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Labour MP Thangam Debbonaire has dismissed suggestions she should stand aside at the general election for the Green Party and put an end to “tribal politics”.

Molly Scott Cato, the Green candidate in Bristol West, appeared on Radio 4’s Today programme earlier today, calling for a “progressive alliance” to “stop the Tories damaging the country”.

Green co-leaders Jonathan Bartley and Caroline Lucas have written to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron, asking for agreements to be made at a local level in order to prevent the Tories returning to government.

The leaders of the party chose to hold their general election campaign launch in Bristol today, alongside Ms Scott Cato, in recognition of the top priority being placed on winning Bristol West on June 8 by the Greens.

Ms Scott Cato, Green MEP for the South West, said on the Today programme: “I think [the Tories] are using Brexit as an opportunity to move us to the right, and we are seeing crises in our public services and a really bleak future for our young people.

“To use [this general election] opportunity, we need to cooperate as parties of opposition who don’t want that Tory future.

“We would like the leaders to say they are open to the idea of local parties coming up with alliances and arrangements where that might help to challenge the Tory majority effectively.

“I really think that this is something the country is crying out for. They are tired of the divisive politics of the past.”

Some Green campaigners took to social media afterwards, urging Ms Debbonaire to stand aside for Ms Scott Cato in exchange for a Green candidate doing the same in a Labour/Tory marginal.

But Ms Debbonaire, the sitting Labour MP for Bristol West, replied saying that there was no need for a progressive alliance in her constituency when it already had “a progressive MP”.

She said her record on voting against Article 50 and for environmental and human rights issues showed she was in tune with her voters.

The Labour whip said: “Green candidate for [Bristol West] is on Today programme now calling for end to tribal politics – is she withdrawing from standing against me?

“Molly from Stroud wants Thangam from St Werburghs to step down from representing Bristol West? Nope, I don't think so!”

One Green activist said he wanted Labour voters in Bristol West to vote Green, in exchange for Bristol North West Greens supporters voting for Labour in Bristol North West, where Tory incumbent Charlotte Leslie holds the seat.

Ms Debbonaire, a Labour whip, replied: “You will be campaigning to unseat a progressive MP for absolutely no reason.

“I am a damn good MP, my constituents are well represented by me as my P'mentary record shows.

“I voted against A50, I helped secure [money] for Bristol's air quality initiative, I worked with Lab MEPs to protect public services from TTIP [Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership].”

She also said she knew the constituency “very well”, having represented the area since 2015 and lived there longer.

“Still live in the 'Burgh. Family local, walked nephews and nieces to local state schools, cycle only, no car, amateur vegan,” she tweeted.

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron has also ruled out asking his candidate to stand aside for the Greens in Bristol West. His party formerly held the seat, winning it in 2005, but dropped to third in 2015.

Mr Farron said he saw no reason for an alliance in a constituency where there was no threat of the Tories winning. The Tories came fourth in 2015, with 15 per cent of the vote.

Green leader Ms Lucas told the Bristol crowd today that there was “a groundswell of public demand” for election tactics to keep the Tories out.

“I’m disappointed tribal politics has not been put aside for this incredibly important moment,” she said.

The Greens used their election launch in the city to announce key policies, with a focus on attracting young voters.

They included scrapping tuition fees, extending the vote to 16-year-olds and protecting the environment from climate change.

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