks, risk causing serious damage to any future cooperation on the many issues so important to all of us.

It is not for any self appointed elite to decide the choice of Parties put before voters in any area. To quote former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Wigley ‘It would be arrogant for any politician to think they can trade people’s votes’.