Scottish Greens

SNP timid on short-term lets, say Greens

Fri 1 Nov, 2019

The Scottish Greens have slammed the SNP for its lack of action on short-term lets.

The party’s parliamentary co-leader Alison Johnstone called for action at FMQs, after a Scottish Government consultation overwhelmingly endorsed the Scottish Green position to regulate short term letting through both planning and licensing reform.

This week SNP MSPs in Edinburgh signed a letter calling for urgent reform, even though they had voted with the Tories during the Planning Bill to block similar proposals from Green MSP Andy Wightman.

RBS must commit to fossil-free future

Fri 1 Nov, 2019

New RBS CEO Alison Rose has said “the threat of climate change” will be a “pillar” of the bank’s strategy under her leadership.

Responding, Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “This is welcome language from the RBS chief. But if Alison Rose is serious about making the climate emergency one of the pillars of the RBS strategy, she should follow up on this welcome change with a clear commitment to ending investment in the fossil fuel industries and giving priority to a just transition to a truly sustainable economy.

Mark Ruskell welcomes NHS report on health impact of Mossmorran

Fri 1 Nov, 2019

Mossmorran gas plant in Fife has had a direct impact on the health of nearby residents, a new NHS report has found.

Responding to the NHS Fife 'Report on the Health Impacts of Flaring at Mossmorran and Historical Cancer Incidence', Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell said: “This report is very welcome, and is the first sign anyone has taken people’s health concerns seriously.

"It clearly states that flaring at the plant is causing significant physical and psychological disturbance to local residents, impacting on their health, sleep patterns and anxiety levels.

Scottish Government’s climate ambition on heating is already behind

Tue 29 Oct, 2019

The Scottish Government’s ambition to lower emissions to tackle the climate emergency is already falling behind when it comes to renewable heating, it has emerged.

The existing target for 11% of heating to come from renewable sources by 2020 looks unlikely to be met, with energy minister Paul Wheelhouse admitting only 6.3% was reached in 2018.

In an answer to a parliamentary question, Wheelhouse stated investment in renewable heat in Scotland has slowed down because of changes to incentive schemes by the UK Government.

Betrayal of Kurds involves UK arms

Ross Greer MSP Mon 28 Oct, 2019

The only beacon of hope in Syria is on the brink of destruction.

While civil war raged across the rest of the country between the Assad regime and largely Arab rebel groups, the Kurdish population in North Eastern Syria were abandoned, left to face the brunt of ISIS alone. Not only did they repel that vicious death cult, at the urging of the US, UK and others they led the counter-offensive, eventually destroying the so-called ‘Caliphate’.

UK budget delay leaves Scotland in limbo

Fri 25 Oct, 2019

Postponement of the UK budget leaves the Scottish Parliament no time to scrutinise it, and raises serious concerns over the ability of the Scottish Government to come up with its own, the Scottish Greens have warned.

UK Chancellor Sajid Javid told BBC today that his budget would not be going ahead as planned on 6 November, leaving no time for the devolved budget scrutiny procedures agreed by MSPs in the Budget Process Review Group.

Commenting, Scottish Green finance spokesperson Patrick Harvie said:

Ruth Davidson's lobbying role shows need for second jobs bill

Fri 25 Oct, 2019

Former Scottish Conservative leader must quit as an MSP and force a by-election after accepting a lucrative corporate lobbying role, the Scottish Greens have said.

Davidson has recently been appointed to the Scottish Parliament’s corporate body, which oversees the workings of Parliament, but has also now taken a £50,000 job with a firm which lobbies politicians.

Commenting, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian Alison Johnstone said: “The people of Edinburgh Central elected Ruth Davidson to represent them, not use her position to earn £50,000 from lobbyists.

Harvie responds to commons vote

Tue 22 Oct, 2019

Responding to the news that the UK Government has failed to win support for its programme motion on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:

Gove demonstrates breathtaking contempt for Scotland

Mon 21 Oct, 2019

Speaking after the meeting of the Finance and Constitution Committee, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:

“Michael Gove has talked about the importance of a consent mechanism for Northern Ireland, but he has confirmed that the UK is utterly unwilling to accept any similar principle for Scotland. The UK Government has already shown itself willing to legislate in defiance of Scotland’s devolution arrangements, and is clearly willing to do so again. The level of contempt for Scotland’s interests, and for our constitutional status, is breathtaking.

Scottish Greens respond to Letwin amendment vote

Sat 19 Oct, 2019

Responding to the news that the Prime Minister has once again failed to command a majority in the House of Commons, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:

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