Greens Call For 'Peaceful Political Revolution'

Natalie Bennett has addressed young voters' concerns about the future of Britain's political system, the housing crisis and unpaid internships during a live question-and-answer session hosted by Sky News.

The Stand Up Be Counted : Ask The Leaders multimedia event is being held in London and gives young people access to Westminster's most powerful politicians.

The Green Party leader was the first politician to speak at the event, which is being filmed at offices in central London and broadcast on TV and online .

During the event, Ms Bennett called for a "peaceful political revolution" with more people turning out to have their voices heard at next May's General Election.

"Scots showed us the way in the referendum - an 85% turnout - (and) young people voting in almost the same proportion as the over 60s," she said.

"If people did that, if people went out and voted for what they believe in, whatever that is, we could actually have a peaceful political revolution.

"So it's actually in all of your hands as voters to deliver."

Ms Bennett was also questioned about the future of Britain's political system, including reports the Green Party plans to abolish the monarchy.

In response, she said: "The Green Party believes we need to start again with a People's Constitutional Convention - starting again with a blank piece of paper on how we're going to govern ourselves in the 21st century.

"We certainly don't believe there should be an elected House of Lords, and we certainly think we need proportional representation in our elections."

Lauren Richardson asked Ms Bennett whether she thought politics should be taught in schools.

Ms Bennett replied: "Yes, we do. But we also need democracy in schools. At the moment, we have a system which is treating young people like they are in a sausage machine - rammed through exam, after exam, after exam."

Affordable housing and the rising cost of accommodation emerged as major topics of concern for young people.

Ms Bennett told the live studio audience that Britain needs more affordable housing.

"Also, we want to put a cap on private rents, give tenants a security of tenure, and we want to take the council housing we have now and end right to buy."

Transportation has also emerged as a key issue for young people. Ms Bennett said her party wants the railways to be returned into public hands.

Recent polls have suggested support for the Green Party is at a 20-year high of around 10%.

The party claimed just 1% of the vote in the 2010 General Election.

In an interview with The Times last month, Ms Bennett said her party was drawing voters who had become disillusioned with Labour.

During his session, David Cameron was attacked by young voters over the Government's decision to fly flags at half-mast following the death of Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz last month.

Nick Clegg was quizzed about tuition fees , while Ed Miliband hit out at Boots chairman Stefano Pessina .

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