Story perspectives

Unions Reassess Ties to Labour, Eye Green Party Support

4/6/2026

Summary

Unions Reevaluate Alliances

Unite and Unison are reassessing their ties to Labour, reflecting a shift toward a more independent political strategy.
The Labour Party faces declining support among union members in recent polling, while members increasingly consider the Greens.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski aims to attract union support by advocating policies like taxing the rich and raising teachers' pay.
Upcoming elections may strengthen ties between the Greens and the labor movement.

Summary

BMA Shifts Support

Emma Runswick, deputy chair of British Medical Association (BMA), notes a shift of BMA activists toward the Green Party, contrasting with doctors moving to Labour in 2015.
She says this reflects disinterest in party politics among the left, influenced by Corbynism.
Amid ongoing strikes, Green Party support resonates with BMA members.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski's advocacy during strikes has garnered attention and is well-received by doctors in online discussions.

History

Historical Context

The Labour Party, founded in 1900 to represent the working class, has historically relied on trade unions for support. In 2015, Jeremy Corbyn's leadership attracted a surge in membership, reaching over 500,000. However, recent polling shows only 32% of union members support Labour, while the Green Party, led by Zack Polanski, gains popularity, reflecting a growing disillusionment with traditional party politics among younger voters.

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Unions Reevaluate Alliances

Unite and Unison are reassessing their ties to Labour, reflecting a shift toward a more independent political strategy.
The Labour Party faces declining support among union members in recent polling, while members increasingly consider the Greens.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski aims to attract union support by advocating policies like taxing the rich and raising teachers' pay.
Upcoming elections may strengthen ties between the Greens and the labor movement.

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