‘Welfare over wealth, planet over profit’: An interview with Lancs Uni Green Party

There are many different political societies that you can join at Lancaster University. It can be really difficult to decide which party to support when the current climate is constantly changing, or maybe you don’t consider yourself a political person! Regardless, there are lots of these societies at universities, so we thought we’d speak to one of them.

While 2020 was a whirlwind of a year, there is no denying that there was a climate change crisis which is too catastrophic to ignore. It is more important than ever to consider the impact we have on the world. Enter Lancaster University Green Party society.

“Making the university more sustainable and helping people in Lancaster is a key focus”

Lancaster University Green Party is a society dedicated to promoting the values of the Green Party at Lancaster university. There are many political societies at university and Green Party said: “We want to see the same enthusiasm around climate issues and social justice.

“Making the university more sustainable and helping people in Lancaster is a key focus, but we also want to encourage people to support sustainable policy and use their voice to support Green Party candidates.”

@Lancunigreenparty Instagram

“We’ve been having weekly Teams meetings with Green Party groups and local figures”

We wanted to know how the Green Party society were running their campaigns and events in lockdown, given the changing climate around us, they said: “It has definitely been a learning curve shifting to online-activism, with fewer resources and opportunities. Over lockdown we’ve been having weekly Teams meetings with numerous Green Party groups and local figures to establish ourselves.”

The Green Party society are hosting a quiz social tomorrow, Thursday 7pm, with Lancaster University students as well as University Young Greens from across the country. They said: “All are welcome, whether you’re a member or not, so we encourage anyone interested to join. We’re currently promoting  the Young Greens four-part lecture series on capitalism, every Wednesday at 7pm.”

@Lancunigreenparty Instagram

“Being invited to speak at LUPS’ Climate Discussion Panel was a highlight”

The Green Party society have been involved in many opportunities involving collaborations with other Green Party supporters across the country. They told us: “We’re collaborating with the Manchester University Young Greens to develop a North West Young Greens coalition.

“Lancaster City Councillor, and ex-MEP Gina Dowding, has been incredibly supportive in creating stronger ties between the University group and the North Lancashire Green Party. Being invited to speak at LUPS’ Climate Discussion Panel was certainly a highlight.”

“Discussion evenings on particular topics is something we’d love to do”

In regard to how the Green Party plans to grow their society, they want to host more socials and events this term, including: “A Q&A session with Gina Dowding, and another Climate Discussion Panel with LUPS. Discussion evenings on particular topics is something we’d love to do.

“Currently, we’re promoting local and national campaigns online, as well as university issues like the pension fund, and looking to release an online campus newsletter to promote local environmental issues. Anything we can do to build relationships with like-minded groups and keep ourselves open to opportunities is a bonus.”

@Lancunigreenparty Instagram

“Anyone who believes that politics should prioritise welfare over wealth and planet over profit should join us”

We asked the Green Party society why students should get involved in their society. They said: “Anyone who believes that politics should prioritise welfare over wealth and planet over profit should join us, as that’s the world we want to live in.

“Along with like-minded groups on campus, we are pushing the university to divest from fossil fuels and promoting local campaigns.”

To keep up to date with local and university campaigns and find more details about joining the Lancaster University Green Party society, follow their Instagram and Twitter pages.

Recommended articles by this writer:

Equality, education and striving for change: An interview with Lancaster Marxist society

Raising awareness about the refugee crisis: An interview with ‘SolidariTee’ at Lancs Uni

We spoke to Rachel Lord about how to look after your mental health in lockdown