Scottish Greens

Greens: UK Government must not block action on plastics

Tue 30 Nov, 2021

The UK Government must not stand in the way of Scotland’s action to tackle single-use plastics, the Scottish Greens have said.

Circular economy minister Lorna Slater has already announced plans to eliminate the most problematic single-use plastics from fast food, including polystyrene and plastic straws, and more action is expected, for example on wet wipes that contain plastic.

However, the plans are under threat from the UK Internal Market Act, which allows the UK to effectively veto devolved decisions.

Greens hail doubling of Scottish Child Payment

Mon 29 Nov, 2021

The Scottish Child Payment is to be doubled at the start of the new financial year.

The First Minister announced the plans at SNP conference after discussions with Scottish Greens.

Polling conducted by Survation for the End Child Poverty coalition in Scotland show the majority of Scots back the move.

Caution required as omicron variant detected in Scotland

Mon 29 Nov, 2021

Responding to the First Minister’s update on coronavirus this morning, Scottish Greens health spokesperson Gillian Mackay MSP said:

“The Scottish Greens have supported a cautious approach to handling the pandemic throughout and that remains our position.

“Detection of the new omicron variant in Scotland is clearly cause for concern, but it seems that a continued focus on testing, tracing, and isolating will remain key to keeping case numbers under control.

Trump McMafia Order is Lord Advocate decision

Thu 25 Nov, 2021

Responding to the judgement that seeking an Unexplained Wealth Order on Donald Trump’s acquisition of golf courses in Scotland would be a decision for the Lord Advocate, Scottish Greens finance spokesperson Ross Greer said:

“This was an important case brought by the Avaaz campaign, and this judgement provides clarity about how the Scottish Government can seek an Unexplained Wealth Order against the Trump Organisation’s businesses in Scotland.

Greens: Better responses needed to violence against women

Thu 25 Nov, 2021

More should be done to meet the needs of women who report violence, the Scottish Greens have said.

Greens protect beavers with relocation support

Wed 24 Nov, 2021

Financial and practical support has been put in place for beavers to be translocated within Scotland rather than be killed, the Scottish Government has announced. [1]

The move follows years where licenses were awarded to kill hundreds of beavers, while none were relocated within Scotland.

Figures show that 115 were killed and 31 relocated elsewhere in 2020, an increase from 87 killed and 15 exported in 2019.

Greens: Testing key to a safe Christmas

Tue 23 Nov, 2021

The use of lateral flow tests will be key to ensuring the safety of gatherings over the festive period, the Scottish Greens have said.

Proof of a negative lateral flow test has been added to the certification scheme for hospitality settings.

Responding, Scottish Greens health spokesperson Gillian Mackay said: “Throughout the pandemic, the Scottish Greens have called for a cautious approach with effective use of test, trace and isolate as per the guidance from the World Health Organisation.

Home Office cruelty shows need for Scotland to have control over immigration

Tue 23 Nov, 2021

The “institutional malice and cruelty” of the Home Office and UK Government policy show the need for Scotland to have more control over immigration, according to Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer, who has called for “a humanitarian and welcoming immigration policy that reflects the better society and economy we want to build.”

This follows days of hostility to migrants from the UK government and promises of “tougher action” from the Home Secretary, Priti Patel,who is trying to pass the anti-migrant Nationality and Borders Bill.

Greens: Action needed on alcohol

Thu 18 Nov, 2021

Public health action on alcohol should be considered alongside a review of the level of minimum unit pricing, the Scottish Greens have said.

The party’s health spokesperson Gillian Mackay raised the issue at First Minister’s questions, suggesting that ministers look at placing more responsibilities on industry and retail to minimise harm.

Scottish Greens put brakes on incineration

Wed 17 Nov, 2021

Council planning chiefs have been instructed to call in applications for new waste incineration plants to the Scottish Government, it has been announced.

In a statement on the circular economy, Scottish Greens minister Lorna Slater announced the move for the duration of the major review on the use of incineration as part of waste management.

This is the same planning instruction that was used ahead of the moratorium on fracking.

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