On fracking, Scottish Greens have stood with communities
Scottish Greens today (31 March) underlined their consistent opposition to fracking and coal gasification by pledging to pursue legislation in the next session of the Scottish Parliament should the SNP continue to face both ways on the issue.
Scottish Greens have led political opposition to unconventional gas extraction, proposing a ban in a parliamentary debate in 2014 which all other parties voted against.
Pressure from Greens, community groups and other campaigners led to the current temporary moratorium. Holyrood could enforce a ban now using devolved planning powers.
During the Smith Commission negotiations Greens successfully argued for fracking licences to be devolved.
Mark Ruskell, Climate Change and Environment spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP candidate for Mid Scotland and Fife, said:
"Over recent years the Scottish Greens have stood with communities under threat across Scotland, while other parties have sat on the fence. People recognise the opportunistic move by Labour to change policy at the last minute and the Lib Dems simply can't be trusted given their constant flip flopping.
"The SNP leadership is out of step with its membership, many of whom have rightly been agitating for full ban. The evidence about risks to the climate and local communities is clear, yet the SNP are leaving communities in limbo.
"Should the SNP continue their attempt to fudge this issue in the next session of parliament Greens will bring forward legislation to enforce a ban. Using existing planning powers and forthcoming powers over licensing there is no excuse for not taking the bold action our communities need. Scotland can ban fracking and invest in clean, lasting alternatives, and it is the Greens who continue to lead this fight."