New Cabinet must take bolder action to make Scotland fairer & greener

Tue 26 Jun, 2018

Scottish Green MSPs are urging Nicola Sturgeon's new Cabinet to take bolder action on making Scotland fairer and greener.

Today's reshuffle means Health Secretary Shona Robison is to be replaced by Social Security minister Jeane Freeman.

Alison Johnstone MSP, Health and Social Security spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said:

“The role of Health Secretary is clearly one of the most challenging in Government.  Shona Robison has shown serious commitment and I wish her well for the future. 

Johnstone says boosting NHS workers’ pay is vital, as Scot Gov offers nine per cent over three years 

Mon 25 Jun, 2018

Scottish Greens health spokesperson Alison Johnstone MSP says boosting NHS workers’ pay is vital, as the Scottish Government offers nurses, midwives and paramedics a nine per cent rise over the next three years. 

The proposals would benefit 147,000 staff under the Agenda for Change pay system.

Alison Johnstone, health spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Lothian, said:

Designing fairer devolved replacement for PIP is urgent in light of MS Society report

Tue 19 Jun, 2018

Scottish Greens Social Security spokesperson Alison Johnstone MSP has called on the Scottish Government to pay urgent attention to a new report from the MS Society which highlights the negative impact of disability welfare reforms on people with Multiple Sclerosis.

The report, published today, shows that 33% of people with MS transferred from Disability Living Allowance to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) lost support, with 10% losing entitlement entirely.

Johnstone: Universal Credit must end after damning Audit Office report

Fri 15 Jun, 2018

The Scottish Greens have welcomed a report from the National Audit Office that outlines how the UK government’s Universal Credit is causing hardship for claimants.

Green MSPs voted with a majority in the Scottish Parliament in October 2017 for the Westminster government to halt the combined benefit payment.

Alison Johnstone MSP, the Scottish Greens’ social security spokesperson, said:

Government pledge on mental health being delivered too slowly, warns Johnstone

Wed 13 Jun, 2018

A government pledge to put in place an extra 800 mental health workers is being delivered too slowly, warned Scottish Greens health spokesperson Alison Johnstone in today’s (13 June) Holyrood debate on mental health.

Alison said:

Johnstone challenges health minister over breast cancer treatment drug

Thu 31 May, 2018

Scottish Greens health spokesperson Alison Johnstone MSP today (31 May) challenged Scottish health minister Shona Robison to use government powers to make breast cancer treatment drug Perjeta available on the NHS.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has repeatedly rejected the drug’s use by the NHS, claiming it is not cost-effective.

However, almost 1,000 breast cancer patients could benefit from this drug every year, some of whom could survive for a further sixteen months

Alison Johnstone MSP said:

Johnstone welcomes funding for councils to research Universal Basic Income

Thu 24 May, 2018

Scottish Greens social security spokesperson Alison Johnstone MSP today (24 May) welcomed the award of £250,000 to 4 Local Authorities to conduct research into Universal Basic Income (UBI), a longstanding Scottish Green Party policy.

The Scottish Government’s Citizens Basic Income Feasibility Studies Fund will award the full amount to a joint bid from Local Authorities in Glasgow, Edinburgh, North Ayrshire and Fife.

Alison Johnstone MSP said:

Financial Boost Awaits Pregnant Women Due To Green Scheme

Mon 14 May, 2018

New research reveals that an anti-poverty scheme championed by Scottish Green MSPs is set to boost the incomes of pregnant women and vulnerable families by over £9 million a year when it is rolled-out across Scotland.

Pedal on Parliament shows need for Safer Streets

Sat 28 Apr, 2018

Scottish Green MSPs say today's (28 Apr) Pedal on Parliament (PoP) events in Edinburgh and Inverness, expected to be attended by thousands of cyclists and walkers, will show the need for safer streets with lower speed limits, and investment in cycling and walking routes to prevent ill-health.

The party's MSPs are due to take part with Mark Ruskell cycling 50 miles from his home in Doune to join Patrick Harvie and Alison Johnstone at the PoP Edinburgh ride. Meanwhile John Finnie will attend the separate PoP ride in Inverness.