I think we should be saluting the UK Green Party in its efforts to create a welcoming environment for its conference delegates.

Prior to last week’s event in Brighton, the Greens produced a list of words and phrases they considered to be delinquent and barbarian.

The party’s glossary of ‘unacceptable’ language came with ‘Inclusive Terminology Guidance’, which urged members to desist from words and phrases they felt may be likely to upset some of their chums.

Thus, ‘mothers and fathers’, ‘elderly’, ‘female politician’, ‘sex-change’, ‘sexual preference’ and ‘homosexual’ are now considered problematic.

Admirably, the party has adopted a humane approach to those of its members who may stumble in their attempts to get across the new terminology.

We owe them a debt of gratitude for their compassion.

When members commit these venial philological sins, they’re encouraged to thank the person who has kindly highlighted their error and then to “adjust your language moving forward”.

In this cynical and pitiless world, it’s too easy to mock the Greens’ laudable attempts to create a safe and secure space for their members.

I think, though, that all other political parties ought to follow their lead.

In particular, I’d urge the SNP to take heed of the Greens’ empathy and kindness and perhaps implement its own guidance in time for next week’s party conference.

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