Scottish Greens

We must ensure we’re not simply shifting NHS pressures

Tue 29 Nov, 2016

Responding to publication of a new strategy which aims to free up hospital outpatient appointments by referring some patients to community healthcare professionals, Alison Johnstone MSP, Health spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said:

Better ASN provision is one of the best ways to close the attainment gap

Mon 28 Nov, 2016

Commenting on the call from the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition for the Scottish Government and Scotland’s 32 Councils to increase funding for children and young people with Additional Support Needs, Ross Greer MSP, Education spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said:

European Greens meeting in Glasgow to discuss keeping Scotland in Europe

Sun 27 Nov, 2016

Patrick Harvie MSP and Nicola Sturgeon are to attend Scotland’s largest pro-European event since the EU referendum, hosted by the Scottish Greens this Friday (2 Dec).

The European Green Party will hold its 25th council meeting in Glasgow where the First Minister will join with Green MSPs, MEPs and other politicians to discuss Scotland’s place in Europe following the referendum result in Scotland where 62% voted to Remain.

New national tests risk a move back to unhealthy league-tables

Fri 25 Nov, 2016

Responding to publication of details of the national standardised assessments for primary and secondary schools, Ross Greer MSP, Education spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said:

The Scottish budget must be a bold, anti-poverty budget

Patrick Harvie MSP Fri 25 Nov, 2016

Sometimes in politics a simple phrase gets lodged into everyone’s consciousness, framing a debate. This is sometimes deliberate, but it can happen by accident too. As Scotland approaches the first budget in which meaningful tax decisions will be made, one example of this needs to be challenged.

Ministers have watered down proposals on Crown Estate revenue

Thu 24 Nov, 2016

Andy Wightman MSP, Land Reform spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, tonight (24 Nov) expressed concern after the Islands Minister Humza Yousaf confirmed that the Scottish Government has retreated from its plans to give local authorities statutory rights to Crown Estate coastal revenues.

In June last year, the First Minister stated that in light of the devolution of Crown Estate assets, "coastal and island councils will benefit from 100 per cent of the net revenue generated in their area from activities within 12 miles of the shore”.

Delight at legal protection for beavers

Thu 24 Nov, 2016

Mark Ruskell MSP, Environment spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (24 Nov) welcomed the long-overdue decision of Scottish Ministers to give protected status to Scotland's beavers.

Beavers were reintroduced to Argyll in 2009 and have been living in Tayside but to date have not had any legal protection.

In January of this year, parliamentary questions by the Greens revealed that beavers that were heavily pregnant or had recently given birth had been shot. Since May, Mark Ruskell has been pursuing the Scottish Government over the issue of legal protection.

Mark raises CETA concerns with First Minister

Thu 24 Nov, 2016

Mark Ruskell MSP, Food & Farming spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (24 Nov) raised with the First Minister fresh concerns about the CETA trade deal signed between the EU and Canada after discovering that it threatens the NHS in Scotland and Scottish food exports.

Use devolved tax & social security powers to reduce inequality, protect services

Thu 24 Nov, 2016

Patrick Harvie MSP, Co-convener of the Scottish Greens, today (24 Nov) pressed the First Minister to commit to anti-poverty measures in the forthcoming draft Scottish budget, in response to the Chancellor's Autumn Statement.

At First Minister's Questions, Mr Harvie pointed out that most of the income tax cuts still to come will go to the richest half of households, and that changes to Universal Credit restore only a fraction of what’s already been taken away from poorer households.

Apprenticeships are vital

Alison Johnstone MSP Wed 23 Nov, 2016

I recently hosted the Scottish Apprentice of the Year Awards for the Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council in the Scottish Parliament, and it underlined how vital it is that we offer apprenticeships.

Fourteen young people were honoured for their outstanding work. To have reached the final when there are some 5,000 apprentices registered with SBATC is no mean feat. Yet it became clear that many would struggle to find place on their crowded mantelpieces for another award, such is their talent in their chosen trade.