ROBIN HARPER: I’m afraid the Green party I led has finally abandoned its core mission to save the planet
Robin Harper, the Scottish Greens’ former leader, argues that the party under Zack Polanski has moved away from its central purpose of protecting the environment. He says Polanski is skilled at winning applause by focusing on divisive single issues, but lacks the leadership and practical judgement needed to address the complex work of government.
Harper recalls his own brief experience of energising a crowd after a poor by-election result in 1995, which taught him how intoxicating public approval can be. He contrasts that excitement with the less glamorous responsibilities of politics, including taxes, defence and everyday public services, and says environmental concerns have been sidelined despite their continuing importance. His criticisms of Polanski’s economic understanding and political approach are Harper’s own assessment.
- Harper says the Greens have lost focus on environmental protection.
- He criticises Polanski as a crowd-pleasing populist.
- He argues governing requires practical attention to complex issues.
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The Green Party is a UK political party whose founding aim has been to protect the environment. Robin Harper was a leading figure in the Scottish Greens, while Zack Polanski leads the Green Party of England and Wales; they are separate parties within the wider Green movement.
Political parties seek public support while also setting out how they would handle government responsibilities such as taxation and public services. Environmental policy, including action on climate change and nature loss, is one part of that wider agenda, and parties can face debate over how to balance it with other issues.
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The case for
Harper’s warning may reflect a legitimate concern that a Green party risks losing its defining purpose if environmental protection is crowded out by more attention-grabbing issues. Governing also demands practical judgement on areas such as taxes, defence and public services, so voters and party members can reasonably ask whether a leader is prepared for that wider responsibility.
The case against
A party can pursue environmental goals while also addressing other urgent concerns, and broadening its agenda may help it build support to deliver change. Harper’s doubts about Polanski’s judgement and priorities are his assessment; supporters may see his focus on divisive issues as a way to engage people and advance a wider political programme.