Patrick Harvie: halted progress of new laws regrettable

Wed 1 Apr, 2020

Commenting on the suspension of the legislative programme announced today, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said:

“Everyone will understand that neither the Government nor Parliament can carry on with business as usual in midst of the current crisis. However, it’s deeply regrettable that progress will be halted when it comes to the environment, people’s right to food, animal protections and not least the rights of trans people, for whom overdue legislative reform has been long promised by all parties.

Scottish Greens attempt to strengthen evictions ban

Wed 1 Apr, 2020

The Scottish Greens will attempt to strengthen a ban on evictions, as well as seek checks and balances on Scotland’s emergency laws to ensure citizens’ rights are protected during the COVID-19 lockdown.

As parliament rushes through emergency legislation, Greens will lodge amendments to the proposed halt on evictions to further protect tenants. They will also seek clarification on how the lockdown will be enforced by police.

Greens react to UK Government emergency measures to cover wages

Fri 20 Mar, 2020

The UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced plans to pay 80% of wages for employees unable to work due the coronavirus pandemic.

Responding, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “These measures from the UK Government are unfamiliar territory for the Conservatives, and should be welcomed as a recognition of the duty of care the state has for its citizens. If it had been done ten days ago, thousands of jobs would have been saved.

Harvie: We all must show compassion at this challenging time

Thu 19 Mar, 2020

Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP has called on everyone to demonstrate the values of compassion, solidarity and mutual care at this most challenging time.

Speaking at First Minister’s Question this afternoon Mr Harvie referenced the unprecedented challenge faced by every level of government and for parliament. The Glasgow MSP also expressed his thanks and concern for those dedicated workers dealing with this crisis.

Patrick Harvie MSP said:

UK emergency measures insufficient to protect vulnerable

Wed 18 Mar, 2020

Emergency legislation announced by the UK Government to address the impact of the coronavirus does not go far enough to protect those who could lose their job and home, the Scottish Greens have said.

Commenting, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “This emergency legislation is quite rightly the product of cross-party working at Westminster, and contains essential measures to increase the capacity of the NHS to deal with this crisis. The Scottish Parliament will scrutinise it as quickly and carefully as possible.

Greens call for Coronavirus Solidarity Pact

Mon 16 Mar, 2020

The Green parties of the United Kingdom have called for the Westminster government’s forthcoming emergency coronavirus legislation to include a Coronavirus Solidarity Pact to ensure that vulnerable people are offered extensive protections and security.

They added that the Pact, and other actions, must follow extensive consultation with the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments.

Scottish Greens comment on business support

Sat 14 Mar, 2020

Commenting on the Scottish Government’s newly announced  £320 million package of support for businesses in response to COVID-19, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:



“A package of support for businesses is certainly needed, and the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are certainly going to face serious challenges ahead. There is a very strong public interest in minimising the economic damage.

Scottish Greens slam dangerous UK budget

Wed 11 Mar, 2020

Scottish Greens have described the UK budget as “dangerous” after the chancellor announced large investments into road expansions and freezing the fuel duty.

The party’s finance spokesperson and co-leader Patrick Harvie said: "This is a dangerous budget from a UK Government which puts deregulated economic growth over people and planet.

“Much more should have been done to protect those with insecure pay and rent from coronavirus disruption, and there were no serious proposals to tackle the climate emergency.

Chancellor must support tenants says Harvie

Tue 10 Mar, 2020

In the face of the Coronavirus (Covid 19) outbreak the Chancellor of the Exchequer must announce measures to support private tenants and those in precarious work when he outlines his budget to parliament tomorrow, says Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP.

People who are symptomatic and have travelled to affected regions such as Italy, where 463 people are thought to have died from the virus, have been advised to self-isolate and Mr Harvie has raised concerns that this will potentially hit people in precarious employment, such as those on zero hours contracts, hardest.

Scottish Parliament set to pass free bus travel budget

Thu 5 Mar, 2020

MSPs are expected to back Scottish Green proposals to give every under-19 in Scotland free bus travel today, as the budget reaches its final stage at Holyrood.

Commenting ahead of the Stage 3 debate, Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “I’m proud that the Scottish Greens have secured the transformative move to free bus travel, which will provide opportunities for our young people, alleviate family poverty and tackle the climate emergency.