The manifesto was launched in London on Monday by co-leaders Caroline Lucas and Jonathan Bartley.
Bartley said: "By voting Green on June 8th people can elect MPs who will always fight their corner, and push for the major changes we need to make this country a world leader, rather than the little Britain envisioned by the Tories. We are unapologetic in fighting to remain close to Europe, and in defending free movement as a wonderful gift to my generation that is being robbed from the next. We will always defend our public services, stand up for our NHS and push for bold changes so our economy delivers on fairness and on pioneering new technology.”
Key policies that UK manufacturers may find interesting include:
Brexit:
- A referendum on the detail of whatever deal is negotiated for Britain’s departure from the EU, with the option to reject the deal and remain in the EU
- Protecting freedom of movement, pressing for remaining within the single market, and safeguarding rights for people and the environment
- Immediately guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens to remain in the UK and seeking reciprocal arrangements for UK citizens in the EU
Education, skill and apprenticeships:
- Greater public investment in further and higher education
- Restoring Education Maintenance Allowance and enabling apprenticeships to all qualified young people aged 16-25
Economy:
- Phasing in a 4 day working week (a maximum of 35 hours) and abolish zero hours contracts
- Reducing the gap between the highest and lowest paid, and increase the minimum wage to reach a genuine living wage of £10 an hour by 2020
- A phased in abolition of the cap on employees’ national insurance so that the wealthiest pay more
- Supporting and promoting small businesses, co-operatives and mutuals, and the roll out of high speed broadband
- Supporting start-ups and creative enterprises through community credit and green investment, to provide opportunities for young people to be creative and innovative
Environment:
- Active ongoing cooperation with businesses and other countries to limit global temperature increases
- Introducing a one-off fine on car manufacturers who cheated the emissions testing regime and creating a new
- Clean Air Act, expanding and funding a mandatory clean air zone network
- Tough action to reduce plastic and other waste, including the introduction of Deposit Return Schemes, with a zero waste target
Transport:
- Investing in regional rail links and electrification of existing rail lines rather than on HS2 and the national major roads programme
- Cancelling all airport expansion
Defence:
- Cancelling Trident replacement, saving at least £110 billion over the next 30 years
Democracy:
- Giving Parliament a vote on any new trade deals
- Reviving the role of democratic trade unions
To view the manifesto and all of its sections, click here.
Industry Reaction:
“Business is a key part of the solution to tackling the challenges that climate change presents. By spurring investment, creating jobs and developing innovative new products and services, it can help lead the way in cutting emissions and propel us to a low carbon future. To support a more competitive and prosperous Britain, it’s important this is underpinned by a clear, credible and cost-effective policy framework.
“Firms will be pleased to see the Green Party commit to the immediate guarantee of the right to remain for EU citizens working here, and UK nationals in Europe.
“However, with the cumulative burden already impacting on businesses, they will be concerned about changes to the tax system and politicising the setting of the National Minimum Wage. Businesses want their workforce to have a positive work-life balance, but the best way to achieve this is by looking at what works best for individual workers, rather than a one-size-fits-all regulatory approach to a shorter working week.”
Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general, CBI
