The youth wing of the Green Party has called on students and young workers across the United Kingdom to participate in protests inspired by recent demonstrations in France. Young Greens issued a social media appeal urging support for an “International Youth Day of Action” scheduled for November 20, encouraging mass walkouts and marches in major cities to demand government investment in domestic priorities rather than military spending.
The planned protests draw inspiration from ongoing youth-led demonstrations across Europe, where unrest has included violent clashes, property damage, and economic disruptions. Young Greens co-chairman Jo Dowbor also promoted a protest at London’s Trafalgar Square, while the Hackney Greens supported a march against austerity planned for the following week. The University and College Union (UCU), whose leader Jo Grady has previously advocated for increased funding in climate action over defense, is backing the National Day of Action.
The Young Greens' call comes amid heightened concern from political figures about the potential for similar unrest in the UK. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK chief Nigel Farage recently cautioned that Britain could experience disturbances akin to those in France unless decisive measures are taken. Shadow Office minister Matt Vickers criticized the Green Party for seemingly endorsing disruptive protests, questioning whether the party leadership condemns the possibility of violence and looting. Vickers referenced Green Party leader Zack Polanski, suggesting he has been preoccupied with antisemitism issues within the party and has not addressed the youth wing’s advocacy.
Lord Walney, a former government adviser on political violence, warned that importing the type of unrest seen in France could provoke public backlash. He emphasized the need for government officials, including figures like Mayor Andy Burnham, to prepare to maintain order and prevent chaos. Lord Walney described the young activists behind the calls as “far-Left anarchists” and cautioned that protests could escalate beyond control.
Requests for comment from the Green Party and Young Greens went unanswered, leaving the extent of official party support for the planned demonstrations unclear. The upcoming protests underscore ongoing tensions over government spending priorities and political activism among Britain’s younger population.