Heidi Allen (pictured) wants a series of Remain pacts made across the country ahead of the next General Election.
The Green Party has said it will survey its members on whether to back independent MP Heidi Allen’s new Unite for Remain group.
Unite for Remain aims to build on the move by Plaid Cymru and the Greens to stand aside in the upcoming Brecon and Radnorshire by-election – a decision which has boosted the Lib Dems’ chances of taking the seat from the Conservatives.
However, there is likely to be some discord over the new Remain campaign, with former-Conservative MP Allen’s pitch being about bringing together ‘centre-ground’ candidates. It is a position that may alienate many left-wing Greens, SNP and Plaid Cymru members.
In an interview with Sky News, Allen said: “The ambition is that we return a significant swathe of Remain, moderate, centre-ground MPs” Not sure Greens will enjoy being called ‘centre-ground’.”
A spokesperson for Plaid Cymru told LFF that while the party has not officially joined the group, they would welcome an approach: “As we have shown in Brecon and Radnorshire, we are willingto work across party lines to stop the disaster that is Brexit.”
Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, said:
“The Green Party is following with interest [this] announcement from Heidi Allen about the new grouping Unite for Remain.
“As the Green Party is a democratic party, with direction provided by its members, we are today launching a survey of members to seek their views on the proposals in circulation about how the number of Remain MPs can be maximised in the next election, with the aim of stopping Brexit and transforming the UK to tackle our environmental and social crises.
“Members have already mandated us to work towards ensuring the maximum number of MPs are elected backing real democracy, with a fair voting system, as agreed in the cross-party Good Systems Agreement brokered by Make Votes Matter last week.
“In Brecon and Radnorshire the local party decided several weeks ago, independently and not as part of any pact, not to stand in the by-election to maximise the chance of a Remain-supporting MP in this finely balanced parliament.
“The Green Party has a long track record of leading on grown-up, non-partisan politics, while also working to maximise support on the key issues of environmental and economic justice that our policies provide, and electing representatives who stand squarely behind them.”
Lib Dem members are currently voting in the party’s leadership race, with Jo Swinson seen as more ‘alliance-friendly’ than competitor Ed Davey.
Josiah Mortimer is Editor of Left Foot Forward. Follow him on Twitter.
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10 Responses to “Greens to ask members about whether to join new Remain alliance campaign”
Patrick Newman
I am sure Allen does. There is not much of a future after the general election for this Tory maverick. Best for her to follow Umanna into the Lib Dems – they’ll take anybody without principles!
steve
Well done, Heidi.
There’s nothing more important than remaining within the neoiberal institution that oversaw the destruction of the Greek economy via the implementation unnecessary austerity.
Tsipras received his comeuppance a few days ago. How long before UK politicians who believe the EU to be an oasis of benevolence receive the same… ?
Tom Sacold
Once a Tory always a Tory – wet, pink, Blairite, liberal, middle-class green, etc…
the northern clique
i have had this survey and it asks at least one leading question. the alliance will not and cannot happen. Bartley must be removed as leader we need some one from the regions outside of London to step up. i think it has to be a team of one man one woman against any kind of progressive allance. we need to campaign on the issues. of localism (ie more local power and local funds, climate action and decoupling of paid work from income so we can boost our communitys. I know so many people who agree with the Greens on everything but Europe. Now i will vote Remain if they do another referendum but i aint voting any other party but Green in an election. Ps good luck to any decent left candidates from other parties wont vote for you but still wish you luck
Peter Holland
This woman and the party’s she’s thinking of joining are the most undemocratic politicians ever they want to overrule a referendum just to gain political power total betrayal of the electorate..