Free Green party membership for under 30

In an unprecedented move, the Green Party is offering free membership to people under 30 or in full-time education. Any student or young person who applies to join the Green Party before 1 January 2011 will pay no subscription for the coming year.

Stroud Green Councillor Martin Whiteside said, “I know there are many politically active young people in Stroud. I would encourage any of them to consider joining the Green Party and getting even more involved. I have been impressed by the student demonstrations locally and I want students and young people to know there is a political party that still cares about their future and has not reneged on its opposition to tuition fees or support for the EMA. The rise in tuition fees that has been voted through parliament and the scrapping of the Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) will make it hard for children from poorer families to further their education. It is important that young people feel they can have a say and an influence on politics, that they feel empowered to make changes.”

Annie Pickering (16), a young local green activist, said, "The Green party are the only party who really do care about fighting for free education. Free education is vital for people to get the chances they need to participate fully in society."

Anyone interested in free membership of the Green Party can go to the national website at: http://www.greenparty.org.uk/joinforfree.html or call 020 7272 4474.