Being The Only Green MP in Westminster | A Progressive Vision for the UK | Caroline Lucas

[@greghill7759]

Ms Lucas has been an essential, if sadly overlooked member of Parliament. How Westminster imagines it is effectively functioning without at least fifty more people like her is beyond me.

[@richarddraxlbeck489]

The political love of my life!

[@t5kcannon1]

Well said.

[@batintheattic7293]

She's wonderfully devoid of ego. I will never understand why voters appear so persistently awed by flamboyance. It's critically dangerous.

[@lolly1811]

I love Caroline Lucas but we need about 300 more of her in Parliament.

[@marathorne6821]

I had the privilege of hearing Caroline Lucas speaking with Hugh Fearnley Wittingstall a few years ago, and what stayed with me was how obviously genuine she is in her beliefs and her aspirations for society, our country and our planet. The contrast between her and the charlatans purporting to govern us at the moment couldn't be more stark. We need more like her.

[@MargaretHillsdeZ]

Totally agree

[@UK75roger]

An equal conversation, rather than an interview? Caroline Lucas has been a significant voice of sanity and reason in parliament, and will be missed.

[@christianecoughlan7392]

I wish we had more politicians like Caroline! I agree with her 100%.

[@sandraharvey9609]

Really enjoyed this interview. I've always had the greatest respect for Caroline Lucas, we need more people like her in politics.

[@dsjwhite]

She's my MP and I am very proud of her, she's wonderful. I'm sad she's going.

[@VaucluseVanguard]

I'm not.

[@juliangiulio3147]

But she will be more free afterwards to Influence people by her sheer eloquent, frank reasoning and her force of Heart! She is a naturally evolved human being! But yes, we need more evolved human within the HOP!

[@liamb8644]

@@VaucluseVanguardNo one gives a fuck what you think

[@whelktrim]

She’s also my MP and I have felt so privileged that she has been my parliamentary representative. Truly a breath of fresh air in the stagnant ranks of Westminster.

[@lorrainemoynehan6791]

@@VaucluseVanguard why? Do you feel she will be able to have a higher profile outside of parliament?

[@richardeljay]

Articulate, engaging, knowlegeable.. will be a real loss when leaves Parliament.

[@WarBrah]

Has absolute gibberish beliefs. Nothing will be lost.

[@zedrake]

@@WarBrahsuch as….

[@AH-te5gs]

Her "clarity" is authenticity. Something most other politicians from any party are completely lacking.

[@winthir]

brilliant brilliant - great woman, great interview thank you.

[@marcdavis2673]

She's absolutely outstanding.

[@Watts_uk]

Watched a few of these podcasts now and its so refreshing seeing people on different sides of the political spectrum being able to have sensible discussions

[@ritchwaghorn6541]

Absolute legend .. Caroline Lucas ( and The Green Party) gave me something to believe in Politically in 2015 when all other parties had failed. I have been voting Green ever since.

[@oldschool3670]

Fantastic human being

[@nlewin5072]

Summed up perfectly in just three words!

[@rockhopper_penguin]

Thank you Caroline for your public service. You are intelligent, articulate and principled. Parliament will be the worse for your absence.

[@teb__]

Impressive questions from Rory.. Caroline incredibly articulate. Well played.

[@leo1961berlin]

It's truly sad that our appallingly antiquated electoral system has prevented a true representation of opinion in Parliament. It was OK when we had just two parties (aeons ago!), but it has most certainly not been OK for some time now. I have no truck with the likes of Nigel Farage and Richard Tice, but their views should also be heard in parliament. Imagine if we'd had PR and all those extra Green MPs how much better our entire political climate would have been. Caroline Lucas will be a huge loss to the Commons - I have enjoyed so many of her interventions and speeches - and I just hope Sian Berry is able to build on her achievements.

[@petrichor649]

We need PR and we need it now, the alternative is just to carry on.

[@cybergornstartrooper2157]

Germany had PR in the 1930s and it was key in enabling Hitler to gain power by making deals with the Conservative Party. Just like our current Conservative Party, they were facing electoral defeat, but thought by doing a deal with Hitler they could hold onto power. Also just like today the Conservative Party indulged in identity politics in order to try and woo the voters from the National Socialists. PR is a double edged sword my friend.

[@TesterAnimal1]

And she’s dead right about Farage being in Parliament. It would have been better. He would have been shown up as a lazy know nothing with no policies. It would have, as Caroline said, robbed him of his victim complex which he sold to people.

[@STR82DVD]

Brilliant conversation with an amazing woman. Thank you.

[@Rachel_M_]

I am politically homeless but Caroline makes a very compelling case. I was aware of the green Party and Caroline, but knew little about their policies and views. Hearing Caroline speak was truly a breath of fresh air, as specially her impassioned views on England and the Idea of greater self determination for England. I have asked myself for years Why England was the only Nation that never got it's own Assembly during devolution. I had no idea any politician was even asking that question..... Until now.

[@Jay_Johnson]

Cos Newcastle voted against it in the referendum. I wonder what the result would be after the past 14 years

[@Rachel_M_]

@@Jay_Johnson thank you for that. I didn't know the reason was so specific.

[@SSMMTTEE]

England is too big a part of the UK to have a single devolved assembly in the same way as Scotland and Wales have.

[@Rachel_M_]

@@SSMMTTEE John Prescott was, and still is, a big advocate for regional assemblies but he was largely sidelined by Blair and Brown during the devolution process.

[@SSMMTTEE]

@@Rachel_M_Indeed, and part of the other issue is nobody could agree how England might be divided, you could just never please everyone - in the end Labour gave up because they just didn’t want to have the political fight on it. I doubt Starmer would do loads different.

[@lakedistrict9450]

Intelligent, articulate, good communicator, and great values. She is my MP and I’m grateful for her efforts🙏🏻 I would have liked her opinion on the Green German foreign minister, who to my mind, has turned into a neo-con.

[@sunseeker9581]

Its a tough position when you get power. Even more so during a war which people see on the news every day. To keep power you have to make comprises, especially within a coalition

[@lakedistrict9450]

@@sunseeker9581 true as a general principle. But the Green foreign minister is more hawkish than her boss, the chancellor .

[@mikenowacki9729]

Who is this German minister one speaks of?

[@lakedistrict9450]

@@mikenowacki9729 Annalina Baerbok…(please excuse the spelling) .

[@fplyerbs5251]

I would love to see Caroline and Rory talk through everything they disagree on in real depth. I wonder if that would bring the best of both of you. Thank you Caroline for everything you've done!!!

[@Wunderpantz]

The most principled, thoughtful and interesting politician of her generation, by some considerable margin. Almost the only politician i can recall never flat out lying. Politics will be worse for her leaving, but is much richer for her time there. I wish her well in her next chapter.

[@robkobyalov3291]

During her time in Parliament, Caroline has consistently been the benchmark for what an MP can be. I think it's important we acknowldge that at a time when many people feel let down by successive governments and growing inequality and write off politicians as untrustworthy or useless en masse. Some sections of the media are quite happy to fan the flames of this too, but there really is little hope if we give up like that. In the wake of Brexit and years of mass division and discontent, we really need to prioritise improving and revitalising our democracy. How any country in the modern age thinks it can thrive with an adversarial two-party system, rather than consenual politics is beyond me.

[@adam7802]

I don't think its a matter of them thinking they can thrive or not at this point... it's the simple fact that PR takes power away from them. Which is why I don't think a labour or tory government will ever implement PR.

[@richharper8159]

Caroline is worth 10s of other MPs in parliament. Steadfast and passionate about the most important causes, year after year.

[@MrRailjunkie]

Great interview. Caroline is the best Prime Minister we'll never have. As somebody very much on the left I would love to see the Greens grow in popularity & get more MP's elected. If that happens & they stand a realistic chance of forming a government not only will I vote for them but I might join & become an active member. Of course we badly need PR for that.

[@mogliilgom5055]

Best interview so far.

[@reekiereekie7264]

We need PR desperately or our country is doomed

[@VaucluseVanguard]

Agreed, then we would have around 85 Reform Party MPs based on current polling and around 20 Greens.

[@reekiereekie7264]

@@VaucluseVanguard lots of people myself included would vote green if we didn't have to always vote on the basis of who's got most chance of beating the torys

[@Matt-ou7tu]

​@VaucluseVanguard In that scenario it would still be more representative of the population than the current system though.

[@hvhvgitaar]

@@VaucluseVanguardIf that is representative of the voters, it’s fine. It is much preferable to having a far right minority in the Conservative Party highjacking the country over the last decade.

[@allotmentuk1303]

Agree!

[@mikesaunders8724]

What an amazing person. The left leaning parties should start to what she says.

[@philipellis7039]

I learned the basics of PR when I was doing my O level Economics in the late 1970s. Wherever my views have gone on any other subject I’ve not wavered in all that time on the need to replace first past the post. Great interview, Caroline is so impressive. It is a pity that her party are so often confused.

[@laurenceskinnerton73]

Greens are the future!

[@wendyknight9574]

Not with FPTP

[@RichM-zu3cb]

Not in Scotland, there playing politics, I won't vote for them. There dragging Scotland down. Name one thing they have done to support the Scottish economy.

[@samthompson7568]

PR now! Well done Caroline!!!

[@sean.butterworth]

Thoroughly enjoyable interview of a very interesting, pragmatic, person

[@screwnacorn]

we need more like Caroline :)

[@Eisenhorn6629]

This is easily one of your best interviews - talking on pride, I could see myself being proud of being a Brit/Englishman again after 20 years of the ideals discussed here. We need many more people of Ms. Lucas' calibre & indeed more good faith, cross-party coming together to solve things, not arguments about whose faults they are.

[@metalhead2550]

Great interview with Caroline there! A fine example of blind optimism by Alastair at the 27:00 mark, I personally don't agree with the concept that we can't tell people how it actually is because we might scare them off from applying.... people are adults, treat them as such.

[@Loudeboss]

unfortunately blind optimism is what characterizes him

[@eimajish]

Thank you so much, Caroline. You have been a beacon of intelligence and principle in our lives - I know there are many many people inspired by your commitment, courage and decency, some of whom will hopefully enter politics - we need more people in public life like you.

[@georgeholmer8563]

A great example of the level of politician the UK could have if it had the guts to introduce PR.

[@eliseleonard3477]

This was really inspiring. It can be so hard to keep up energy and hope when there aren’t any big, definite results to your efforts. But Ms. Lucas has the long view and understands that change has to grow slowly and sort of bubble up to the surface in its time.

[@batintheattic7293]

Growth can't be continuous, though. Not while we are stuck on this one planet. That's the thing nobody seems willing to consider. We are bound. If we expand then we must also contract. Either this happens as one cataclysmic mass or we do what we do now which is, essentially, eat each other (one person/group/nation expands while the other contracts). If we had been happy to aim for stability - that's probably achievable. It just doesn't sound as sexy or grown up as 'growth'.

[@Shep139]

What a wonderful thoughtful person. She will be a huge loss to Westminster.

[@ramblerandy2397]

A genune refreshing thinker and speaker. We need more like her in a representative democracy, under proportional representation. And a return to the EU.

[@Gazvegslayer7]

Thank you, for a really interesting and thoughtful interview.

[@georgemayo7383]

Very well analysed, issues of environment by M.P. Caroline Lucas.

[@georgejohnson1498]

Please, Caroline, do come to North Herefordshire to campaign for Ellie Chowns at the GE. I can tell you that there is a fantastic team already working for your party, delivering leaflets and talking to people. I am somewhat shy, but play my part with leaflets. I too wish that we had PR, as really FPTP makes it pretty much pointless at most elections bothering to vote if you are not favouring an incumbent with the largest sector of the vote. There do seem to be signs that even in North Herefordshire, the Tory vote may be overturned this time. Best wishes from George

[@robkobyalov3291]

It was really shocking to hear the discussion on MP's having to hurriedly vote on things they don't understand and amendments not being able to be heard because voting is carried out in such an antiquated way. And equally shocking, just like the discussion on electoral reform, to see how the two main parties will not want to budge on changing this because it would weaken their power.

[@Paulus8765]

It's the same with proportional representation, or at least that's their fear.

[@nlewin5072]

The story of Sarah Woollaston not only shocked me, but angered me deeply.

[@simonmcglary]

She comes across as so knowledgeable and understanding. When she stands up in parliament to speak, she contributes and adds to the discussion, certainly for those of us sitting at home, if not for the controlled by the whip of the larger parties!

[@lollys9041]

Absolutely fantastic interview. I have always liked and admired her. I have voted Green on numerous occasions although there are some things I disagree with them on as I have had real issues with the Labour Party at times. Sadly my MP is Liz Truss, semi rural, lots of landowners very Tory. I will be voting tactically to get this shower out of office.🙏😻❤️

[@richardoldfield6714]

I was the election agent for the then Ecology Party (before the name change) in the Bath constituency in the 1979 General Election which saw Chris Patten (Conservative, Bath) first enter Parliament. We achieved the 2nd best Ecology Party result in the country with our candidate, Don Grimes. The party contested 53 seats, which entitled us to our first ever party political broadcast on TV, featuring Jonathan Porritt. Political discourse was a lot more civilised and tolerant in those days, compared to now.

[@stephenrouse6160]

Yes Rory , don't be so snippy! Caroline was awesome - an intelligent and interesting lady

[@andyheavyside]

I love this woman. Outstanding. Great interview guys

[@richardoldfield6714]

One thing about the Greenham Common protests that is often over-looked is that it was less about total unilateral nuclear disarmament by the UK, and more about the siting of a new generation of nukes (nuclear-tipped Cruise Missiles) that were at the time seen as potential first-strike weapons rather than deterrents, and thereby increased the risk of a preemptive first-strike by the Soviet Union.

[@robbieofdoom]

Thank you for this context, the various nuclear issues are all more nuanced than I expect them to be and your comment helped me understand a detail I likely wouldn't have thought to look into.

[@davidevans3227]

yes thankyou agree with Robbie here..

[@Paulus8765]

Caroline Lucas is a joy to hear. Though she's wrong about her upbringing being 'normal' - it was middle-class - I love her views on England. It's worth emphasising that the UK is not a union of equal countries: rather, England has a uniquely colonialist history that still needs to be fully faced. And in common with other colonialists, we are not as proud or even aware of our culture as a colonised people. This work is urgently needed in order to face the threat of Moscovite Russia and Han China rationally and effectively.

[@SSMMTTEE]

Scotland and Wales colonised much of the world. Don’t kid yourself.

[@donnanugent8094]

She is fabulous. Comes across so well and totally agree on PR!

[@Thomas_basiv]

A truly progressive vision

[@maciejpawlik6556]

A light of hope in a world of darkness - thank you so so much Caroline!

[@mato15]

Enjoyable interview, thanks.

[@Geoffreryoc]

Fantasticly interesting, unique discussion and debate. Well done, great work. I was enthralled to all ideas and challenges... ❤

[@MayorMcC666]

the corbyn quote came off as a bit antagonistic, props to Caroline for being such a good sport

[@thejigantics2641]

Fascinating Caroline. You swept the floor with A.C. His lack of push back was significant. Rory’s a good guy and despite their differences he came out this piece with dignity

[@Scoobydcs]

the system is utterly unfit for purpose!

[@davidhinchliffe3506]

What a fantastic interview. Such a loss to the country loosing her as an mp. Loving the podcast guys.

[@jamespentney6395]

Good to hear Caroline L. Her leaving Parliament to concentrate more on nature (ie the fundamental thing) reminded me of Tony Benn saying he was leaving Westminster to spend more time on politics.

[@henfc456]

Talks so much sense - the need for more genuine politics working together not the adversary style we have now - we need some form of pr maybe ams to give voters more of a voice.

[@isaacdalziel5772]

I'd have really liked to hear what the current green attitudes on NATO and nuclear power are

[@schyllic]

This question of infinite growth; maybe we’ve been looking at it wrongly. Could it be a continual cycle whereby in a sustainable economy, that which is creating value should grow, while that which is destroying value must decay.

[@jeremymanson1781]

There is a lot of work that has been done on the concept of the 'Circular Economy'.

[@John-bo4po]

Fantastic show, thank you so much, wish you guys were in Parliament and in charge of the country 🇬🇧

[@paulinegibson7010]

Caroline is so right about Starmer ! Brilliant woman and so undervalued. More people would vote Green if we had PR

[@PaulaTerryLancaster]

Wonderful!

[@danremenyi1179]

The whole system is a complete nonsense. Well said Rory!

[@Chris-im3ys]

But would Rory really fix it if he was a Tory PM eyeing a second term.

[@rezzoh_hrts]

Well done for talking all over Caroline Lucas Rory. Asking her about her views on Scotland and just go at the idea rather than allowing her to respond.

[@susannahns]

Agree, I found Rory’s manner at times during this interview quite painful to listen to; overbearing, mansplainy and rude. Spoiled what was mainly a brilliant episode.

[@SSMMTTEE]

She was allowed to respond; he rightly called her out.

[@rezzoh_hrts]

@@SSMMTTEE Called her out on what, she never a got a chance to make a point. Good input though 👎

[@SSMMTTEE]

@@rezzoh_hrts On her fetishisation of Scottish separation. She had her chance to respond. It was weak.

[@rezzoh_hrts]

@@SSMMTTEE Wow what an insight!! Is it weak in your eyes because she is a woman? Or because you don't like it? Is that why it's a fetishisation too? Could it be that she thinks it's a better course to take? Guess we will never know as she didn't get a chance to unpack it for being talked over.

[@louishigh30]

Been arguing for years that the second house should be one of proportionate representation! A group of people from all sides scrutinising bills.

[@JudithBogner]

Caroline Lucas is a national treasure. Her steadfast, diligent , wise parliamentary work and personal integrity should be the norm. Sadly for democracy and citizens,, it’s the exception. She must be weary of standing tall, alone and for so long, as she did. I fully understand she needs time to sit down and take care of herself. She has my heartfelt gratitude, respect and appreciation.

[@dhdd_p2527]

I am absolutely big fan of Caroline and Green Party all the time. She is simple, thinks well for about whole this planet, very smart person and she is nearly one and only politician who talks and thinks realistically with her wonderful personality. Just admire her turmendersly and wish we have more proper human being like her in the house of common!

[@zacharypeach4217]

So glad you’ve done this interview. I’ve been waiting for it to come out ever since you mentioned it in an episode 2 weeks ago!

[@ianbanks3016]

"We're a bit apathetic about protest now." says Alastair. Hmm, I remember over a million people taking to the streets to protest against the invasion of Iraq, Alastair and what happened? Did you listen?

[@nlewin5072]

My thoughts exactly. THE single biggest street protest the UK had ever seen. Campbell has selective amnesia on many things. He's very engaging on this podcast, but wasn't always so; he was almost as toxic as Cummings in his previous life.

[@milesrout]

@@nlewin5072 Protests do not and should not decide government policy. A vocal minority - and the Iraq protesters were, no matter how big the protest was, a very vocal MINORITY of people - don't determine government policy. The only thing worse than government by referendum is government by kowtowing to activist protesters.

[@SamanthaOhara-r6l]

Caroline Thank you for being an earth crisis forward , Your be missed ☮️✌️🙏.

[@katyoconnor5052]

Really insightful interview. She is an outstanding politican and will be missed. Best of luck to all the green candidates standing at the next election.

[@mrmustard1633]

A parliamentary icon

[@nicennice]

As others have said Caroline Lucas will be greatly missed in Parliament. Another really engaging conversation. This channel is addictive.

[@MazzaEliLi7406]

Thank you.

[@Realrandomman]

Caroline Lucas is an absolute gem!

[@djvarley1]

With regard to Rory's comment about Quebec referendums, there were two... the first was in 1980 and the second was in 1995. They were 15 years apart, which is shorter than what most people would consider a "generation," but they weren't happening every 2 or 3 years either. The 1995 referendum was very close and many people felt that the question was confusing and ambiguous. After that, the Chrétien government passed the "Clarity Act," which put some federal rules around how Quebec independence referendums should be conducted in the future. Since then, no Quebec government has sought to hold another referendum, although there are still parties promoting independence.

[@PMMagro]

Rory knows best about asolutley everything in detail. Not the first time I notice facts gotten wrong by "the expert".

[@joewilliams8658]

There was a referendum in 1992 on the Charlottetown Accord which could have declared Quebec a "Distinct society" (not quite referendum on full-sovereignty but still about Quebec self-government). Regardless of the detail, the point is that a referendum should settle an issue and provide political stability. Having two and a half referendums on the same political issue in the space of 15 years is a waste of political capital.

[@QwentyJ]

​@@PMMagroGod forbid someone makes a mistake 🙄

[@JS-vf5gn]

We need more MPs of Caroline Lucas's moral stature, earnest heart and genuine charisma. Caroline Lucas has been a leading light in Parliament, and whatever Miss Lucas does afterwards, she will be a trailblazer. (An environmentally friendly one, naturally.)

[@RandallSlick]

Imagine where Caroline Lucas would be if we lived in a sensible country. A fine discussion with a national treasure.

[@Jons8ye1]

Seems like Alastair should have edited the book! Rory really showed his intelligence in this one. I am enjoying the more rigorous challenges in recent episodes of leading.

[@tom_123]

Agreed about Rory. Far more interesting (and important) to see interviewees’ views interrogated.

[@RichM-zu3cb]

Today's chat was great thank you, PR appears to be the step on the journey for the NEW and improved United Kingdom. 'British' politics is broken. What did Albert E say about madness? Do the same thing over again and expect a different outcome. The Tories won't vote for it, so the next Labour government needs to be radical for the sake of Uniting the Kingdom. PR appears to be a fairer system.

[@FireflyOnTheMoon]

Why on earth would people in Scotland be upset about someone writing a book about England?

[@scottsaunders5087]

What a wonderful interview I wish her all the best for the future

[@sunseeker9581]

I'd vote for her as PM in a heartbeat. Yes taking on pro war stances might get you more right wing support but it just means you are throwing away your own morals of not wanting more war crimes as seen by Britains support of Saudi Arabia & Israel.

[@QwentyJ]

This was one of the best interviews to date. Respectful, probing and engaging. Would like to have seen Caroline pushed on Sizewell C etc

[@bobalopadus8901]

This was a really enjoyable listen. First time I've really heard from Caroline Lucas - I think she massively undersells herself in saying there wasn't anything special about her. Really powerful intellect. That being said, I felt that saying England didn't have it's own Stormont equivalent, then decrying what she essentially saw as the English parliament stopping another Scottish independence referendum, was a big contradiction in her thinking. Maybe I'm just ignorant to the nuance. Her and Rory's debate over Scotland was a real highlight, regardless.

[@martinstent5339]

She described how dysfunctional the British parliament is, but it would have been nice to hear her compare the 2 parliaments she has served on, European and British parliaments: The voting system, the way to build consensus, the quality of debate and so on. I think it would have been very enlightening! (and embarrassing for UK).

[@DixonFamilyHistory]

Although she didn't say in so many words, I think she was comparing some if her European experience with the processes in Westminster.

[@alansdorsetfossils4028]

Fascinating discussion. Rory the Tory versus Campbell the once labour spin doctor two fascinating individuals free to talk outside the Westminster straightjacket that would have held Rory in check. They both come from very different backgrounds and philosophy's and yet often talk the same language. How refreshing it would be to run a parliamentary system without whips and with every M.P. having a free vote on every piece of legislation. Today's talk with Caroline Lucas equally fascinating in so many ways.

[@mootedtols4865]

These segments are very good. The style of the show is something we need more of. -- I share Rory's hope that it can continue in this form post-election.

[@markallen7736]

Caroline Lucas should have been PM. Shes one of the very very few politicians i respect and I'm proud to have given her my vote. Lucas is a legend.

[@deemullis5106]

Caroline will be sorely missed. She is a consummate, intelligent, sensible,kind individual. Her resilience is awe inspiring and her passion is astonishing. 😢

[@hamsterminator]

What an impressive individual.

[@barker900]

Great interview, clever, articulate lady.

[@blindinbluesmusic]

Thank you Both for this superb and very appropriate conversation which should become the subject of a series of Citizens Assemblies which can advice a Labour Government which shows no inspiration on the subjects that have been discussed tonight - thank you again and congratulations - I am a democratic socialist!

[@TerryMilesSurrey]

I love this woman. So intelligent, so decent.

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

My dad was a die hard Tory, mainly due to him being from a communist country, and his hatred of that regime. But he listens and actually voted for Corbyn in 2019, of course now he'd never vote tory ever again