Get the latest from Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell

SNP miss opportunity to build on cycling boom

Tue 19 May, 2020

The Scottish Government has failed to capitalise on the growth in cycling and walking, rejecting Scottish Green proposals to embed new temporary measures to protect pedestrians and cyclists for two years.

Scottish Green environment spokesperson Mark Ruskell proposed amendments to emergency laws which would have seen the reallocation of road space by councils to allow increasing numbers of people walking and cycling to keep to safe social distancing continue for two years.

SEPA takes legal action over Mossmorran flaring

Thu 14 May, 2020

SEPA have taken legal action over flaring by Exxon Mobil at Mossmorran chemical plant in Fife.

The agency is seeking prosecution over a six-day flaring incident in April 2019, just one of many incidents which have caused serious light, sound and air pollution to nearby residents in Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly.

Post-Brexit farming support must be future proofed

Wed 6 May, 2020

Support for farmers after EU funds have been withdrawn must reflect the challenges Scotland faces as a country, the Scottish Greens have said.

Speaking as parliament debated the future of farming in Scotland after Brexit as part of the Agriculture (Retained EU Law and Data) (Scotland) Bill stage 1 proceedings, Scottish Green Mark Ruskell said the sector needed to be supported to address the climate emergency and protect the food chain in the COVID-19 crisis.

Guidance required for recycling centres say Greens

Tue 5 May, 2020

Responding to concerns around an increase in fly tipping as a result of the closure of local authority recycling centres, Scottish Greens Environment Spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said:

“Now that the Scottish Government has committed to issuing guidance to local councils, it must do so urgently to ensure that recycling centres can be opened as soon and as safely as possible.

Scottish Government dithering on DRS delay

Thu 30 Apr, 2020

The Scottish Government has been accused of ‘dithering’ after Scotland’s proposed deposit return scheme has been delayed by an unnecessarily long time.

Today’s virtual meeting of the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee saw the DRS proposals delayed until at least 2022. It was first Scottish Parliament vote to be carried out remotely.

Scottish Greens environment spokesperson Mark Ruskell said:

Councils must move quickly to create healthy communities

Tue 28 Apr, 2020

Responding to the Transport Secretary’s statement this afternoon, Scottish Greens Environment Spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said:

“Scottish Greens have been calling on the Scottish Government to seize the opportunity by supporting local councils to help make our towns and cities healthier places, so I warmly welcome the package of support outlined today.

Big four supermarkets rated for coronavirus response

Mon 27 Apr, 2020

The Scottish Greens have rated the top four supermarkets for their response to the coronavirus crisis, with all four showing room for improvement.

Analysis from the Greens has marked the supermarkets on three essential factors needed to ensure a just food supply during the pandemic. These are:

•             Supporting the supply chain to ensure producers can keep supplying food

Action needed to protect clean air say Greens

Fri 24 Apr, 2020

Action is needed from the Scottish Government to prevent a surge in air pollution when lockdown is lifted, said Scottish Greens Environment Spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP this afternoon.

Speaking at a virtual questions session Mr Ruskell highlighted the huge improvement in air quality in towns and cities since emergency measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus were introduced, warning that access to clean air is vital as the lockdown is lifted.

Mark Ruskell MSP said:

Sky Lantern plans should be shelved warn Greens

Wed 15 Apr, 2020

Plans to launch sky lanterns this weekend should be shelved for health and safety reasons, the Scottish Greens have said.