The combined membership of the UK Green Parties (England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) has hit 70,000 and topped the formidable German Greens.
The membership of the England and Wales Green party has just reached 61,200. The Scottish Greens have around 8,700 members the the Greens in Northern Ireland have around 400 members. Membership numbers for each party continue to grow.
Molly Scott Cato, the Green Party's MEP for South West England, said:
'I am delighted to learn that the UK Green party now has more members than the German Green party. This reflects the strong support for green policies in the UK and draws attention to the outdated and damaging nature of our electoral system, which is preventing people from having the green representation they want as well as damaging our society and economy. Part of the reason Germany is so economically successful is that its open political system means it can embrace new ideas and innovations. By contrast the UK first past the post system had led to a fossilised society and government by dinosaurs.'
The growth of Britain's Green Parties has been remarkable. At the 2010 election the Green Party of England and Wales had 12,000 members, and stood in just over 300 constituencies. This year the Greens are standing in around 90% of constituencies and hoping win additional seats in Bristol and Norwich.”
ENDS