Scottish Greens

Green MSP calls for guarantees for European NHS staff

Wed 26 Oct, 2016

Post-Brexit guarantees for EU nationals working in NHS Scotland were sought by a Green MSP at Holyrood today.

Ross Greer MSP asked Mike Russell, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe what further work the government is undertaking to provide evidence of the role workers from the rest of the EU have in the NHS and social care services.

Half of Primary One children in deprived communities have tooth decay

Tue 25 Oct, 2016

Alison Johnstone MSP, Health spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (25 Oct) expressed concern at statistics showing that half of Primary One children in deprived communities have tooth decay.

The NHS report concludes that "clear health inequalities persist, and reducing dental health inequality must remain a priority.”

Student Funding: Greer Welcomes Review, Questions Debt

Tue 25 Oct, 2016

Ross Greer MSP, Education spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (25 Oct) welcomed the announcement of a review of student finance as figures show the number of students being paid grants has fallen nearly five per cent in a year as an increasing number are taking out loans.

Ross Greer MSP said:

Enterprise Review: Finnie Welcomes Highland And South Recommendations

Tue 25 Oct, 2016

John Finnie MSP, Rural Communities spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (25 Oct) welcomed the findings of a review into the government's enterprise agencies, which include protecting services in the Highlands and Islands, and creating a new service for the South of Scotland.

Last month Mr Finnie raised with the First Minister concerns about the future of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and reiterated the Scottish Greens' call for the South of Scotland to have a dedicated development agency.

Heathrow decision does nothing to advance social justice

Tue 25 Oct, 2016

Responding to news that the Westminster Government is backing the expansion of London Heathrow airport, John Finnie MSP, Transport and Rural Economy spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said:

"It's perhaps no surprise that a Westminster Government gung-ho for fracking and determined to wreck our renewables industry is backing the expansion of the hugely-polluting aviation sector. This will damage the UK's credibility on the global stage where there is firm agreement on the need to reduce climate emissions.

Rural Fuel Poverty: Wightman Urges Action

Mon 24 Oct, 2016

Responding to a new report on rural fuel poverty, Andy Wightman MSP, housing spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, urged Scottish Ministers to "seize the moment" given cross-party consensus on the need for action.

The Action Plan to Deliver Affordable Warmth in Rural Scotland proposed by the Scottish Rural Fuel Poverty Task Force says half of Scotland's rural households are living in fuel poverty, rising to 63% in remote areas. The plan calls for public investment and community empowerment.

Andy Wightman MSP said:

Highland council hopeful closes Scottish Green Party conference

Sun 23 Oct, 2016

The Scottish Greens’ autumn conference came to a close today with an upbeat speech from the co-convener of the Highlands and Islands branch.

Isla O'Reilly from Inverness, who is standing in next year’s council election, told Green members at the Perth Concert Hall that the local authority elections offer a great chance to elect “huge green swathes of councillors” in Highland and other Scottish councils.

Maggie Chapman: "We are citizens of the world."

Maggie Chapman Sat 22 Oct, 2016

This is the text of my speech to Scottish Greens Conference 2016, Saturday 22nd October. I had the honour of sharing the stage with two great green women: Ska Keller, and Anni Pues.

Good morning friends.

German MEP offers green support to stay in Europe

Sat 22 Oct, 2016

A German member of the European Parliament has told the Scottish Green Party conference that she will do everything she can to ensure Scotland, as well as Northern Ireland, England and Wales can stay in the European Union.

Ska Keller MEP from Brandenburg also told delegates at the Perth Concert Hall that Greens elected at the local authority elections in 2017 can make a big difference on many global issues, including the Syrian refugee crisis.

Greens will lead the charge against cuts to local jobs and services

Sat 22 Oct, 2016

The Scottish Greens’ conference in Perth today (22 October) heard a rallying call from the party’s co-convener as it heads into the local authority elections next year.

Maggie Chapman told the audience of Green members at the Perth Concert Hall that the council elections in 2017 will see the party play a prominent role in deciding “… who will lead, transform and develop their local authorities”.

The speech also focused on how Greens are proud to be “citizens of the world” who will continue to campaign for an “internationalist, welcoming Scotland”.