Green Party Launches General Election Manifesto

The Green Party has launched its General Election manifesto and is calling for a referendum on the final Brexit deal.

Green Party leader Steven Agnew said the full facts and true understanding of Brexit was unavailable when we participated in the June 2016 vote.

He said: "We did not know that Theresa May would pursue a hard Brexit, for example. And other critical Brexit details are yet to be decided – what will the border between Northern Ireland and the Rep. Of Ireland shape up as, what trade tariffs will be imposed and how will Brexit impact the lives of our young people?

"The option to remain in the European Union must be left on the table. This would strengthen the hand of the UK negotiating team as well as allowing us to make an informed decision once the full facts on Brexit are available.

"This Green Party manifesto is about more than just Brexit, however. It's about putting people first, so alongside European matters, we're prioritising our public services and equality for all our citizens.

"A future Tory government will mean further underinvestment in our public services. Our schools and hospitals cannot cope with further financial strangulation. Accordingly, the Green Party would introduce a 2% tax increase on the top 1% earners.

"This measure will, in part, provide the £10bn short term increase in spending required by the NHS.

"We're also committed to putting people first by ensuring that equality for all citizens is pursued through Westminster. Progress on issues including marriage equality and reproductive rights has stalled along with our devolved institutions.

"Green Party MPs will work in Westminster to progress the issues that the two largest parties have failed to address through the Assembly."

(CD/LM)