Scottish Greens

Concerns as EDF allowed more cracking within Hunterston's reactor

Thu 2 Mar, 2017

Ross Greer, Scottish Green MSP for West of Scotland, today (2 March) criticised the UK's Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) for giving the green light to increased cracking in the reactor of the Hunterston B nuclear power station in Ayrshire.

The ONR says the Periodic Safety Review for Hunterston by operators EDF is adequate. It allows for a doubling in the amount of cracked graphite bricks, which safety experts have warned could lead to nuclear fuel overheating, potentially resulting in a radiological release.

Additional Support Needs failing thousands of young people says Green MSP

Wed 1 Mar, 2017

The dire state of Additional Support Needs in Scotland’s schools was laid bare at Holyrood’s education committee today, with a Green MSP saying the system is “failing thousands of young people”.

One ASN expert from Glasgow City Council stated that a member of staff had reported being told to watch TV sitcom the Big Bang Theory to gain an understanding of supporting children with Asperger syndrome.

David Davis snub is disrespectful says green MSP

Wed 1 Mar, 2017

A newspaper report that UK government Brexit ministers are refusing to appear before the Scottish Parliament’s Europe committee before Article 50 is triggered is another example of “Tory disrespect” says a Green MSP.

Lack of progress in sourcing Scottish for school meals

Wed 1 Mar, 2017

Alison Johnstone MSP, Health, Children & Young People spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (1 March) expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in sourcing Scottish chicken for school meals.

Freedom of Information requests by Alison three years ago revealed the extent of the problem, with many councils flying in chicken nuggets from Thailand.

Fresh FOI requests by the BBC show councils spent £1.3m on chicken products from Thailand last year.

Alison Johnstone, Health spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Lothian, said:

Greens push Scottish Government to make changes to PSE curriculum

Mon 27 Feb, 2017

The Greens are calling on the Scottish Government to press ahead with changes to Personal & Social Education classes (PSE), after a majority of MSPs backed a campaign for LGBTI issues to be taught in all schools.

BBC plans must result in work for Scottish firms to benefit our economy

Patrick Harvie MSP Fri 24 Feb, 2017

Scotland’s political landscape has been reacting this week to the BBC’s proposals to create a new TV channel for Scotland, with a nightly news programme combining domestic and international news from a Scottish perspective.

Report could "pave the way" for the retention of an autonomous Highlands & Islands Enterprise

Thu 23 Feb, 2017

John Finnie MSP, Rural & Island Communities spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (23 Feb) gave a cautious welcome to a report which he said could "pave the way" for the retention of an autonomous Highlands & Islands Enterprise.

The report, by Professor Lorne Crerar, into a new strategic board covering Scotland's enterprise agencies recommends replacing existing agency boards with repurposed Delivery Boards with smaller memberships and more focussed remits.

John Finnie, Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands & Islands, said:

SFC board merger poses serious risks to the funding of our universities

Thu 23 Feb, 2017

Ross Greer MSP, Education and Skills spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (23 Feb) expressed concern after a report for Scottish Ministers failed to rule out changes to the Scottish Funding Council which could damage universities' funding.

The report, by Professor Lorne Crerar, into a new strategic board covering the SFC and enterprise agencies urges an early decision on whether or not the board is chaired by a Minister.

Greens welcome assurance that new BBC channel head to be based in Scotland

Thu 23 Feb, 2017

The Scottish Greens have welcomed the reassurance given by the BBC Director General today that it is essential for commissioning editors for Scotland to be based in Scotland and that they would be unable to do their job if this was not the case.

This came in response to Green MSP Ross Greer highlighting at Holyrood’s Culture committee that the position of Acting Drama Commissioning Editor, Scotland, based in Glasgow appears to be set for replacement by a Commissioner position advertised as being based in London.

GREEN BUDGET SUPPORT MEANS CRISIS CUTS CAN BE AVERTED

Thu 23 Feb, 2017

Scottish Green MSPs point to cancelled cuts in local council areas across Scotland, thanks to agreement ahead of today's Stage Three vote at Holyrood on the Budget Bill.

Green MSPs have achieved more in this year’s budget than any party has won in any previous budget concessions, by persuading the Scottish Government to allocate an additional £160million for councils to spend on local priorities.

As part of the Greens' support for the Budget Bill, Scottish Ministers have abandoned their proposed tax giveaway for high earners.