Every family must be able to access childcare 

Thu 9 Jul, 2020

Responding to the First Minister’s statement this afternoon, Scottish Greens Parliamentary Co-Leader Alison Johnstone MSP called on the First Minister to ensure that every family has access to the childcare it needs. 

Alison Johnstone MSP said: 

“The announcement confirming the delayed rollout of 1140 hours of childcare came as a huge disappointment for parents. 

“For those using or seeking alternative childcare provision like childminders, restrictions on blended childcare are very challenging.

Early years delay will come as a blow to parents, say Greens 

Wed 8 Jul, 2020

Responding to the announcement that the implementation of 1,140 hours of free childcare could be delayed for a year, until August 2021, Scottish Greens Parliamentary Co-Leader Alison Johnstone MSP said: 

“While it’s understandable that the coronavirus crisis has had an impact on the rollout of 1,140 hours of childcare, the news that its introduction could be delayed by a whole year will come as a blow to parents. 

Well-resourced welfare fund essential say Scottish Greens

Tue 7 Jul, 2020

Scottish Greens today called on the Scottish Government to ensure that emergency welfare support is adequately funded, as new data showed increased demand for support.

Scottish Greens welcome public health caution from FM

Thu 2 Jul, 2020

The First Minister’s cautious approach to easing lockdown has been welcomed by the Scottish Greens.

Among today’s announcements was the move to making face coverings mandatory in shops, which Scottish Green health spokesperson Alison Johnstone called for on Monday.

There will also be a relaxation of the two-metre distancing rule for some hospitality businesses.

Time to make face coverings mandatory, say Greens

Tue 30 Jun, 2020

Scotland should follow 50 other countries by making face coverings mandatory in shops, the Scottish Greens have said.

This includes countries that have been most effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19 such as Germany, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea.

Currently face coverings are mandatory on public transport but remain ‘recommended’ in shops and other indoor spaces. A single easy-to-communicate rule could massively increase usage, Scottish Green health spokesperson Alison Johnstone has said.

Urgency needed on green jobs

Wed 24 Jun, 2020

The Scottish Government must move quickly to invest in green jobs such as those upgrading homes to make them warmer and more efficient, the Scottish Greens have said.

The call comes after the First Minister’s Advisory Group on Economic Recovery warned of a “potential tsunami” of job losses and recommended a job guarantee for young people in Scotland, a move endorsed by parliament yesterday.

Scottish Greens win protection for Mountain Hares

Wed 17 Jun, 2020

Scottish Greens have won protection for Scotland’s Mountain Hares after the Scottish Government agreed to back Alison Johnstone’s amendment to the Wildlife bill.

Mountain hare populations have declined considerably since the 1950s, with an average of 26,000 killed every year in recreational killing and mass killing on grouse moors. Last year the species conservation status was downgraded to ‘unfavourable’ after EU data exposed the decline.

Scotland can lead the world with Universal Basic Income pilot

Thu 11 Jun, 2020

Scotland would grab the world’s attention by undertaking a three-year pilot of a Universal Basic Income, the Scottish Greens have said.

The results of a feasibility study in Scottish council areas has been published, with a recommendation that Scotland commits to a three-year pilot of the idea, which would provide a reliable, unconditional source of income for everyone.

This would be co-delivered by the Scottish and UK Governments alongside local authorities.

Scottish Govt must not wait for SAGE on hospital testing

Wed 10 Jun, 2020

The Scottish Government must not wait for the UK advisory body SAGE before introducing regular testing for frontline health workers for COVID-19, the Scottish Greens have said.

This morning at COVID committee Scotland’s interim CMO Gregor Smith said guidance on regular testing for hospital staff was weeks away, and revealed this had only been introduced for care home staff after SAGE had advised the Scottish Government to do it.

Parliament to vote on mountain hare mass killing ban

Wed 10 Jun, 2020

The controversial practice of mass killing of mountain hares may finally end thanks to a proposal from Scottish Green MSP Alison Johnstone, who has lodged an amendment to the Animals and Wildlife Bill. The amendment would make mountain hares a protected species, effectively ending recreational killing and mass killing on grouse moors.

The Lothians MSP has a proposed member’s bill to end the killing of the iconic animal but will seek to introduce the protections sooner in stage 3 of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill.