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Caroline Lucas Reflects on Life After Parliament
Brighton’s pioneering Green MP, Caroline Lucas, is often viewed as emblematic of the city’s identity. During a recent visit to Food for Friends, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Brighton, Lucas reminisced about her long-standing connection to the eatery that has been a staple since its opening in 1981. As she settled into a window seat, she reflected on the restaurant’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere, recommending the blueberry and ginger “nojito” alongside her meal of Thai noodle salad and crispy tofu. Despite joking about her transition to veganism, she proudly retains her vegetarian lifestyle.
Having resigned after 14 years as the only MP representing the Green Party, Lucas is navigating a new phase of her life. While she clarifies that she has not stepped back from activism, her current endeavors encompass various roles including co-presidency of the European Movement alongside former Attorney General Dominic Grieve and writing a children’s book. Her previous publication, Another England, delves into the complexities of national identity and the need to reclaim the narrative of England.
Lucas expressed her enjoyment of life in her new home near the Seven Sisters cliffs in Seaford, where she takes walks along the beach with her labrador puppy. However, she admits adjusting to life after Parliament has proven challenging. “It’s liberating not to have the intense demands of Westminster,” she notes, “yet I do miss the platform that comes with political office.”
During her tenure, Lucas wore many hats, serving as the sole spokesperson for a multitude of issues affecting her party. The recent election of four new Green MPs has allowed the party to diversify its representation across various portfolios, a change that Lucas found emotional, reflecting on the weight she bore in her role.
In discussing her book, she articulated her concerns regarding Labour’s direction, criticizing their lack of vision about what a progressive England could look like. With a robust critique of their priorities, she noted that it was “bloody scandalous” for them to focus on cuts when they have the capacity to innovate policies like a wealth tax or land reform. Drawing on her background in English literature, Lucas connects powerful historical literary voices to contemporary political discourse, expressing a desire for more politicians to engage with the arts as a means of enhancing political dialogue.
Our conversation shifted to the critical challenge of reconnecting the public with sustainable food practices. Lucas lamented that society is often detached from the ethics of food production, a viewpoint underscored by her resignation as vice-president of the RSPCA over controversies regarding animal welfare standards. While she does not indulge in extensive home cooking, she enjoys creating lasting items like marmalade and preserves, underscoring her connection to sustainability.
One of Lucas’s noteworthy accomplishments during her political career was advocating for a new GCSE in natural history aimed at increasing environmental consciousness among students—a project now sidelined by current government policies. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of a climate and nature bill, which sought to align governmental frameworks with global environmental commitments but was unexpectedly halted.
Lucas reflects on her personal journey, having grown up in a conservative household with parents who often questioned her choices. She recalls being bemused by their reactions but suggests they may have become less adversarial as her political career progressed.
Her commitment to activism has persisted outside of Parliament, illustrated by her training to become an end-of-life doula. With this role, she seeks to improve conversations about death, believing that engaging in such discussions can lead to more meaningful lives. “I love cutting through the unnecessary and focusing on what truly matters,” Lucas stated, highlighting the urgency of appreciating life while it lasts.
As we concluded our meal, Lucas shared her ultimate fear of not having done enough during her lifetime, a sentiment deeply rooted in her desire for a sustainable future. The conversation left a lingering impression of her dedication to continuing her advocacy for environmental and social justice in an ever-evolving landscape.
Another England by Caroline Lucas (Cornerstone, £10.99) is now available in paperback.
Source
www.theguardian.com