On the 28th January Green Party Leader Ms Natalie Bennett visited Canterbury Christ Church University to give a lecture on the Green Party alternative for British politics.  

Firstly, Ms Bennett kindly gave an hour for a question and answers session with Canterbury Politics and International Relations students.  The questions were tough from the students, dealing mostly with how the Greens would implement their policies on rail nationalisation, renewable energy targets and increased taxes.  There were also more broader questions on her experience as a woman in politics and the role of the Greens in British politics.

(Ms Bennett answering questions from Canterbury Politics and International Relations Students)

From 6.15 pm to 7.30 pm Ms Bennett gave a lecture on what the Green Party stands for and its alternatives for Britain.  She gave a strong critique of the current government in relation to its policies which she believe promote social inequality and environmental destruction.  In challenging what she termed the Russell Brand ‘don’t vote it only encourages them’ view of politics she urged the 100+ attendees to give the Greens a chance at the European elections this May.

There was a great turnout from both Canterbury Christ Church students and members of the community and a very lively question and answers session. Again most of the questions were focused on the substance of Green policies and how they would be implemented.  Ms Bennett gave unashamedly ecological and left-wing solutions to the various issues facing Britain – tuition fees, flooding, social inequality, social housing, economic development – and her honest and straightforward answers were much appreciated by the audience.

(Questions from the floor)

With her earlier appearance on the BBC Daily Politics and the potential for the Greens to make an electoral ‘breakthrough’ in the European Parliamentary elections, Ms Bennett is travelling around the country raising the profile of the party.  Much focus has been given over to another minority party, UKIP, of late.  It will be interesting if similar coverage will be given to a minority party on the left, with a female leader and an MP in the House of Commons.  

(Ms Bennett with Canterbury students and members of the public)