Politics in the United Kingdom (UK) has historically been dominated by the two largest political parties, with minor parties having struggled due to various political and institutional barriers....Show morePolitics in the United Kingdom (UK) has historically been dominated by the two largest political parties, with minor parties having struggled due to various political and institutional barriers. This thesis analyses the major barriers which minor parties face in the UK, namely the Single Member Plurality (SMP) electoral system, the lack of state funding and unequal media representation. These barriers will be analysed by examining the Green Party of England and Wales, a party which has seen its support increase a great deal in recent decades, yet has failed to experience much success in national elections. This thesis concludes by analysing the different strategies which the party has utilised in reaction to the barriers which they face.Show less
