UK Youth Green Party Calls for 'Paris-Style' Protests, Draws Criticism

The youth wing of the Green Party in the United Kingdom has called for "students and young workers" to participate in protests across Britain on November 20, an event described as an "International Youth Day of Action" inspired by recent demonstrations in Europe. The group, known as Young Greens, aims to rally support for walkouts and demonstrations in major British cities, demanding "money out of war and into a future in our country" after what they describe as "decades of neglect from our government."

The planned protests follow weeks of unrest in Europe, particularly in France, where left-wing demonstrations against state education provision escalated into widespread violence, property destruction, and the loss of livelihoods. Young Greens co-chair Jo Dowbor has also promoted the Trafalgar Square-based protest on her social media.

Shadow Home Office minister Matt Vickers has raised concerns, questioning whether the Green Party endorses importing scenes of violence and looting to British streets. He stated, "Perhaps [Zack] Polanski is too busy dealing with the antisemitism engulfing his party to pay attention to what his party's youth wing is calling for, but he has a responsibility to condemn this rhetoric and make clear that he will not turn a blind eye to the prospect of violence and looting on our streets."

Lord Walney, a former independent adviser to the government on political violence and disruption, warned that the British public would not forgive or forget anyone bringing "France-style mayhem to British streets." He emphasized the need for the British government to "take the firm stand needed to keep a lid on the chaos that these far-left anarchists want to inflict on the public" and called for readiness to maintain order.

Additionally, the University and College Union, whose leader has previously advocated for investment in climate change solutions over defense spending, is backing a "National Day of Action" on November 20. The Green Party and Young Greens have not responded to requests for comment on the matter.