GREENS LAUNCH MANIFESTO - AN ECONOMY FOR THE PEOPLE
Scottish Greens today (30 Mar) launched their manifesto for the Westminster election, pledging to tackle poverty, protect public services and secure more powers for Scotland and local communities.
Party membership has surged to over 8,500 and, for the first time, candidates will stand in the majority of Scotland's 59 seats.
The Scottish Greens' manifesto - "An economy for the people, a society for all" - contains three key themes:
EQUALITY NOT POVERTY
– £10 minimum wage
PUBLIC SERVICES IN PUBLIC HANDS
– publicly-owned railways
POWER TO COMMUNITIES
– more powers for Scotland and local communities
Patrick Harvie MSP, Scottish Greens co-convener, said:
"Everyone is tired of the same old Westminster politics. Scotland is ready for change and people are eager to vote for ideas they can believe in. The Green membership surge means we're in a strong position to send principled voices to speak up for Scotland's communities. Our bold vision for Scotland and the UK is a compelling offer that others simply can't match."
Councillor Maggie Chapman, Scottish Greens co-convener, said:
"With a £10 minimum wage we could ensure no-one works in a job that keeps them in poverty. By rolling back benefits cuts and lifting the punishing sanctions regime, we can restore a society with compassion. And with real powers devolved to Scotland and to local communities we can put people not big business in control."
Peter McColl, Scottish Green MP candidate for the target seat of Edinburgh East, said:
"Scottish Green MPs would tackle wealth inequality with a tax on the richest 1 per cent; we would return the railways to public ownership to invest in decent public transport; and we'd oppose the TTIP corporate power grab which others are allowing to threaten our public services and environmental protections. Our clear, principled stance on such issues is connecting with voters across Scotland."
Isla O'Reilly, Scottish Green MP candidate for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, said:
"One of the key principles of the Scottish Greens is to ensure decisions are made at the most local level possible. This is especially relevant in the Highlands where giving communities more access to their local land, food and energy will empower them to build economic and social resilience."