Introduction
Welcome to the Scottish Green Party
Scotland has enormous potential. We are in general a welcoming nation, with innovative people, extraordinary natural resources, and a strong creative impulse. Successive governments have let these assets go to waste, driven by short term personal or party goals rather than the long term benefit of the country. They have pursued policies driven by the lowest common denominator, inspired only by the timid visions for our future, and they consistently back vested interest over the public interest. Greens are different.
We believe a better Scotland is possible, a country where everyone can enjoy a good quality of life, with a strong economy based on using our fair share of the world’s natural resources, and where society is committed to the principles of justice, equality and non-violence.
People want fresh, honest politics, based on a vision for this country’s future that is both realistic and hopeful, and want a government prepared to take practical steps to bring it about. Greens work inside and outside Parliament for a tolerant and just society at home, for a healthy environment, and for peace and the rule of law. We believe Scotland has no need for weapons of mass destruction, and oppose the existing Trident missile system and its renewal. Scotland can build a reputation internationally for being a responsible member of the world community, dedicated to peace and justice.
It is clear that climate change is the most urgent problem we face. The economic costs and social disruption of climate chaos, flooding, storm damage and agricultural failure are immense. Greens believe that our energy future must be built on efficient use of cutting-edge renewable technologies, not nuclear power with all its risks and its virtually endless legacy of dangerous waste. We believe that Scotland can end the blight of persistent poverty, as the Scandinavians have, and that we should start by ending the benefit trap and building a high-skill low carbon economy. We believe in a Scotland where women, young people and old people and all minorities, regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion or disability, are free from discrimination. We support a referendum on independence, and will campaign for a yes vote, based on the principle of local decision-making, not ideological nationalism.
There could be so much more to democracy than just a vote every few years. We want to help build a radical democracy in Scotland, where decisions are taken as close to the people as possible. Empowered local communities must get a real say in the decisions that affect them, and more power must be returned to local authorities.
The document attached introduces you to our party, our policies and the principles behind them. There has never been a more important time to support Scottish Greens. Join us. Act now for a better Scotland.
Robin Harper & Alison Johnstone Co-Convenors