Scottish Greens

Alison highlights chance to use new powers to reduce child poverty

Thu 29 Sep, 2016

Alison Johnstone MSP, Social Security spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, used today's meeting of Holyrood's Social Security Committee to make the case for using new devolved powers to top-up Child Benefit to cut poverty.

The Committee heard from Social Security minister Jeane Freeman, who under questioning from Alison Johnstone revealed that such top-ups would be considered, both as part of the Government's consultation on social security and its proposed Child Poverty Bill.

Save Jim's Farm

Thu 29 Sep, 2016

Scottish Green MSPs today joined campaigners who handed in a petition to the Scottish Parliament in protest at the potential eviction of a farmer from his family’s home of 100 years.

Time for a public bid for asylum seeker services

Thu 29 Sep, 2016

Patrick Harvie MSP, Co-convener of the Scottish Greens, today used First Minister's Questions to call for a public bid for asylum seeker services in Glasgow in response to persistent allegations of mistreatment under the current private sector arrangement.

Serious allegations of poor quality housing, including a mother and baby housed in a cockroach-infested property in the city, have prompted a Commons committee inquiry.

Too many patients & NHS staff feel they are not being listened to

Thu 29 Sep, 2016

The minority Scottish Government tasted parliamentary defeat last night (28 Sep) after Greens and other opposition parties passed a motion to call-in proposals for local hospital closures and downgrades.

Opposition parties also voted against an amendment by the health secretary that attempted to play down the prospect of the downgrading of local health services.

Let's extend the benefits of 20mph zones throughout neighbourhoods

Wed 28 Sep, 2016

Mark Ruskell, Scottish Green MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife, tonight (28 Sep) led a debate at Holyrood on Residential Road Safety, and urged Scottish Ministers to consider default 20 mph zones in residential areas to protect children on their walk to school.

Mr Ruskell raised the issue of default 20 mph zones with the First Minister earlier this month, highlighting the benefits to air quality, public health and climate change emissions as well as safety.

Clarity needed about impact of proposed Council Tax changes on water bills

Wed 28 Sep, 2016

Andy Wightman MSP, Local Government spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today called for the Scottish Government to clarify whether its changes to Council Tax will also mean increased water bills for consumers.

At Holyrood's Local Government committee Mr Wightman highlighted the lack of public communication about the proposed increases to the upper bands of Council Tax, bands which are used to calculate charges for water and sewerage services. Scottish Water bills are collected by local authorities.

We must provide the time and space that teachers need

Wed 28 Sep, 2016

Ross Greer MSP, Education spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today urged more support for teachers to deliver up-to-date Personal & Social Education (PSE).

BBC must commit to long-term production of Scottish content

Tue 27 Sep, 2016

Senior representatives from the BBC were told today (27 Sept) by a Green MSP that the broadcaster must do more to commit to the long-term production of Scottish television content.

Ross Greer MSP raised concerns with the BBC’s deputy director-general and Scotland director that external production companies are being offered better long-term contracts than companies already based in Scotland. This came after concerns were raised in the previous committee session by expert witnesses from Scottish production companies.

People are being forced into renting due to unaffordable property prices

Tue 27 Sep, 2016

Commenting on figures showing the number of families living in privately rented homes has almost tripled since Holyrood was established, Andy Wightman MSP, Housing spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said:

Concerns about bulk data collection remain

Tue 27 Sep, 2016

John Finnie MSP, Justice spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today renewed concerns over the bulk collection of communications data under the Westminster Government's proposed Investigatory Powers Bill.

Mr Finnie raised concerns with police chiefs and the Justice Secretary as Holyrood's Justice Committee discussed the Legislative Consent Motion MSPs will be invited to approve to enable the devolved aspects of the Bill to take effect.