Non-domestic rates report lacks real reforms say Greens

Tue 22 Aug

Aspects of a report published today on non-domestic business rates deserve recognition, but disappointingly leave out proposals for real reforms say the Scottish Greens.

The Barclay Report on Business Rates, according to the party, lacks recommendations to see NDR transformed into a “land value tax” or for councils to determine how rates are set.

Patrick Harvie MSP, the Scottish Greens’ finance spokesperson, said:

Harvie writes to First Minister over President Trump and extremists

Thu 17 Aug

Patrick Harvie MSP, Co-convener of the Scottish Greens, today (17 Aug) wrote to the First Minister and opposition leaders urging a plan of action to counter the confidence that President Trump is giving to extremist groups.

Harvie hits out as Scot Gov assessment shows doubling of climate impact from Air Tax cut

Fri 30 Jun

Patrick Harvie MSP, Finance spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (30 June) hit out at the Scottish Government after its transport officials quietly published a revised assessment showing a doubling of the climate change emissions from the SNP's plan to cut Air Departure Tax.

Green attempts to amend the Air Departure Tax Bill were recently voted down by SNP and Tory MSPs.

Research for the Greens has shown that the SNP's plans will benefit wealthy frequent fliers and businesses rather than families, and will harm public finances and increase climate emissions. 

Harvie challenges FM after her MSPs attempted to stop Green efforts to strengthen the Child Poverty Bill

Thu 29 Jun

Patrick Harvie MSP, Co-convener of the Scottish Greens, used today's (29 June) First Minister's Questions to challenge Nicola Sturgeon after her MSPs attempted to stop Green efforts to strengthen the Child Poverty Bill.

Today at Holyrood's Social Security Committee, Green MSP Alison Johnstone succeeded in amending the Bill so that local councils will be required to report on what income maximisation services are available in their region. Such services ensure families at risk of poverty are helped to access funding they are entitled to, boosting their incomes.

Harvie demands public sector pay cap is lifted

Thu 29 Jun

Teachers, nurses and public sector workers “earning an average full time wage or less” must receive at least an above-inflation pay rise says Patrick Harvie MSP.

The Green co-convener challenged the finance secretary at Holyrood today (29 June) to reveal discussions the Scottish Government has had “with unions regarding the future of its public sector pay policy” and to commit to lift the public sector pay cap and introduce “an above-inflation pay rise”.

Glasgow MSP, Patrick Harvie said:

First Minister statement: Scotland still wants say over Brexit say Greens

Tue 27 Jun

The people of Scotland will be the only ones in Europe not to have a say on Brexit under the new timetable outlined by the First Minister, say the Scottish Greens.

Responding to a statement by Nicola Sturgeon, where the First Minister revealed that she will “not seek” to introduce immediate legislation for an independence referendum, Scottish Greens’ co-convener Patrick Harvie said there is now “no chance” that Scotland will avoid being dragged out of the EU and, likely the Single Market.

The people of Scotland must be given a choice over their future

Tue 27 Jun

The co-conveners of the Scottish Green Party have today (27 June) written to the First Minister, urging her to resist calls from opponents who have conceded to a Hard Brexit and who are against holding an independence referendum once the terms of the deal are known.

Ahead of an expected announcement from Nicola Sturgeon this week, Maggie Chapman and Patrick Harvie MSP argue that there is nothing to change the argument in favour of Scotland’s future being decided by the people who live here, on the timescale previously set out.

Harvie brands Tory-DUP deal an insult

Mon 26 Jun

Patrick Harvie MSP, Co-convener of the Scottish Greens, branded today's Tory-DUP deal an insult.

The 10 DUP MPs will back the Tories in key Commons votes in return for an extra £1billion for Northern Ireland over the next two years.

Patrick said:

Our report shows EU migrants in Scotland at risk of poverty and social security system "stacked against them"

Mon 26 Jun

A major report commissioned by Scottish Green MSPs shows that people from Central and Eastern Europe who choose to live and work in Scotland are at risk of poverty due to low wages and a social security system "stacked against them".

It comes as Scottish Ministers admit that they have not specifically recruited migrants for their Experience Panels to help shape the new Scottish social security system, something the Greens describe as a "missed opportunity” to reject the UK Government's “backward attitude".