Greens say Tory policy announcements are a ‘cruel attack’ and ‘show a party quickening its pace towards oblivion.’

Reacting to a host of ‘nasty’ policy proposals that have been announced since the start of the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, co-deputy leader of the Green Party, Mothin Ali, said:

“The announcements from Kemi Badenoch’s Conservative Party so far show the Tories are looking to outflank Reform for divisiveness and hatred. But they also show a party quickening its pace towards oblivion.

“The package so far – turbo charged welfare cuts, draconian anti-migration measures, and axing life-saving foreign aid – would leave few but the wealthiest unscathed. These measures are a cruel attack on the sick and disabled, migrants and asylum seekers, and some of the poorest communities in the world.  

“Nastiness is now at the very core of the Conservative Party. What a contrast to the vision of hope and bold politics witnessed at our own conference where we reaffirmed our policies to tax wealth fairly, fund public services properly and say unequivocally that refugees are welcome here.”   

Responding to the news of the firebombing of a mosque in Peacehaven last night, Green Party Leader of Lewes District Council, Cllr Zoe Nicholson said:

“I am shocked and saddened by the fire at Peacehaven mosque. This is a deeply distressing incident that strikes at the heart of our community.

“I want to express our unwavering support and solidarity with the Muslim community in Peacehaven and across our district. Be in no doubt,  we stand shoulder to shoulder with you.  Sussex Police is investigating, and I encourage anyone with information about this incident to contact the police on 101.”

Green Party, Deputy Leader, Mothin Ali added,

“The police need to urgently seek clarity on the motives of this attack and whether this hate crime constitutes an act of terrorism. People were inside the mosque when it was firebombed and people in this community will be feeling frightened and targeted for their faith.

“My thoughts are with everyone at the Masjid (mosque) and the wider Muslim community in Sussex, who will be feeling shaken and fearful today. Protecting Jews and Muslims in their places of worship must be a priority. We must redouble our commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder and bring communities together.”

Reacting to the Manchester synagogue attack, which has left two members of the Jewish community dead and four others seriously injured, Green Party leader, Zack Polanski, said:

“This horrific attack feels deeply personal for me as I grew up in the Jewish community in Manchester. My heart goes out to all those impacted by this dreadful act of terror. It is a sad reflection of the growing antisemitism we’ve witnessed for several years, as well as rising hate crime. It emphasises the importance of interfaith work; of bringing people together in our communities.”

Reacting to Keir Starmer’s speech to the Labour Party conference today in Liverpool, Green Party leader, Zack Polanski, said:

“Keir Starmer’s speech lacked substance and direction and provided yet another example of Labour benchmarking itself against Reform.

“They have no real solutions to address people’s concerns around economic insecurity, falling living standards and public service cuts.

“This government ignores the climate crisis and continues to arm the genocidal Israeli regime.

“These are not the actions of a serious government delivering for our country. They are the actions of a government that is out of touch and out of ideas, full of empty words and desperately reaching to be re-elected.

“It is time for bold ideas and bold leadership: a wealth tax on the super rich, investment in public services and action to defend the NHS. And a time for making the correct choices such as scrapping the two child benefit cap to lift children out of poverty and bringing water back into public ownership.

“The Green Party is ready transform this country by offering a bold, positive alternative to a failing Labour government. One with clear action and delivery.”

Green Party leader, Zack Polanski, has been included in this year’s Time100 Next list, an annual list naming the 100 leaders shaping the future of business, entertainment, sports, politics, health, science and activism.

Zack Polanski said: 

“I feel hugely honoured to receive this recognition. But this isn’t about me, it is about the movement we are building together. This week we are holding our biggest and boldest conference ever. It comes as our membership has surged past a record 80,000 and as we reach touching distance of the old political parties in the polls. I am having influence because we are growing. We are growing because we are unapologetic about demanding real change: taxing the super-rich, funding our NHS, and tackling the climate crisis head-on.  

“Contrast this to Keir Starmer. Someone who has compromised himself so many times now that I don’t think even he knows what he stands for. This is likely to be his last conference as PM. And Greens with their rising influence and bold politics stand ready to replace Labour’s tired ideas and stale politicians.”