Who's backing Caroline? Hear from some of our supporters
Jon Barrenechea, Brighton community campaigner:
"Caroline Lucas is a kind, energetic, intelligent politician - a rare thing these days. She has been supportive of many projects I've been involved with and I really think Westminster could use the breath of fresh air that Caroline and the Green Party represents."
Marcus Brigstocke, broadcaster:
"I am supporting Caroline Lucas because she has been an outstanding representative for this country in the European Parliament. Caroline offers the people of Brighton Pavilion her committed, ethical and honest experience as their representative in Westminster. These are all qualities that corner of London needs now more than ever and with Caroline Lucas there to hold the government to account it will mean a better deal for the elderly, improved education, opportunities for young people and a sustainable, fair Britain.
"This is such an exciting opportunity to see the first Green Party MP working hard for the voters of Brighton and for the people of this country."
Teresa Williams, trade union organiser:
"I'm a member of the GMB Union. I'll be voting for Caroline Lucas as the Green Party is the best party to represent workers' rights, and protect public services."
Rev Anthea Ballam, interfaith minister:
"It is a privilege to be able to vote for Caroline Lucas in an age when political solutions appear to be failing us. I can think of no other politician who will be standing for election who has her integrity, inspiration or intelligence.
"Voting for Caroline will be an opportunity to choose somebody who thinks about community and the environment, rather than going into politics for self-serving reasons."
Philip Pullman, author:
"The election of Caroline Lucas as Britain's first Green MP would be the most hopeful political development for years.The Green movement seems to me the most rational and honest way of behaving towards the planet we live on, and the Green party is its political expression; and until we have a rational and honest way of organising our voting system, we shall have to break through under first-past-the-post.
"At last there is a constituency where this looks as if it might be possible, and in Caroline Lucas it has a vibrant, talented, passionate and tried-and-tested candidate. I'm happy to support her campaign, and I look forward to cheering her success."
Mark Thomas, TV satirist and political activist:
"I have met many politicians and Caroline Lucas is one of the few I have admired. She is not only the best bet to beat the Tories in Brighton but is also the most progressive candidate. I have yet to hear any MP on Question Time come anywhere near as incisive and passionate about social justice as Caroline."
Beatrix Campbell, author:
"Is there a better candidate anywhere? Caroline Lucas is clever, inventive, humane, charming and a person whose agenda spans all of human life, as it should do; and only as someone who leads the Green Party can."
Jonathon Porritt, green activist and former head of the government's Sustainability Commission:
"In these challenging and uncertain times, Caroline Lucas and the Greens are providing hope for those who fear the main political parties are not taking the global problems we face seriously enough. Many hope that voting in the first Green MP will set a historic precedent, opening the door for further Green wins around the country."
Mike Albu, International Projects Manager at Practical Action:
"If Caroline is elected in Brighton, we will have an intelligent advocate of green ideas sitting in our national parliament for the first time ever.
"I believe Caroline has the passion and the integrity to influence other MPs and convince ministers to take climate change and environmental policies seriously."
Hugh Kerr, former Labour Euro-MP
"As a former Labour Member of the European Parliament, I urge all voters in Brighton and Hove to vote for Caroline Lucas. I have watched Caroline in action in Brussels, Strasbourg and Britain and she is one of the most exceptional members of [the European] parliament of our time. She would make a superb MP for the people of Brighton Pavilion." Hugh Kerr, Labour MEP for Essex West and Hertfordshire East, 1994-99.
Sally Cranfield, Brighton Green activist:
"I have always been impressed by the amount of local events, meetings and campaigns that Caroline Lucas attends and gets directly involved with.
"She is tireless in her actions to promote and support all issues of fairness, justice and environmental importance. The world will be a better place if she gets elected to Westminster."
Peter Avis, journalist:
"Caroline Lucas will offer a refreshing new discourse at Westminster, to take us away from the tired old party squabbles that now serve the interests of politicians, rather than of people.
"A Green MP for Brighton will continue the best progressive traditions of our town."
Andrew Steel, natural eco-decorator, Bourchier Decoration:
"I've been a member of the Green Party for four years now and really got involved because I care about ethical and environmental issues; where our food comes from; the environment; and the community. I was encouraged by the enthusiasm of volunteers who were delivering literature in my area and chatting with them about their agenda was interesting.
"For me, the Green Party's beliefs represent mine on a wider scale. I don't think the other parties really care and seem to be just interested in suiting themselves. But I also think that the Green Party is a much better option for local representation here in Brighton and Hove.
"The Green Party manifesto has it all covered, really - whether you're concerned about the NHS, jobs or immigration etc., the Green Party has something to say on a whole range of issues. In my opinion, the Party is at the forefront of all the main issues I am concerned about. You always know what the Green Party stands for.
"I've always enjoyed listening to Caroline Lucas or seeing her on TV. I think she's a very inspirational leader.
Jess Wood, Brighton LGBT youth worker:
"In these times of extremists on the one hand and bland men in suits whose policies are hard to tell apart, Caroline is a breath of fresh air. In her, policies and person are one. She is an ethical person and the policies of the Greens who she leads are a value-based party.
"No opportunism, no spin, no empty promises - just a clear vision of the kind of society I, for one, want to live in where the environment is high on our agenda for change, where opportunities for all and civil liberties are balanced by responsible and sound economic and foreign policies.
"In terms of LGBT people, I think the Greens have got it right and are now the party that best represents women, BME and LGBT people. Enough of un-principled men. Let's give a great woman a chance."
Jeremy Leggett, founder of Solar Century, a solar energy company:
"It is vital that sane voices like Caroline's be elected and heard in our disgraced parliament.
"She can speak with integrity and passion on each and all of the dire crises facing us - financial, climatic and energy. Moreover, she understands these and many other social ills are symptoms of a more general malaise: the suicidally dysfunctional state into which we have let modern capitalism lapse. And she has the stomach and ideas to try and do something about it."
“ Looking forward to speaking at Demos next Wednesday on the Future of Progressive Politics in the UK http://bit.ly/d4Jb1w
