THE Green Party have launched their manifesto, promising to create one million new jobs.
Speaking in Brighton yesterday, party leader Caroline Lucas said: “It is a set of ambitious proposals but the Green Party has never been afraid of being ambitious. We would argue now is exactly the time to get this kind of ambitious policy making.”
Key pledges include bringing in a living wage of £8.10 an hour and a citizen’s pension of £170 a week. The party also wants to invest £44bn in transport, housing and energy schemes.
The Greens want to launch a major public works programme, partly funded by increased borrowing, to create one million new jobs in renewable energy, transport, housing and waste management.
The Greens would also restore the 10 pence starting rate of tax and introduce a 50% rate for those earning more than £100,000, as opposed to the £150,000 rate proposed by Labour.
They would raise money by scrapping tax relief on pensions contributions and by abolishing pension credits.
Mrs Lucas said the party has a “real chance” of winning seats in Parliament for the first time. She hopes to take Brighton Pavilion, while the party is also targeting Norwich South.
