FOCUS ON LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Our democracy is in bad shape. The country is deeply divided with many feeling unrepresented and out-of-touch with the political process creating a vacuum which risks being filled by right-wing populists.

The first-past-the-post voting system stifles new thinking. At the last European elections in 2019, held under a Proportional Representation voting system, the Green Party received the second highest vote in Oxford, more than Labour and Conservatives.

Oxford City Council, elected via first-past-the-post, fails to fairly represent the views of electors. Despite receiving less than half the votes in the last three local elections, Labour won 70% of the seats.

The Green Party has consistently opposed infringements on democratic participation and civil liberties. We want to see the right to protest protected and would scrap anti-trade union laws. Democratic reform has to start locally with the empowerment of communities. We will continue to press for:

  • More opportunities for members of the public to engage in local decision-making. For example, citizens’ assemblies, enhanced speaking rights at Council meetings, with participatory budgeting
  • Replacing the first-past-the-post system with a fair and proportional voting system so that every vote counts
  • The right to vote for 16- and 17-year olds
  • Unnecessary and unfair voter ID laws to be scrapped.
;