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.

8 questions the UK Government must answer on EU citizens

Ross Greer MSP Fri 23 Jun

It is one year since England and Wales voted for Brexit and finally Theresa May has made an announcement on EU citizens living here. Yet the announcement falls far short of what is needed.

Greer welcomes publication of Information Sharing Bill

20 June, 2017 - 16:54

Ross Greer MSP, Education spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (20 June) welcomed publication of the Children and Young People (Information Sharing) (Scotland) Bill.

A year ago a Supreme Court judgement confirmed that providing a named person as a point of contact and support for every child and their family was ‘unquestionably benign’ and would not breach human rights but asked for clarity around information-sharing provisions.

Ross Greer MSP said:

Greer questions plans by Education Secretary to change educational structures

15 June, 2017 - 16:03

Ross Greer MSP, Education spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (15 June) questioned plans by the Education Secretary to change educational structures, including by giving headteachers greater administrative responsibilities.

The Education Secretary's proposals follow a governance review, criticised by teacher and parent representative bodies and which Mr Greer has described as a distraction from the real issue in schools: cuts to staffing.

Ross Greer blast arms dealer lessons in schools

14 June, 2017 - 16:13

The Scottish Greens have slammed government ministers for their failure to condemn a ‘Dragon’s Den’ lesson plan putting children in the role of arms dealers.

After questioning by Green MSP during portfolio questions, education secretary John Swinney said that it is up to teachers to “determine the appropriateness” of external organisations visiting schools, including representatives from the defence industry.

'Teachers are already considering going on strike and rising inflation will only make the situation worse'

13 June, 2017 - 16:23

The prospect of teachers supporting industrial action was discussed at Holyrood today when a Green MSP questioned the Scottish Government’s lack of action on improving teacher salaries.

Ross Greer MSP questioned the education secretary about the freeze on teacher salaries in the wake of the EIS union voting to launch a campaign that could include strike action in response to real terms cuts in salaries over the last decade.

In response, Education Secretary John Swinney acknowledged that it was “difficult to support” the public sector pay freeze.

Greer urges Scot Gov to rethink proposal for "fast-track" teaching scheme

8 June, 2017 - 08:00

Ross Greer MSP, Education spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (8 June) urged the Scottish Government to rethink its proposal to launch a "fast-track" teaching scheme which would give unqualified people teaching roles in schools.

The controversial move has prompted an emergency motion condemning the proposal at today's EIS teaching union Annual General Meeting.

The teaching union says parachuting non-qualified people into schools is not a solution to the recruitment challenges being faced.

Amidst all the darkness is a light that never goes out

Ross Greer MSP Fri 26 May

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. It’s a line from the Gospel of John which I used in a recent address to a church who had invited me to discuss what I recently witnessed of the Mediterranean refugee crisis. It’s a line which goes beyond any and all faiths and is strikingly relevant this week.

Greer calls on Education Secretary to act on report showing inconsistent & inadequate PSE in schools

23 May, 2017 - 10:00

Ross Greer MSP, Education spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (23 May) called on Education Secretary John Swinney to act on the findings of a report showing alarming evidence of "inconsistent" and "inadequate" Personal and Social Education (PSE) in schools.

We will fight Tory plans for compulsory photo-ID at elections

19 May, 2017 - 12:44

The Scottish Greens will lead a campaign to ensure that Tory plans for compulsory photo-ID at elections are not replicated in Scotland.

Patrick Harvie MSP, the Scottish Greens’ co-convener, has written to Derek Mackay, the cabinet secretary with responsibility for elections, seeking a guarantee that the Scottish Government will stand against the “damaging and authoritarian” proposal in the Conservative Party’s general election manifesto.

Harvie says the move will result in “marginalised people losing their ability to vote”.

Greer criticises Education Secretary for calling on college lecturers to end strike action

16 May, 2017 - 15:28

Ross Greer MSP, Education spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (16 May) criticised Education Secretary John Swinney for calling on college lecturers to end their strike action, despite management failing to honour a pay deal agreed over a year ago.

Mr Greer has repeatedly called on the Scottish Government to intervene in the ongoing dispute, and today Mr Swinney announced that an independent facilitator has been appointed to help negotiations but that ministers expect lecturers to call off further strikes.