Adrian Spurrell - GPEX Chair

 

1.    What impact do you think the Green Party’s eco-socialist policies have had on the party’s growth and how can that be sustained?

 

It is worth remembering that the Chair of GPEx is essentially an ‘apolitical’ role in that the job is about delivering the political strategy decided by conference.  However, here are my answers for what they are worth

 

At the moment, sustainable energy, public transport and re-nationalisation – especially of railways would be popular.  We need though to be prepared to move the spotlight so that whatever is preoccupying voters, we can show we have a suitable response.  And in some areas – that means we need to refine our policies or write them.

 

2.      The recent Tory by-election defeats suggest the electorate are making their own decisions on strategic voting. How can the Green Party intervene to turn that to its advantage?

 

We have to make the voters believe we can win and defeat the Tories.  That means a credible presence, a credible and well known candidate, and focussed campaigning with activists coming from across the country to support those target seats – we have to focus.

 

In some places genuine local alliances may also be appropriate as long as it’s not Greens always standing aside.

 

3.      What would be your priorities for campaigns outside election periods that would raise our profile in communities, engage our members and attract new ones? How could that be financed?

 

Funding remains a critical issue.  With 5 target constituencies to fund in the run up to the next election our choices beyond that are going to be severely limited.  While grassroots campaigns may yield the funding we need, the reality is they take time to put in place and we don’t have the skills or experience to fund raise significant amounts of money this way.  That means targeting the wealthy BUT not at the expense of our policies.

 

If we had the funding, key campaigns for me are: clean air to support Jenny Jones bill going through parliament – getting green legislation on the books is important.  Then protecting the NHS, re-nationalise rail and water, ebuses / discounted public transport, renewable energy and home insulation.  They are all key environmental changes needed and should also reduce the cost of living.

 

4.      How can the Party improve the way it communicates its policies to the BAME and white working class?

 

Ask them.  But we have to stop expecting groups that are not well represented in the party to then do the work.  They just don’t have the capacity – because there aren’t many of them!  So we need to listen to what will make a difference – and then allies need to go and do it.  As well as enacting any relevant recommendations in the Diverse Matters report

 

5.      Should the Green Party review its policy on NATO in the light of the current conflict in Ukraine and what would be your approach?

 

I honestly don’t know.  We need unity in the face of Russia’s actions and NATO is a convenient way to do it.  And sadly bullies will only bow to power. 

 

6.      The 24 hours news cycle means that contributions from our spokespeople have to be rapid if they are to be given media space. How can we manage that whilst maintaining democratic accountability?

 

That’s what policy is for.  We need to drive our policy processes harder.  PDC have been looking at a map of strategic gaps that need filling so our policy suite is more robust.

 

Then the rapid policy process needs to be slick – so spokespeople can go to PDC, who review and ok interim statements or extensions, for GPRC to sign off.  These are then approved or not by the next conference.  We have the process, but it doesn’t always work well, or get used.

 

7.      Given that some Government policies such as privatisation and reducing rights are a thread crossing different sectors how can spokespeople cooperate on our overall messaging to ensure this is addressed?

 

I think spokespeople need to come together at policyfest.  They can then work together, with the leaders, PDC and the policy working groups to strengthen their relationships, deepening their understanding and ensuring a more slick operation.  PolComm is also a place where some of that coordination can take place, though it’s not clear what its constitutional authority actually is.

 

8.      How would you raise the international relevance and profile of the GPEW?

 

Win more MPs and Councillors.  Success and being more actively involved in the business of governing a country are what commands respect in the international political community.

 

9.      The Green Party has recently encountered difficulties in maintaining a respectful and comradely debate on issues where there has been sharp disagreement. What would be your approach to improving the atmosphere in which these debates take place?

 

This is a huge ongoing piece of work.  There are so many things that need nudging so that we change the tone.  Better guidance on social media (that is in course through the Framework for Conduct and Ethics) and other guidance documents coming onto the framework.

 

Better moderation on Green Spaces and other online fora.

 

Encouraging groups to come together and talk and discuss their differences – it’s hard to be rude to people you have met and engaged with positively.

 

Re-writing the R&R chapter of PFSS – this is another slow-moving piece of work, but it is ongoing.

 

Driving forward the Disciplinary Review and enacting the changes that come out of that as well as recommendations in the Diverse Matters report.  Also slow moving but happening.

 

Ultimately though, if everyone stops behaving that way and when you see a member behaving poorly – everyone challenges them – the change will happen.  We all have a role to play in making the change.  Role model it yourself and challenge poor behaviour in others.

 

10.   How can we ensure a level playing field in internal elections when some candidates have the advantage of access to a national platform and networks?

 

The cycle of the national elections needs to be much shorter – it doesn’t need to take three months.  Shorter cycles would mean that it’s easier to ensure a level playing field and that those with a national platform aren’t at a huge advantage or that the party loses their contribution for three months.