Can the Greens drive a realignment in UK politics?

Recent elections, referenda, polls and political turmoil in the Western world suggest considerable levels of disaffection with the political parties and systems that currently dominate. The old politics is out of touch, unaccountable and not delivering on expectations. The clamour for something very different is palpable a politics thats more responsive, more transparent, less elitist and more accountable.

The new leadership of the Green Party has called for a progressive alliance involving Labour, Greens, Plaid Cymru, the SNP and the Lib Dems to take on the Conservatives in a 2020 election. This requires progressives to put aside their differences and unite behind a common new purpose but are they up to the challenge? We need to urgently ask if anything we thought we knew about power, right and left thinking, or loyalty to a political tribe still has validity, and how best to forge a new kind of politics thats about hope and meaningful engagement of all in our society.

Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, will share his reflection on this exciting new era of politics, what unites the progressive parties and assess the prospects for transforming politics as we know it. Quite an undertaking! Come along and be part of the discussion.

Jonathan is co-leader of the Green Party with Caroline Lucas MP and the Partys Work and Pensions Spokesperson.

A descendant of Irish farmers on one side and Quaker prison reformer Elizabeth Fry on the other, Jonathan has a passion for social justice and studied Social Policy at London School of Economics. He worked in Parliament on a cross-party basis from 1994-1998 and used that experience in his roles as vice chair of the electoral reform society and vice chair of Yes to Fairer Votes campaign during the 2011 referendum.

Married to Lucy and a proud Dad of three children, Jonathan spends whatever free time he has gigging with his band, the Mustangs, and was nominated for Blues Drummer of the Year Award in 2010.

Doors 10.30. Entry £3, £2 concs./free to Conway Hall Ethical Society members.

Tea, coffee & biscuits will be available.