Get the latest from Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie

Rail fare rise unacceptable say Greens

15 August, 2017 - 16:24

It’s too soon to ask rail passengers to pay a fare rise say the Scottish Greens, especially for a ScotRail service that “rarely impresses”.

Green MSP John Finnie says the increase in regulated rail fares from January 2018 announced today is another example of why privatised railways are “an enormous failed experiment”.

John Finnie MSP, the Scottish Greens’ transport spokesperson, said:

Green MSP wants answers on Ajax hooligans decision

31 July, 2017 - 15:13

A Green MSP is seeking answers from the Scottish Government as to why visiting Dutch football fans, accused of attacking supporters and vandalising pubs prior to a match in Glasgow in 2015, will not be prosecuted.

John Finnie MSP, the Scottish Greens’ justice spokesperson, has lodged a number of parliamentary questions to find out why the decision was taken not to charge suspected Ajax supporters accused of rampaging down the Gallowgate area of Glasgow prior to a Europa League match with Celtic two years ago.

Petrol car ban must lead to Scottish Government action say Greens

26 July, 2017 - 12:04

The Scottish Greens are calling on the Scottish Government to spell out what it will do to tackle pollution over the next two decades after the UK government announced a ban on the sale of diesel and petrol cars from 2040.

While the Greens have welcomed the move, the party’s transport spokesperson John Finnie says the Scottish Government should not go at Westminster’s pace on tackling pollution and improving health and instead show “real vision” for a “carbon free future”.

Finnie, a Highlands and Islands MSP, said:

Finnie comments on Commission on Parliamentary Reform

20 June, 2017 - 10:04

John Finnie MSP, the Scottish Greens' representative on the Commission on Parliamentary Reform, today (20 June) commented on the publication of the commission's recommendations.

Mr Finnie said:

Finnie welcomes decision of chair of Scotland's police watchdog to stand down

14 June, 2017 - 13:57

John Finnie MSP, Justice spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (14 June) welcomed the decision of the chair of Scotland's police watchdog to stand down from the role.

Andrew Flanagan is resigning from the Scottish Police Authority amid concerns over his conduct and the transparency and governance of the organisation.

John Finnie MSP said:

“Andrew Flanagan has made the right decision, albeit at the wrong time.

Finnie urges investment in cycling infrastructure as figures show rise in road deaths

14 June, 2017 - 13:53

John Finnie MSP, Transport spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (14 June) urged investment in cycling infrastructure in light of figures showing a rise in road deaths, including a rise in cycling fatalities.

In 2016 there were 191 fatalities, fourteen per cent more than in 2015, and 8 cycling fatalities, three more than in 2015.

John Finnie MSP said:

Finnie wins Railway Policing Guarantee

1 June, 2017 - 16:47

Scottish Greens’ Justice Spokesperson, John Finnie MSP, has today (30/05/2017) won a commitment for British Transport Police (BTP) Officers transferring to Police Scotland over their future terms and conditions.

Mr Finnie moved an amendment, “Limitation on redeployment of constables,” during Stage 2 of the Justice Committee’s consideration of the Railway Policing Bill, proposing that any BTP officer who transfers into Police Scotland would continue to work on railway policing duties unless they themselves chose to move.

John Finnie said:

Finnie responds to report on governance of Scottish Police Authority

25 May, 2017 - 17:15

Responding to publication of a report on governance of the Scottish Police Authority by Holyrood's Justice Sub-Committee on Policing, John Finnie MSP, the Scottish Greens’ Justice Spokesperson, said:

“The Scottish Police Authority play an important role in scrutinising Police Scotland and holding it to account. Andrew Flanagan said nothing at his most recent appearance in front of the Justice Sub-Committee on Policing which led me to believe that he has learned the important lessons necessary for him to lead the Scottish Police Authority.

Finnie comments on terror threat level & use of armed officers

24 May, 2017 - 14:49

John Finnie MSP, Justice spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (24 May) welcomed comments from the First Minister that there are no plans to deploy military personnel on the streets in light of the terror threat level across the UK being raised to "critical", suggesting another attack is expected.

Police Scotland have deployed more armed officers for the "foreseeable future" after the Manchester concert attack.

A fourteen-year-old girl from Barra remains missing following Monday's suicide bombing.