Harvie: Timetable for independence vote essential, even if Article 50 extended

Thu 17 Jan, 2019

Scottish Greens co-convenor Patrick Harvie MSP has said that a timetable for a Scottish independence vote is now essential, even if the Prime Minister agrees to extend the Article 50 deadline.

Harvie used his slot at FMQs today (17 Jan 2019) to restate the Greens’ support for a People’s Vote to remain in the EU, as well as backing the First Minister’s pledge to say more on the timing of an independence vote in the coming weeks.

Patrick Harvie MSP said:

Escalating Brexit crisis shows Scotland needs option of independence in EU

Wed 16 Jan, 2019

The escalating Brexit crisis shows the need for Scotland to be given the option of becoming an independent member of the EU, according to Scottish Greens co-convener Patrick Harvie MSP.

Speaking in Holyrood this afternoon in response to last night's Commons defeat of the Prime Minister's Brexit deal, Mr Harvie said:

Vulnerable children to suffer unless SNP cuts to council budgets prevented

Thu 10 Jan, 2019

Many of Scotland’s most vulnerable children are set to suffer unless the SNP’s proposed cuts to council budgets are prevented, according to Scottish Green MSPs.

Harvie accuses Scot Gov of ‘sleight of hand to conceal council cuts’

Thu 13 Dec, 2018

Patrick Harvie has accused Derek Mackay of ‘sleight of hand to conceal council cuts’, warning at FMQs today (13 December) that the Scottish Greens will not enter budget negotiations unless the Government gives councils the tax powers they need.

Harvie criticises SNP Ministers over Budget inaction on local tax reform

Wed 12 Dec, 2018

Scottish Greens co-convener Patrick Harvie MSP today (12 Dec) criticised SNP Ministers for failing to use the publication of the draft 2019-20 Scottish Budget to act on the need for local tax reform and the climate crisis.

The Greens have been making the case for meaningful progress on the local tax reform agenda, to enable councils to raise more funds in a fair way to protect local services. The party has set out specific proposals on Council Tax, non-domestic rates and new ideas to broaden the local tax base.

Warning to Scot Gov: Our test for entering budget talks has not yet been met

Sun 9 Dec, 2018

The Scottish Greens today (9 Dec) issued a warning to the Scottish Government that the party’s precondition for entering budget talks has not yet been met, with just days to go before the budget is published.

Patrick Harvie MSP has reminded the SNP’s Finance Secretary that the Greens are the only party ever to bring down a Scottish budget, having been unable to reach agreement after months of negotiation with Mr Mackay’s predecessor, John Swinney. 

Our campaign for the Scottish Parliament to back a Climate Emergency Bill

Thu 6 Dec, 2018

Greens have today (6 December 2018) launched a campaign for the Scottish Parliament to back a Climate Emergency Bill.

Following the First Minister’s appearance at the international climate talks in Poland this week, where she said ‘it's important that we continue to raise our ambition’, Greens have called on her to commit to a target of zero emissions within the current Climate Bill.