Labour and the Liberal Democrats are attempting to keep the Greens out of the TV debates through fear that they will be shown up by ‘the only credible left-wing party’, claims the party’s Manchester candidate.
Kieran Turner-Dave, the Green party’s Manchester Central candidate, has backed the Prime Minister David Cameron’s ultimatum to Ofcom that he will not take part in TV debates unless the Greens are included.
Mr Cameron claimed that it wasn’t right for the TV debate to feature ‘minor parties’ like the Lib Dems and Ukip if the Greens weren’t also featured.
Mr Turner-Dave believes the Prime Minister’s view is one that recognises the Greens as a ‘significant force in British politics’.
He told MM: “What I find interesting is that the leaders of Labour and the Lib Dems have both said they don’t want the Greens taking part in the debates.
“Why don’t they want to invite the Greens? The answer is obvious; the Greens are the only credible left-wing option at the next election, and that worries Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg.”
He believes the Greens will challenge both Ukip and the Lib Dems as the latter’s popularity plummets and Green membership and support rises.
The party has seen membership increase by 80% as the nation’s fringe parties may have their most successful election to date as the public loses faith in the political ‘big three’.
Mr Turner-Dave argues that the Green’s left-wing views may be their source of success as people look for an alternative amid the right-winged political shift by parties such as Ukip.
“We know that our policies will be really popular with the public if we are given a chance in the debates,” he said.
“The Green Party’s presence will pressure Labour and the Lib Dems to have to fight for their traditional supporters.”
Cameron’s ultimatum to Ofcom was met with criticism from Mr Miliband and Ukip leader Nigel Farage.
Each has accused Cameron of running scared with Farage taking to Twitter to vent his frustration.
Looks like Mr Cameron is a chicken running scared over the TV debates. RT if u believe we should be in the debates: https://t.co/HpjI3ylULC
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) January 8, 2015
Mr Turner-Dave said: “We also provide a message of hope not hate that will win working class and protest voters over from Ukip.
“One thing is for certain, Natalie Bennett taking part in the election debates will mean a broader political debate and more pressure on the establishment parties. That can only be a good thing for democracy.”
Image courtesy of BBC via YouTube, with thanks.
