Lorna Slater calls on all parties to put Scotland and our environment first
The co-leader of the Scottish Greens has called on opposition MSPs to engage in good faith with the Scottish Government’s action to tackle the climate and nature crisis - even if that means resisting pressure for their own party leaders at Westminster.
Lorna Slater MSP said it's time for all parties to get real about the scale of the nature and climate emergencies we face, and that means no more playing politics on what is a matter of life and death for humanity.
As the First Minister prepares to outline this year’s Programme for Government, Ms Slater warned history would judge any attempts to stymie action on protecting the environment.
Ms Slater said:
“It's time for all parties to get real on the climate and nature emergencies, and that means no more playing politics on what is a matter of life and death for humanity.
“We don’t have time to waste. Over the summer we have seen record temperatures, wildfires and heat waves doing a huge amount of damage to our environment, and they are just a taste of what’s to come.
“Whether it's the Tory Prime Minister issuing new oil and gas licences or the Labour opposition capitulating on low emission zones, time and time again the commitment of both parties has been shown to be paper thin.
“There will always be opposing views in politics, but what we can and must agree on is that the climate and nature emergency has to be our number one environmental priority. That must surely transcend all political lines.
“It will be clear from this year’s Programme for Government that Green ideas and influence are making a positive difference and having an impact.
“The strength of our cooperation agreement within the Scottish Government is that we find ways through any differences so, when it comes to climate and nature especially, we are putting people and planet first.
“I hope that all MSPs and all parties can engage in that spirit of collaboration. The future of our planet is at stake.”