MEP delighted by ‘Green surge’ in SW

South West Green MEP, Molly Scott Cato, has drawn attention to the 'green surge' sweeping across the region following a constituency week in which she met with local communities and visited several “inspirational” projects across the South West.

She said, “The South West is witnessing a political green surge, the Green Party has quadrupled in size in just one year and this goes along with a massive growth in truly sustainable projects. Innovative individuals and communities across the region are showcasing examples of a Green Society and helping to create resilient local economies which help communities prosper and safeguard the environment.”

In Poole, Dr. Scott Cato visited the Lush factory to see how the company’s cosmetics range is produced ethically and sustainably and met ‘Yes’ campaigners at a site of a proposed wind farm near Dorchester [1][B]. She also spoke with marine conservationists about the sustainable management of Studland and learned how Bournemouth has achieved ‘Sustainable Fish City’ status.

In Cornwall she visited the Penzance Farmers Market, attended the town’s first ever ‘Green Drinks’ event and took part in a radio phone-in on BBC Radio Cornwall. 

While travelling across the region, Dr Scott Cato also spent time meeting several prospective parliamentary candidates and Green Party members in the run up to May's general election. 

She says hopes are high of a political breakthrough for the Greens in the general election. “We did it in the European elections and we can do it at a general election,” she said.

“Our biggest hope is Bristol West, where we are well on course to win a seat. There’s huge optimism and the Greens are creating a political shock-wave which could win us other constituencies too. From Frome to St Ives, I have been meeting candidates and members who are confident the Green Party can win parliamentary seats in the South West.”