A senior Green Party figure has admitted he felt “a little uncomfortable” after watching a campaign video in which supporters appeared to deliver part of an election message in a foreign language, reigniting debate over political messaging, integration, and party discipline.
John Grant, a long-standing Green Party member and former candidate, was shown footage during an interview on GB News featuring supporters alongside Newham mayoral candidate Areeq Chowdhury. In the clip, a volunteer is seen addressing the camera in what appears to be Bangla while standing with others holding a Green Party banner.
Responding to the footage, Mr Grant said he did not understand the language being spoken and questioned whether it was appropriate for campaign messaging in the UK.
“To me, it seems like a poor way of communicating in the UK, where English is our language,” he said. “It does make me a little uncomfortable. I can’t deny that… it’s not ideal, that’s for sure.”
He added that while many people speak more than one language, he found it “odd” for a political message to be delivered first in a language other than English.
The comments were made during a wider exchange in which GB News presenter Charlie Peters asked whether such campaigning risked drifting into “sectarian politics”.
You’re going to want the sound on for this video of the Green Party celebrating their election victory… pic.twitter.com/XV1OwWFgl6
— Chay Bowes (@BowesChay) May 8, 2026
Mr Grant rejected that characterisation, insisting the party was focused on “hope rather than fear, rage and division”, and said the Greens were seeking to improve living standards rather than inflame cultural tensions.
However, he acknowledged broader concerns about internal cohesion within the party, warning that political movements could contain “extreme people on the left and on the right”.
“You can’t control everybody,” he said. “And there are extreme people on the left and on the right, which are terrifying. I can’t deny it.”
Pressed on whether individuals accused of antisemitism should be removed from the party, Mr Grant said they should be expelled if allegations were proven.
“If you’re antisemitic? Absolutely,” he said, adding that there was no place for such views within the party.
The exchange comes as the Green Party has recorded gains in recent local elections, including securing its first mayoral position in Hackney, and continues to face scrutiny over internal disputes and candidate vetting.
While party figures have sought to emphasise a message of optimism and social improvement, the interview highlights ongoing tensions over identity, messaging strategy and the boundaries of acceptable political expression within the organisation.
Leave a Comment