GREEN BID FOR JUBILEE DEBATE TURNED DOWN

29 May 2012 

Scottish Greens say they are disappointed but not surprised their proposed contribution to tomorrow's Scottish Parliament debate on the Queen's jubilee has been rejected by the Presiding Officer.

An amendment to the government motion was put forward this afternoon by Patrick Harvie, Green MSP for Glasgow, expressing gratitude to Mrs Windsor for her sixty years of service but also affirming respect for all other public sector workers.

The amendment called for a debate about the head of state in an independent Scotland.

The government motion lodged by Alex Salmond is supported by the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat party leaders.

Green MSP Patrick Harvie said:

"Our intention wasn't to rain on her majesty's parade but rather to spark debate about the sort of head of state Scotland should have in the future. Sticking to the hereditary principle in the twenty-first century is bound to seem bizarre to many Scots and it's a shame that won't be reflected.

"The other parties can doff their caps to royalty if they want. Greens are much more likely to break out bunting and cake for the low paid public sector workers and local activists who bring our communities together."