Economy
"it's the economy, stupid"
Until last year, the economy depended on continuing but environmentally unsustainable growth. That growth has ended. Unemployment is tipped to reach 3 million this year and even the government predicts that the economy will shrink by more than 3% in 2009.
Other parties are scrambling to restore ‘growth as usual'. But the Green Party understands that this is not good enough. We are facing not one, but three interconnected crises - the unbridled push for growth at all costs has landed us with a massive environmental crisis and deep social inequalities.
The Green Party has a plan for rebuilding the economy so that it delivers for people, but also operates within environmental limits.
This plan is called the Green New Deal - a £45 billion investment to create 1 million jobs and lay the foundations for a sustainable and fair society.
The Green New Deal will:
• Regulate banking and close tax loopholes
• Invest massively in renewable energy and energy efficiency
• Invest in public transport and in waste management
• Create more affordable housing for rent
• Provide free insulation for homes, schools and hospitals
• Introduce green workforce training
• Provide decent pensions and free social care for older people
• Reduce poverty massively by introducing a Citizen's income
To find out more detail on each of these, download the full EU Election manifesto.
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Related reports
- Budget Response - April 2009
A four point response to the Budget and a chart comparing Darling's plans with Green Party policies and achievements. - Towards a budget for a Green New Deal
The Green Party's proposals for a Pre-Budget Report
More detail
Economy and public services sections of full policy document
