Greens: Progress on fairer tax must go further

Wed 4 Mar, 2020

The use of devolved income tax powers has made Scotland more progressive, but progress muse not be allowed to stall, Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie has said.

Scottish Greens budget deal saves Blairvadach

Mon 2 Mar, 2020

Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie, a Glasgow MSP, has today welcomed the announcement by Glasgow City Council that the Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre has been saved from the axe, following the budget deal struck by the Scottish Greens last week.

A council spokesperson told the Glasgow Times [1], “The Scottish Government’s budget deal with the Greens has provided additional funding for Glasgow. This gives us the space to focus on an alternative future model for Blairvadach and it therefore will not close.

Mr Harvie said:

Free bus travel for young people in Scotland

Wed 26 Feb, 2020

Young people aged 18 and under are set to get free bus travel in Scotland, thanks to the Scottish Green Party.

The Scottish Government has agreed to work to implement free bus travel for young people in Scotland, in a major win for the Scottish Greens as part of the Scottish budget process.

This means from 2021 young people across Scotland should be able to travel for free on bus routes, in a similar way to the entitlement currently held by over-60s.

The budget deal also puts an additional £95m towards local services across Scotland such as schools and libraries.

Nicola Sturgeon urged to intervene over airport use by US Military

Sun 23 Feb, 2020

Nicola Sturgeon has been urged to intervene over concerns US officials have blocked Police Scotland investigations into the use of Scottish Airports by the US Military.

Since 2013, Police Scotland have been investigating the use of Scottish Airports during America’s so-called ‘War on Terror’ but have failed to obtain details of a unredacted US Senate report.

COP appointment threatens climate action

Thu 13 Feb, 2020

The appointment of the new Business Secretary Alok Sharma as the Minister responsible for COP26 threatens to derail hopes of meaningful climate action, according to Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP.

Patrick Harvie MSP said:

COP26 must come to Glasgow

Wed 12 Feb, 2020

Relocating COP26 to London would be a further blow for the UK Government’s credibility, Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie has said.

Following reports that the UK Government has approached the ExCeL London venue about hosting the COP26 climate change summit instead of Glasgow, Patrick Harvie said:

Research exposes draft budget climate credentials as spin

Tue 11 Feb, 2020

The SNP’s ‘climate emergency’ budget is carbon-intensive and ignores expert advice on Transport policy, independent analysis from parliamentary researchers has shown.

In its budget analysis, Scottish Parliament information centre (SPICE) figures show that ministers have ignored the recent Infrastructure Commission, which advised them to shift spending away from new roads and into measures to encourage fewer private car journeys.

The Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity budget is 7% of the total spend, but will account for 11% of Scotland’s emissions.

Timid budget fails to tackle climate emergency

Thu 6 Feb, 2020

The Scottish Government’s budget, as published this afternoon, fails to adequately respond to the climate emergency, according to Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP.

Scottish Greens have made a number of constructive proposals, which would protect local services and begin to tackle the climate crisis, unfortunately the Scottish Government have so far failed to engage in constructive negotiations to deliver the transformative change required.

Patrick Harvie MSP said:

Greens launch independence campaign on Brexit day

Sat 1 Feb, 2020

The Scottish Greens launched their campaign for Scottish independence on the day the UK leaves the European Union.

The party held a Green Yes rally in Glasgow to mark Brexit day to launch the campaign for Scotland to re-join the EU as an independent nation.

Among speakers were Ska Keller MEP, co-president of the Green/EFA group in the European Parliament.

FMQs: Greens call for free bus travel for young people

Thu 30 Jan, 2020

Making bus travel free for young people would bring social and economic benefits to communities across Scotland, according to Scottish Greens co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP.

A week from now the Scottish Government will publish its budget and the Scottish Greens have put improving public transport to tackle the climate emergency at the heart of their proposals.

Patrick Harvie MSP said: