Greens slam two child limit

Wed 31 Jul, 2019

Greens today branded as "shocking" new statistics that show the extent of impact of child limits to Tax Credits in Scotland.

The new figures show that, at 2 April, more than 8,000 families were hit by the cut. The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates that families can lose up to £3,000 a year or 10% of average income.

The controversial 'rape clause' which provides an exemption to the limit in cases of consensual conception applies to 50 families in Scotland.

Alison Johnstone MSP, Scottish Greens Social Security Spokesperson, said:

Scottish Green MSPs celebrate 20 years of the ‘Green’ Scottish Parliament

Sat 29 Jun, 2019

Scottish Greens are celebrating 20 years of the Scottish Parliament leading the UK on Green issues.

As members of the public visit Holyrood to mark the 20^th birthday of the Scottish Parliament, co-leaders of the Greens MSP group Patrick Harvie and Alison Johnstone will join others in welcoming them.

Government must ensure all entitled receive child payment

Wed 26 Jun, 2019

Scottish Ministers must ensure that all those eligible for the new Scottish Child Payment are able to claim it if it is to fulfil its purpose of seriously tackling child poverty according to Scottish Greens Social Security Spokesperson Alison Johnstone MSP. 

The Lothian MSP highlighted that while take up of the well-established child benefit payment sits at 95%, many of the ‘gateway’ benefits to the new payment are significantly under claimed and asked the Communities Secretary how the government would ensure all those eligible were made aware of the new payment. 

Johnstone launches bill to protect wildlife

Mon 24 Jun, 2019

Scottish Greens Parliamentary Co-Leader Alison Johnstone MSP will today (24 Jun) launch a consultation on her member’s bill to provide legal protections to foxes and hares. 
The consultation, which will run until mid-September, will gather views from people across Scotland and help shape the final bill proposal. 

Food benefit scheme welcome but needs improvement, Greens say

Thu 20 Jun, 2019

Green Social Security Spokesperson Alison Johnstone MSP today welcomed the introduction of the Best Start Foods scheme but backed concerns that design changes are needed.

The scheme, which replaces the UK Healthy Start Vouchers, provides prepaid cards for pregnant women and parents to purchase healthy food for their children. 

The new policy increases the money available but reduces the upper age limit from 4 to 3. 

Alison Johnstone MSP said:

Government must get on its bike to hit cycling target

Tue 18 Jun, 2019

Scottish Greens Parliamentary Co-Leader Alison Johnstone MSP has slammed the Scottish Government for its failure to meet its own cycling target. 

Scottish Ministers set themselves a target that by 2020 10% of everyday journeys will be by bike, but with just six months to go the figure sits at just 2%, with official statistics showing the number of people cycling actually declined last year. 

The Transport Secretary is expected to make a statement to MSPs on this unacceptable performance today, following pressure from the Greens. 

Johnstone demands improved funding for GPs 

Thu 13 Jun, 2019

The Scottish Government must increase the share of funding provided to GP practices so that people can be adequately cared for in their communities according to Scottish Greens Parliamentary Co-Leader Alison Johnstone MSP. 

In April, parliament backed a green motion calling for an urgent review of GP recruitment, resources and funding. Yet no review has taken place, a point Ms Johnstone raised with the First Minister at FMQs this afternoon. 

Alison Johnstone MSP said: 

Green leaders call on FM to give climate assurance

Wed 12 Jun, 2019

Scottish Greens Parliamentary Co-Leaders Alison Johnstone and Patrick Harvie have written to the First Minister expressing their concern at her government appearing to walk back a commitment to review all policies in light of the climate emergency. 

GREENS BID SCOTLAND'S WOMEN WELL FOR WORLD CUP KICK-OFF

Thu 6 Jun, 2019

Scottish Greens parliamentary co-leader Alison Johnstone MSP has wished Scotland’s team well ahead of the Women’s World Cup getting underway tomorrow in France.