Get the latest from West Scotland Candidate Ross Greer

Scottish Greens Pledge to End Primary School Homework

Mon 12 Apr, 2021

The Scottish Greens are set to propose an end to homework in primary schools, pointing to evidence that rather than helping to improve attainment, it can often have a harmful effect on younger children’s attitude towards learning.

Scotland should begin playing a bigger role on the international stage in preparation for independence, say Greens

Fri 9 Apr, 2021

Scotland can play a more active role in the international community, even before independence is achieved according to the Scottish Greens’ manifesto for the upcoming Holyrood elections.

The Greens’ are set to propose that Scotland seek associate membership of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nordic Council, as well as observer status of the Arctic Council.

Scottish Greens reveal plan to tackle disinformation

Tue 6 Apr, 2021

In a first for a Scottish Parliament election, the Greens are set to unveil a suite of policies designed to tackle the growing problem of fake news and disinformation.

The policies, included in the party’s upcoming election manifesto, include proposals to set up an independent office to coordinate efforts aimed at tackling disinformation and an aim to replicate the success of Finland’s efforts at integrating media literacy and critical thinking into their school curriculum.

Scottish Greens education and media spokesperson Ross Greer said:

Greens pledge 5,500 teachers to help schools recovery

Fri 2 Apr, 2021

Scottish Greens will today reveal plans to recruit an additional 5,500 teachers to help schools recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

The Scottish Greens manifesto will make the pledge, an increase of 10% of the workforce, to help reduce class sizes and teacher workload, which unions warn have become unmanageable in recent years.

Scottish Greens brand racism report a disgrace

Wed 31 Mar, 2021

A new report from the The Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities which claims the UK is not institutionally racist has been branded a 'disgrace' by the Scottish Greens.

Responding to the report, Scottish Greens external affairs spokesperson Ross Greer said:

UK Nuclear weapons expansion is delusional and dangerous

Tue 16 Mar, 2021

Plans to expand the UK’s nuclear weapons stockpile are delusional and dangerous when the world already facing existential threats from a virus and climate breakdown, the Scottish Greens have said.

As part of overall increased ‘defence’ spending, the announcement by the Prime Minister today to increase nuclear warheads by more then 40% reverses 30 years of disarmament. This goes against the objectives of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, a historic international agreement to reduce nuclear weapons stockpiles of which the UK is a key signatory.

Scottish Greens: Kids should start school at seven

Sun 21 Feb, 2021

Scotland should introduce a kindergarten stage, with children starting formal primary schooling at seven, the Scottish Greens have said.

Research shows a Nordic-style kindergarten system between the ages of three and six, with learning undertaken through ‘creative play’ rather than a ‘formal learning’ approach, would improve children’s wellbeing and educational outcomes later in their school career.

Scottish Greens: sack the SQA board

Fri 12 Feb, 2021

Scottish Greens education spokesperson Ross Greer MSP has branded the Scottish Qualifications Authority “not fit for purpose” and called on the Scottish Government to sack the board of the bungling exams body.

Greens call on Scottish Government to stop support for companies profiting from war in Yemen

Thu 11 Feb, 2021

The Scottish Greens have called on the Scottish Government to end all cash grants and support for companies profiting from the Saudi-led bombing of Yemen. This follows the decision of the US Government to halt arms sales and support for the Saudi Arabian military in Yemen.

The bombing campaign has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis, including widespread famine and cholera outbreaks. This crisis is only possible because of the complicity and support of arms companies and arms-dealing governments like the UK.

Greens: Vaccinate special school staff

Wed 3 Feb, 2021

Staff working at special schools in Scotland should be prioritised for COVID vaccination alongside health and care staff, the Scottish Greens have said. This comes after the announcement that some special school staff in Northern Ireland will be prioritised.

Education secretary John Swinney last week indicated that consideration was being given to the prioritisation of special school staff but that no decision had yet been made.