News / Politics
Caroline Lucas: ‘Bristol always does things first’
Caroline Lucas has praised Bristol24/7 for being the first local media organisation in the UK to employ a dedicated climate and sustainability reporter.
The outgoing MP for Brighton Pavilion and former Green Party leader will be speaking at St George’s on Friday to discuss her new book, Another England.
In it she provides a compelling argument for a new national story incorporating England’s myriad identities, as a foundation for a future based on inclusivity, equality and true democracy.
is needed now More than ever
Another England was sparked by a realisation that England wasn’t engaging in a post-Brexit fall-out that saw neighbouring UK nations reimagining their identities, including calls for independence.
“We could be seeing the end of the UK and nobody in England has even begun to think about it,” Lucas told Bristol24/7.
“The starting point of the book was to ask, what kind of England do we have right now and what kind do we want?”
Lucas suggests forging a progressive story of what it means to be English will empower communities and reconnect people with democracy.
“The right-wing are very good at telling their stories, of imperial nostalgia, of exceptionalism…. If we don’t reclaim a more radical tradition in England then we leave all that territory to the right, which I think is very dangerous,” she says.
Caroline Lucas (left, with Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer) has high praise for Bristol’s leadership on climate issues – photo: Jon Craig
At a community level, how do we create a new story for Bristol that incorporates all ideas and identities?
Stories that undoubtedly captured local imagination such as the toppling of Colston’s statue, the allotment campaign and the end of the mayoral project inhabit space alongside cenotaph protectors, Extinction Rebellion sceptics, liveable neighbourhoods controversy and the erosion of community spaces.
Can we find an inclusive narrative that embraces that diversity and sets the city on a thriving path?
“I think Bristol’s been at the forefront of doing this really well, though noone is saying these processes are easy or uncontentious,” says Lucas.
“I’ve been so inspired by what Bristol has done around the Colston statue, and the recognition that the opposition to this figure’s slave-trading past has been there for a long time.
“It’s inspiring to trace that story back, to say ‘this isn’t just a fad that’s going to pass’, as some detractors suggest. There’s a strong tradition in this country, particularly in Bristol, of people challenging the slave trade. That helps us to build the narrative and push back against the right.
“And there’s such a strong tradition, dating back to the little-known Charter of the Forest of 1217, of landless people having access to and rights over land.
“So for Bristol’s allotment movement – that tradition of fighting for greater equality of land is, perhaps, extra inspiration for people to get involved and think ‘things can change.’”
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The Green Party is playing an increasing role in Bristol’s story, with a Greens the largest group on the current council and the real possibility of Carla Denyer becoming the city’s first Green MP in the newly created Bristol Central constituency.
“We know how much support for the Greens there is in Bristol. The only thing stopping that desire for a strong green voice also being in parliament, I think, is people’s fear of the voting system,” Lucas said.
“I would say to people in Bristol, have the courage of your convictions. If you want voices in parliament who will represent what I think in Bristol is a very forward-thinking, innovative mentality, and will push Labour to be bolder and braver, all you have to do is vote for it.
“Bristol deserves a Green voice. Carla has demonstrated that she’s well able to do the job – she’s incredibly articulate, and hardworking and listens, which is a great thing.”
Turning to the climate issue, what is Lucas’ view on environment reporting as it stands?
“Firstly, this Climate Editor role is so important and I’m hugely glad it exists!” she says, praising the first-of-its-kind initiative from Bristol24/7.
“The media is massively important in shaping the climate narrative. One of the real difficulties in getting out more radical stories is that our national media is dominated by a handful of media owners who set and control the agenda.
“I’d love to see a total overhaul of media ownership, as we allow the most extraordinary monopolies.
“Then there’s a story the government is trying to tell about climate which is that it’s expensive, a luxury we can’t afford, and that they are standing up for ‘ordinary people’ by pushing back on climate policy.
“I think it is so important for outlets like Bristol24/7, for which I have huge excitement and admiration, to be telling that other story!”
Lucas added: “The climate story is partly about how social justice and environmental justice are absolutely linked.
“The people who suffer most from the climate crisis are the poorest people. We need to grapple the story that climate change is somehow an elitist concern and put it back among people who stand the most to benefit from it.
“For example in Bristol, begin home insulation programmes in the most deprived areas of the city. Make sure people can see it’s not a middle-class mission but a practical way to address immediate concerns which are, for many, heating and food.
“It’s also about our hopes for our kids. It doesn’t much matter what background or political party you’re from, most people want their kids to have a better future than they had. All the evidence shows that without urgent action on the climate emergency, life for future generations is going to be grim.
“So there are stories we can tell to really show that climate is an issue for everybody.”
While Bristol’s proudest moments inevitably differ for people across the city, one achievement stands out for Lucas.
“Bristol has been a climate leader in so many ways!” she beams.
“I must give a shout out to the fact that you were the first UK city to declare a climate and ecological emergency.
“It’s a wonderful legacy, to see the wave of similar initiatives happening around the world. Hurrah for Bristol, as ever, doing things first!”
Caroline Lucas will discuss creating a new narrative for England followed by a book signing at St George’s on April 26. For tickets and more information, visit www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/whats-on/caroline-lucas-can-we-create-a-new-england
Main photo: Jon Craig
This piece of independent journalism is supported by the Bristol24/7 public and business membership. If you are interested in supporting our climate coverage by sponsoring our climate editor role please get in touch with ruth@bristol247.com
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