Get the latest from Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell

Greens demand action after ‘deeply alarming’ species decline

Fri 26 Jun, 2020

The decline in Scotland’s nature has continued apace, according to a new report snuck out by the Scottish Government.

Scotland misses climate targets again

Tue 16 Jun, 2020

Scottish Government has missed its climate emissions target for the second year in in a row, it has emerged.

Figures on greenhouse gas emissions for 2018 show that Scotland’s climate emissions increased and the target was missed by a significant margin, largely because of an increase in emissions from the power sector, where fossil fuel use increased by half. Emissions from homes increased by 3.4 per cent and transport remains the largest source of emissions.

First Minister must go further on transition funding

Fri 12 Jun, 2020

Responding to the First Minister’s announcement of a new £62m energy transition fund over the next 5 years, Scottish Greens Energy Spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said: 

“I welcome the First Minister’s acknowledgement that her government must drive investment in Scotland’s energy transition, but the funding announced today amounts to a drop in the ocean compared to what is ultimately required. 

Scottish Greens seek to reintroduce tail docking ban

Fri 12 Jun, 2020

Scottish Greens will bring forward a proposal to reverse the SNP’s “barbaric” decision to end the ban on docking puppy’s tails next week. 

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell will move an amendment to the Animals and Wildlife Bill when it is debated in parliament on Wednesday. 

Scottish Greens Environment Spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said: 

“Tail docking is barbaric. 

“The SNP’s decision ditch the tail docking ban in 2017 was a dark day for animal welfare in Scotland. 

Scotland misses tree planting target

Thu 11 Jun, 2020

Attempts to reforest Scotland have missed Scottish Government targets on tree-planting, it has emerged.

Concerns over wildlife crime during lockdown

Thu 4 Jun, 2020

‘Concerning’ wildlife crime during lockdown shows why greater protection and enforcement is needed, the Scottish Greens have said.

Speaking to Scottish Green environment spokesperson Mark Ruskell at Holyrood’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee, Francesca Osowska, Chief Executive of Scottish Natural Heritage, said there has been reports of incidents concerning nesting birds, badgers and freshwater mussels during lockdown.

Speed limit review needed after lockdown speeding stats revealed

Tue 2 Jun, 2020

Speed limits must be reviewed after lockdown speeding figures show an increase in the proportion of vehicles above the legal limit, the Scottish Greens have said.

Stats revealed in a written answer to Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell show up to a third of vehicles travelling on Transport Scotland roads during lockdown were speeding.

The call for review comes as lockdown easing has seen an increase in traffic on roads, and ahead of schools going back in August.

Climate concerns growing in coronavirus crisis

Fri 29 May, 2020

The number of people concerned about the climate emergency has grown during the current crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,

Beaver killing stats a scandal

Thu 28 May, 2020

Figures showing licensed killing of a fifth of Scotland’s beaver population is a scandal, the Scottish Greens have said.

Scottish Natural Heritage have published beaver licensing statistics which show the scale of beavers killed in Scotland, including 87 killed in Tayside. This comes despite the Scottish Government declaring the beaver a protected species.