Greens: Promoting small business

The Green Party has set out its election platform on the public services.

At a press conference in its target Lewisham Deptford constituency in London, the group is pledging to campaign against privatisation and support small local businesses.

The Greens are also proposing to reduce VAT to the lowest possible level, replacing it with "eco-taxes" on pollution.

Other policies include support for farmers' markets and organic food, and increased funding for health and education.

And the party wants to introduce free dental checks and abolish tuition fees and prescription charges.

London Green MEP Jean Lambert was set to join Darren Johnson and Jenny Jones, both members of the London assembly, at the launch.

"Every Westminster voice is actively pushing the pro-big business agenda that closes down our local services, increases supermarkets' monopoly power, and privatises our 'public' services," Lambert said.

"The Green agenda unashamedly favours vibrant local economies, smaller business, and is against privatisation. It is backed by progressive planning, tax and procurement policies that will being real change.

"Meanwhile Greens have a proven track record fighting against school closures in local government, and against privatisation of health services in the European parliament.

"Greens are the only party with the policies and the political will to safeguard our publicly owned and funded services, and regenerate our local economies."