The youth and student wing of the Green Party has called for young people to “fight for the EU” in the forthcoming referendum, saying that there is “huge potential” for progressive movements to succeed within the European Union.
Their call comes as the official ‘In’ campaign is launched, with the Green Party’s only MP Caroline Lucas joining the campaign’s board. Announcing her membership of the board yesterday, Lucas pledged to “give young people a reason to engage” with the referendum.
Clifford Fleming, Young Greens Co-Chair, said:
“For young people, the vast opportunities and radical possibilities opened up by Britain’s membership of the EU are simply too great to walk away from.
“Europe’s youth and student population has a proud tradition of cross-border solidarity and protest made possible by freedom of movement, and with progressive movements now growing all across the continent, with youth at their forefront, it’s clear that there is a huge potential for affecting radical change within the EU.
“Young people and students benefit immeasurably from the opportunities to live, work and travel all across our continent that our membership of the EU gives us; our culture and society are enriched by the breaking down of artificial barriers. It’s vital that young people make our voice heard in this referendum, and unite to fight for the EU - but for an EU which is as democratic, progressive and effective as it can and should be.”
The Young Greens have campaigned in recent months for 16- and 17-year-olds to be given a vote in the referendum. Following a surge in membership, they are set to hold their biggest ever annual Convention in Nottingham later this month.