With voters across the UK heading to the polls in just a few days, the various political parties are out campaigning in a last ditch attempt so secure votes.
In Bristol today, Monday May 20, it was the Green Party which organised a Freedom of Movement rally near the University of Bristol.
Dozens of campaigners turned up to show their support for the Greens in the upcoming European elections, including the party’s only MP Caroline Lucas.
European elections 2019: List of candidates for the South West
The Green Party wants to Remain in the EU by holding a second referendum and Monday’s rally focused on preserving freedom of movement for citizens.
But the party also makes it clear that they don't only want to focus on Brexit.
Climate change is a key issue and the party’s manifesto talks about introducing measures to stamp put plastic and air pollution.
But the party also promises to reshape the tax system to stop it "privileging multinational corporations and wealthy individuals".
Speaking at the rally the Brighton MP said that her party had the “most ambitious and boldest policies when it came to the accelerating climate crisis” and described freedom of movement as a “precious gift, particularly for young people.”
She added: “I am delighted to be able to join this rally in Bristol, a multicultural city with strong links to our European neighbours.
“The Green Party is the only mainstream party in these elections that is proud to champion freedom of movement, the right of all EU citizens to freely travel, study, work and live across 28 countries.
“Freedom of movement has enabled young people to enrich their lives through study or exchange programmes; provided teachers for our children and nurses and doctors for our hospitals.
“For many, free movement has brought love, partnership and family. The Green Party will always defend this wonderful gift.”
Ms Lucas was in Bristol to support Green MEP for the South West, Molly Scott Cato, who is fighting to keep her seat on the European Parliament.
Something which is looking more and more difficult as The Brexit Party continues to surge ahead in the polls.
But speaking in Bristol ahead of the rally today Dr Scott Cato said things had been going well on the campaign trail and that the Green Party is the “best option” for Remain voters.
However she was quick to point out that these elections are not just about Brexit and should not be treated as a “proxy referendum”.
“Brexit is clearly a huge issue for the electorate particularly in this election, and yes it’s a chance to send a really strong message to the two main parties, but there is a bigger picture as well.
“If we do stop Brexit then people like me might be sitting on the European Parliament for the next five years.
“We need to make sure the people we elect for this job are up to the task and I’m proud to say that people are very happy with what I have achieved as an MEP in the last five years.”
Bristol city councillor and fellow Green South West MEP candidate Carla Denyer said she hoped that the current ‘Green Wave’ taking place not just in the UK but in parts of mainland Europe as well would be seen in the results this week.
She has also urged people not to vote tactically on Thursday because a proportional voting system is used for European Parliament elections.
