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.

Post-Brexit customs arrangement 'contradictory' and ‘embarrassing’ say Greens

15 August, 2017 - 16:27

The UK government’s proposed “new customs arrangement” announced today has come under fire from the Scottish Greens, with an MSP for the party calling the plans “contradictory to the point of being embarrassing”.

Ross Greer MSP, the Greens’ external affairs spokesperson also says the plan would leave the UK with a relationship with the EU that’s “weaker” than what Turkey currently has. The European Commission has already confirmed that the proposals are impossible, stating that “frictionless trade is not possible outside of the Single Market and customs union”.

Win for Ross Greer MSP over Arms Dealing Lessons

2 August, 2017 - 14:03

After pressure from Ross Greer, Education Scotland and Cabinet Secretary for Education, John Swinney have agreed that a lesson plan which involves pupils role-playing as arms dealers is inappropriate for use in Scottish schools. This lesson plan involved a Dragon’s Den style scenario where pupils would compete as arms dealers to sell weapons during World War I, coming up with battle plans and justifying the ‘effectiveness’ of their weapons, including bayonets and flame-throwers.

Greens blast government for sneaking out critical education report

26 July, 2017 - 13:19

The Scottish Government has come under fire from the Greens after it attempted to sneak out an education report, critical of current policy, without a press release or announcement.

Attainment gap funding not enough say Greens

24 July, 2017 - 16:03

Education funding announced today by the Scottish Government is not enough to reverse “the decade of cuts to teachers, support staff and resources” say the Scottish Greens.

Ross Greer MSP, the party’s education spokesperson says that any attempt to close Scotland’s attainment gap cannot be done in the “classroom alone” and that significant investment must also be made in “better paid jobs, warmer and more affordable homes and strong public services”.

Repeal Bill is a threat to democracy and a power grab too far

Ross Greer MSP Fri 21 Jul

The much awaited draft Repeal Bill has now been published. This is the most important bit of legislation relating to Brexit.

It will repeal the European Communities Act 1972, transferring most EU laws into UK law, and give government ministers in London and Edinburgh extensive powers to amend, repeal and even create new laws without the normal parliamentary process.

Greer welcomes damning Lords report on UK Brexit approach

19 July, 2017 - 11:56

A report by the House of Lords EU committee calling on the UK government to “raise its game” in consulting the devolved governments has been welcomed by the Scottish Greens.

Greens back call from leading Scottish figures to block Brexit

18 July, 2017 - 14:30

The Scottish Greens’ have joined with 60 leading public figures in Scotland who are attempting to block the Brexit process.

The letter, published in a national newspaper and signed by former First Minister Henry McLeish, calls for a national debate and a rethink on Brexit.

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

Greer backs call for UK Gov to provide clarity over rights of EU citizens

17 July, 2017 - 14:57

Ross Greer MSP, Europe spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (17 July) backed the call from the Scottish Government for clarity from the UK Government over the rights of EU citizens.

Ross Greer MSP said:

"It is an insult that the Repeal Bill bizarrely lists EU citizens' rights as a deficiency, so the Scottish Government is right to call for clarity. Under the Tories' plans, three million EU citizens across the UK could lose their rights without even a vote in Parliament, or without Parliament even being informed if a Minister considers it urgent.

Greer says Repeal Bill is power grab by Tories desperate to cling on

13 July, 2017 - 13:48

Ross Greer MSP, Europe spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (13 July) said that the Repeal Bill published by the UK Government represents a significant "power grab" by a Government desperate to cling on after losing their mandate.

He confirmed that the Scottish Green MSPs would not vote to give legislative consent to such a Bill when approval is sought by Westminster.

Ross Greer MSP said:

Greer concerned as General Teaching Council approves fast-tracking into school system

11 July, 2017 - 13:34

Ross Greer MSP, Education spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (11 July) expressed concern after the General Teaching Council of Scotland approved a course which fast-tracks teachers into the school system after a year, six months earlier than usual.

Ross Greer said: