January 31st saw the formal end of Britain’s membership of the European Union, and with it the end of over 20 years’ unbroken service at the European Parliament by the Green Party.
London’s first ever Green Party MEP Jean Lambert was elected in 1999. Jean was a dedicated champion for refugees and equality, and her excellent work led to being named ‘Justice and Human Rights MEP of the year’ in 2005. After two decades Jean stood down in 2019 and Scott Ainslie was elected as Green MEP, continuing Jean’s vital work.
Scott said: “Brexit isn’t the end of London’s friendship with Europe. Greens will always reach out across borders and stand up for migrants and EU citizens living here. That’s why we’ve started a cross-party EU friendship group to maintain our close ties.”
Scott has published guidance for EU citizens living in the UK after Brexit, available in multiple languages at: scottainsliemep.org.uk
The Green Party is a grassroots-lead movement with a proven track record. As well as its legacy in the European Parliament, Caroline Lucas has served as MP for Brighton Pavilion since 2010, while Jenny Jones and Natalie Bennett represent the Greens in the House of Lords. The Green Party has 362 local councilors serving in 120 authorities across the UK, including Caroline Russell in Highbury West and Sian Berry in Camden.
Islington voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU in 2016, with the Green Party campaigning for the rights of EU citizens and freedom of movement. We will continue to support EU citizens in Islington and across the UK.
Are you an EU Citizen? Despite Brexit, you can vote in London elections in May.
Find out more at: sianberry2020.com/EU