Interview with Natalie Bennett

Natalie Bennett is the leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, replacing Caroline Lucas (MP for Brighton Pavilion) after being elected in September last year. She was editor of The Guardian Weekly from 2007 until 2012, and worked in numerous other journalistic roles before entering the world of politics. Bennett, born in Sydney, Australia, was educated at the Universities of Sydney, New England and Leicester.

After appearing on BBC Question Time yesterday evening – hosted in The Ron Cooke Hub, Heslington East – Bennett spoke to Vision about the economy, international politics and her strategy for the 2015 general election.

Vision: You said, before you were elected leader, that the Green Party “has the policies that offer the only viable way forward for Britain”. Why is that?

Bennett: There is a growing recognition that the liberal model of a globalised economy in which Britain specialises in finance, pharmaceuticals and services, and business is dominated by a handful of giant multinational companies in each field is not working. It has only delivered a low-wage, low-job hollowed out economy, with massive regional inequality.

But most people are at that point rather than having heard or been convinced by our message that we need to bring manufacturing and food production back to Britain and build strong local economies built around small businesses and cooperatives, all of this supported by a transformed banking system that works for the real economy.

We have to get our message heard more often and more loudly, and also explain the achievements of Green MP Caroline Lucas, our MEPs, our Green council in Brighton and Hove, and Green councillors up and down the country.

Vision: Is the Green Party establishing relationships with Greens in other countries, and how will that help the party on a national and international level?

Bennett: We have always worked with Green Parties in other countries but we are stepping up work with other European Green Parties as the 2014 European elections  approach. I recently went to the first meeting of Green leaders preparing for that in Paris. It was fascinating to hear about a wide range of successes, from the Bulgarian fracking ban to how the fishing discards ban was won.

Vision: In just over two years’ time there will be a general election. What are your hopes for the Greens in terms of getting MPs into Parliament? Will you be focusing all resources on Brighton Pavilion once more, or is the party aiming to stand competitively in more seats?

Bennett: Two years is a long time in politics. We are identifying 10 ‘advance’ seats around the country where we will aim to have strong campaigns, helped we expect by advances in councillor numbers in the May county council elections, and a jump in 2014 from two to six MEPs. But of course, retaining Brighton Pavilion is our number one priority.

Vision: And finally, what advice would you offer students who want to make a difference in the political world?

Bennett: Get involved in electoral politics as well as campaigns! Campaigns are great, but council chambers and parliaments are ultimately where decisions are made. People like you – or you! – need to be there making the decisions.

You can watch Natalie Bennett’s appearance on Question Time by clicking here.