Ross Greer MSP

West of Scotland

External Affairs, Education & Skills, Culture & Media

Ross was Communities Co-ordinator at Yes Scotland, helping to develop the movement for independence. He is a member of Holyrood's European and Education committees. Ross is an active community campaigner on issues ranging from school closures to supermarket expansion and opportunities for young people. Upon election in May 2016 at the age of 21, Ross became the youngest MSP in the history of the Scottish Parliament. He was formerly a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Clydebank & MIilngavie constituency and led on the successful campaign to give 16 & 17 year olds the vote in the independence referendum.

Too many pupils with mental health challenges are not receiving adequate support in our schools

Ross Greer MSP Fri 13 Oct, 2017

This Tuesday was World Mental Health Day. People all over the world shared personal stories and helped to raise awareness. The day encourages the millions who have suffered from poor mental health in one form or another to speak openly about their experiences and challenge the stigma which has caused so many to suffer in silence. When people speak out, we need to make sure that the right support is available. Right now, that is not the case for young people in Scotland’s schools.

Our position paper on Brexit outlines risks to human rights, democracy and devolution

Tue 3 Oct, 2017

The Scottish Greens today (3 Oct) published a position paper on Brexit, outlining the risks to human rights, democracy and devolution from the UK Government's Hard Brexit.

The paper - Preparing for Impact - also lays down challenges to the Scottish Government over its use of devolved powers, and its approach to the living wage and environmental justice.

Greens reveal cost of proposed teacher training scheme

Mon 2 Oct, 2017

Figures produced by the Scottish Greens reveal that it will be significantly more expensive to produce new teachers under a charity’s fast-track scheme, thought to be under consideration by the Scottish Government, than via existing university courses.

Greens demand urgent European Commission intervention in Catalonia

Sun 1 Oct, 2017

A Green MSP is calling for the European Commission to urgently intervene in Catalonia after news reports emerged showing Spanish police attacking and injuring hundreds of peaceful civilians on referendum day.

Ross Greer MSP, the Scottish Greens’ external affairs spokesperson, said:

"The images coming out of Catalonia are deeply upsetting. To see Spanish police in full riot gear beating, throwing or firing rubber bullets at voters should be condemned without hesitation by any democrat.

Government still not listening on standardised testing say Greens

Fri 22 Sep, 2017

Reports that teachers are ready to boycott new standardised is “little wonder” say the Greens, who accuse the Scottish Government of refusing to listen to education experts.

The party’s education spokesperson, Ross Greer also says the policy should be ditched altogether but gave a cautious welcome to an announcement from ministers that no pupil-level data will be collected from new national Standardised Assessments.

West of Scotland MSP, Ross Greer said:

Greer: UK government must suspend Brexit papers on devolution

Thu 14 Sep, 2017

A Green MSP is calling on the UK government to suspend the publication of all Brexit papers relating to devolved powers after a former European Court judge likened a “future partnership” paper to an “undergraduate essay which would have failed”.

Greens welcome SQA reversal on exam paper release

Wed 13 Sep, 2017

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has revealed to a Green MSP that it will overturn its decision to block teachers from viewing exam papers for 24 hours after the exam is sat.

Green MSP alarmed by teacher conditions report

Thu 7 Sep, 2017

Research carried out by academics at Bath Spa University, showing that half of teachers could leave in the next 18 months, should “set off alarm bells across the Scottish Government” says a Green MSP.

Ross Greer MSP, the party’s education spokesperson, says the research shows teachers already have too many administrative functions and not enough preparation time and support.

Greer, a West of Scotland MSP, said:

Greens slam leaked Home Office paper on EU nationals

Wed 6 Sep, 2017

The “angry, isolated” nature of Tory Brexit is starting to seep out of the UK government says a Green MSP, after a plan to deter EU immigrants and fingerprint those arriving was leaked from the Home Office.

The paper reveals a harsh and arbitrary post-Brexit migration framework that includes the definition of “family” as being restricted to only direct family members, for newly arrived EU nationals to provide sensitive biometric data, including fingerprints and that immigrants must meet minimum income thresholds which are steadily higher if they have a spouse or children.

Programme for Government shows Green influence but ministers must go further to make Scotland fairer

Tue 5 Sep, 2017

Scottish Green MSPs said today's Programme for Government, outlined by the First Minister in Parliament, showed the benefit of Green influence but warned that ministers must be prepared to go further to make Scotland fairer.

Nicola Sturgeon announced that her government will support a raft of Green policies, including: