The Green Party has outlined a series of key policies after their by-election win, covering drug law reform, tax changes, workers' rights, and foreign affairs. The party's fifth MP, Hannah Spencer, secured a dramatic victory in Gorton and Denton, prompting leader Zack Polanski to declare it a 'seismic victory'.
On drugs, the Greens advocate for a National Commission to explore reforming UK drug laws, potentially leading to a legally-regulated market. Spencer suggested decriminalisation is a conversation that needs to happen, a stance that drew sharp criticism from Labour, which claimed it would endanger playgrounds and make date rape drugs readily available. Polanski dismissed the attacks as desperate.
The party's tax plans include a wealth tax of 1% annually on assets above £10m and 2% on assets above £1bn, alongside reform of Capital Gains Tax and removal of the upper earnings limit for National Insurance. A carbon tax starting at £120 per tonne is also proposed, with the aim of raising additional revenue of up to £130bn per year.
On workers' rights, the Greens want a maximum 10:1 pay ratio between bosses and the lowest-paid worker, a £15 minimum wage regardless of age, and a four-day working week. They also propose repealing anti-union legislation and creating a Charter of Workers' Rights that enshrines the right to strike.
Internationally, the Greens call for an immediate bilateral ceasefire in Gaza, ending arms sales to Israel, and supporting South Africa's ICJ submission alleging genocide. They also advocate for dismantling the UK's nuclear weapons by signing the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and cancelling the Trident programme.
