Adrian Haffegee stood in an election recently in Old Bracknell. Here are his thoughts on the election and the Green Party.

The Old Bracknell by-election was my first. Previously I have not had much interest in politics, however I now feel the balance of the world is such that we cannot afford to sit back and let things carry on, business as usual. To me, Green policies just seem right and represent a fair way for how we should be living. Time is running out, and we need to change our outlook with how we treat the environment – Mother Nature has finite resources which we are rapidly overconsuming and spoiling. We need global social equality and not a world where the rich can afford to mask their exploitation by offsetting it to those less fortunate. The Green New Deal paves the way for ethical investment in to the future, and a sustainable path to economic recovery.

I am happy with having won over 5% of the vote. It shows there are a good number of our constituents who do care for the environment and a fair society. As has happened in other areas, we need to continue to build on this and prove that we do offer a viable alternative. Nationally, an ever increasing number of people are starting to understand and follow Green principles. It is looking quite possible that we can win some seats in Westminster this General Election. This breakthrough will give Greens a greater voice, and chance to hold other Parliamentarians to task with regard to ethical and environmental decision making. It is a battle, but with Greens, fairness really is worth fighting for.

Dr Adrian Haffegee (East Berkshire Green Party)