Get the latest from West Scotland Candidate Ross Greer

Greens: vaccinate teenage workers

Wed 21 Jul, 2021

The Scottish Greens have called for 16 and 17-year old workers to be offered the vaccine to mitigate against the heightened risk they are being put under as workplaces reopen.

The call follows a letter from the Chief Medical to the JCVI, calling for guidance on vaccinating people over 12 to be reviewed. [1]

Current guidance says under 18s will not be offered the virus, apart from those with pre-existing conditions or who live with vulnerable people.

Commenting, Scottish Greens spokesperson for young people Ross Greer said:

Greens welcome decision to retain BBC Scotland studios

Tue 6 Jul, 2021

The Scottish Greens have welcomed a decision that BBC Scotland’s two Glasgow-based studios will not be transferred to a London-based subsidiary company, securing jobs at the facilities.

The BECTU trade union had warned that the 150 jobs directly employed by the BBC’s two Glasgow-based studios could be at risk, which Scottish Greens culture spokesperson Ross Greer raised with Nicola Sturgeon at FMQS.

Following this, Greer convened a meeting between representatives of BECTU and Scottish Government Culture Secretary Angus Robertson.

BBC Scotland urged to consult staff union on studio transfer proposal

Sat 3 Jul, 2021

BBC Scotland bosses have been urged by the Scottish Greens to consult their staff on a proposal to outsource the ownership of two studios at its Glasgow HQ.

The call comes from Greens culture spokesperson Ross Greer MSP after it emerged that the Pacific Quay leadership no longer intended to engage with studio staff before making its submission to the BBC’s Director General in London, a move that trade union BECTU described as “scandalous”. Greer has written to BBC Scotland Director Steve Carson, urging him to engage with BECTU immediately.

SQA slammed for promoting positives of climate change

Thu 1 Jul, 2021

Scotland’s exams body has been slammed for insisting that the ‘positives’ of global warming are given equal consideration in the National 5 Geography course.

The SQA’s course specification states that the pros and cons of climate change should be given equal weight, a position Scottish Greens education spokesperson Ross Greer has branded “deeply inappropriate”.

Scottish Greens defend BBC Scotland jobs

Thu 24 Jun, 2021

The Scottish Government must intervene over BBC plans to transfer its Glasgow studio to a London-based subsidiary company, the Scottish Greens have said.

The party’s culture spokesperson Ross Greer raised the issue at First Minister’s Questions after warnings from the BECTU trade union that dozens of the 150 jobs directly employed by the BBC’s two Glasgow-based studios could be at risk.

OECD education report provides “damning judgment” on SQA

Mon 21 Jun, 2021

Commenting on the publication of the OECD report, and the Scottish Government response, Scottish Greens education spokesperson Ross Greer MSP said:

Greens: Youth employment stats should ring alarm bell for govt

Wed 16 Jun, 2021

Responding to the latest stats on school leaver destinations, Scottish Greens education and young people sp

FMQs: Nicola Sturgeon incorrect on teacher grades

Fri 11 Jun, 2021

Responding to comments from the First Minister during FMQS stating that “If the teacher's judgement is that they stand by the results they gave that results stands”, Scottish Greens education spokesperson Ross Greer said:

Greens back SQA appeals call

Mon 7 Jun, 2021

Scottish Greens have backed a call from the Scottish Youth Parliament, Children's Commissioner and leading academics for urgent changes to the appeals process for this year's school grades.

SQA appeals process forces young people to take perverse gamble

Wed 2 Jun, 2021

The SQA appeals system will force young people to take a perverse gamble, according to Scottish Greens education spokesperson Ross Greer MSP. His remarks come after it was confirmed by Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville that the appeals process could see marks downgraded as well as upgraded, despite calls from children’s rights experts for a ‘no-detriment’ approach to be taken.

Speaking in parliament this afternoon, Mr Greer highlighted the risk of the newly announced appeals process increasing the chance of downgrading.

Ross Greer said: