Scottish Greens

We cannot be complacent on environmental protections as Brexit looms

Patrick Harvie MSP Fri 29 Jun, 2018

Amid the hubbub of a cabinet reshuffle, a minister-in-waiting scandal and a shelved education bill, the growing threat facing Scotland’s environment has been somewhat overlooked this week.

Powers relating to most environmental matters, such as air quality, water, energy, food and farming are devolved to Scotland. To date, these powers have been used in the context of UK membership of the EU.

Those who live, work, train in, or coach in Meadowbank must be listened to

Alison Johnstone MSP Thu 28 Jun, 2018

Tomorrow, Friday 29th June, Edinburgh’s Development Management Committee will consider a proposal which will determine the future of Meadowbank Stadium.

Incredibly, it’s taken over a decade to get to this point.

FMQs: Harvie issues LGBT-inclusive education challenge

Thu 28 Jun, 2018

Patrick Harvie says Nicola Sturgeon must prioritise the implementation of legislation for an inclusive and prejudice-free education system for LGBT pupils after the SNP abandoned plans for its flagship education bill.

Today at First Minister’s Questions, the Scottish Greens’ co-convener said that the government’s shelved education reforms should be scrapped indefinitely and that greater funding for schools must underpin the drive for improved education standards.

Fuel Poverty Bill doesn't go far enough

Wed 27 Jun, 2018

The Fuel Poverty Bill proposed today (27 June) by the Scottish Government doesn't go far enough, according to Scottish Greens housing spokesperson Andy Wightman MSP.

The government's proposal is that no more than 5 per cent of households in Scotland should be living in fuel poverty by 2040, but the plan falls short of the SNP manifesto pledge of a Warm Homes Bill to improve the energy efficiency of housing.

Andy Wightman MSP said:

Green MSP challenges Michael Gove on animal slaughter loophole

Wed 27 Jun, 2018

Michael Gove has been challenged by a Green MSP to close a loophole that could result in thousands of animals that are transported for fattening every year not being included in post-Brexit animal welfare legislation.

During questioning at Holyrood’s rural economy committee, the UK environment secretary asked John Finnie to forward evidence that thousands of calves leave Scotland every year for “processing” – a term used for the transportation of animals for fattening and then eventual slaughter.

Johnstone says suicide statistics show need for new mental health minister to prioritise prevention plan

Wed 27 Jun, 2018

Scottish Greens health spokesperson Alison Johnstone MSP said suicide statistics published today (27 June) showed the need for the new mental health minister to prioritise a prevention plan promised by the previous minister.

Figures show there were 680 probable suicides in Scotland in 2017, down from 728 in 2016.

Michael Gove reveals feeble replacement for European Court of Justice

Wed 27 Jun, 2018

Michael Gove’s plans for a weaker alternative to the European Court of Justice were ridiculed by a Green MSP today at Holyrood.

Mark Ruskell, the Scottish Greens’ environment spokesperson, says the new body, which Mr Gove revealed will not be allowed to “second guess” environmentally destructive planning decisions, will lead to significantly poorer environmental standards in the UK after leaving the European Union.

Giving local councils power over visitor tax would show Scotland is normal says Wightman

Wed 27 Jun, 2018

Giving local councils the power to levy a visitor tax as happens in other global destinations would show that Scotland is a normal European country, according to Scottish Greens local government spokesperson Andy Wightman MSP.

Local government body COSLA today (27 June) called for more financial powers such as a visitor tax so Scottish councils can better fund local services and support local economies.

Andy Wightman MSP said:

New Cabinet must take bolder action to make Scotland fairer & greener

Tue 26 Jun, 2018

Scottish Green MSPs are urging Nicola Sturgeon's new Cabinet to take bolder action on making Scotland fairer and greener.

Today's reshuffle means Health Secretary Shona Robison is to be replaced by Social Security minister Jeane Freeman.

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

“The role of Health Secretary is clearly one of the most challenging in Government. Shona Robison has shown serious commitment and I wish her well for the future.

Greer says Swinney "humiliated" as much-criticised Education Bill proposals are shelved

Tue 26 Jun, 2018

Scottish Greens education spokesperson Ross Greer MSP today (26 June) described Education Secretary John Swinney as "humiliated" after the deputy first minister announced that he would be shelving his much-criticised Education Bill proposals.

Greens have been consistent opponents of the SNP's proposed changes of school governance, a view shared by teachers, unions, parents, councils and education experts, when the real issue facing Scottish education is lack of resources and loss of teaching and support staff.

Ross Greer MSP said:

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