Three answers

(1) Another world is possible. We have to change fundamentally what we value and how we live our lives. We cannot continue to allow multinational corporations and governments to recklessly use up all the resources of the planet. We cannot continue to allow a tiny super rich elite to become fabulously wealthy while billions live in poverty. We must change and create a better world – a world where equality is the norm and everyone has their fair share; a world where we protect the environment for current and future generations. We can take on the vested interests of those who oppose this approach. We deserve to win and we will.

(2) Yes. People expect and deserve to have a real say over decisions that affect their lives. Increasingly they don’t. The media portrays “democracy” as the circus that is Westminster politics. Parliament is important but more and more decisions are being taken  by huge corporations without any meaningful dialogue with citizens. I have spent most of my adult life campaigning for people to be involved in local decision-making – most recently promoting Participatory Budgeting nationally and here in Brighton & Hove. People are more than capable of making sensible decisions about their communities. I am committed to extending that democratic choice as widely as possible.

(3) the world cannot go on as it is, building up massive environmental crises and supporting a socio-economic system that benefits a tiny super-rich elite over the vast majority of humanity. Those who benefit from the status quo are immensely powerful and will not give up their privileges quietly. We need the overwhelming majority of the population to demand change, a better and fairer world, and a planet that can survive for future generations. Such a peaceful revolution is essential and long overdue.