A ROUSING speech by the national Green Party leader opened up the second day of the spring conference being held in North Finchley.

Taking to the stage at artsdeopt, in Tally Ho, to the disco classic 'Aint No Stopping Us Now, Caroline Lucas was forthright in outlining the party's policies for the next election, and declared “we're fighting to win”.

In a confident and polished performance this morning, she criticised successive governments who have seen the country “plunged” into recession, while blasting bankers who had threatened to walk out if their bonuses were cut back too far.

She also claimed the Greens are at the “forefront” of the campaign to save hospitals and promised to oppose cuts and closures in the NHS.

In what was described as “exciting times” for the party, Ms Lucas said members were focused on “one of our most important elections yet” and claimed they would work to eradicate substantial inequalities in society.

“Inequality is one of the most corrosive forces in our society, damaging everyone,” she said.

“As we come to the final weeks, and days of New Labour in government, we can survey as sea of dashed hopes and missed opportunities.

“We are the party who believes that fair is worth fighting for.”

Conservative leader David Cameron and his party would only bring “more of the same, but laced with a Blairite Smile” according to Ms Lucas, who added: “His brand of Conservatism means taking the worst of Labour and pulling it down to new depths.”

In front of a crowd of more than 200 supporters, she said it was a time for real change and announced the Greens were ready to fill the public's desire for a shift in outlook.

She said: “Pundits are calling it a change election. And they're right. The public wants change.

“They want to see political parties offer genuine reform to the political system, to root out the snouts in the trough mentality that has tarnished Parliament's reputation.

“But though people thirst for change, there's little real change on offer from the other parties.”

She said she would “throw caution to the wind” by talking about victory and predicted their first seat in Parliament to be achieved later this year.

The party ambitions are attainable, according to the leader, because of the passion and commitment of supporters, because their polices “have never been more relevant” and because of the “desperate” desire for change.

A victory for the party would “release a powerful wave of optimism” and Ms Lucas added: “When Greens are given the chance to show what we can do, people like it.

“Our first responsibility is to show we can make a difference.

“We are the party that is ready to address the grave challenges this country faces, from tackling climate change to restoring faith in public services to restoring our reputation as a force for peace and justice internationally.

“We will not give up. We will be fighting for a fairer future for this country, and for the wider world.”

Ms Lucas received a standing ovation as she concluded the keynote speech, having announced: “We're going to Westminster to make a difference. To show that you can stick to your principles and still get things done.

“Together we will prove we are worthy of victory.”