Greens in Action Everywhere
The Green movement is growing fast across the world. Greens have become government ministers in Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Kenya and beyond. There are Green Parties in 70 countries. Latvia has had a Green Prime Minister. In the UK we have 60 councillors, two Members of the London Assembly, seven MSPs and two MEPs.
The only level of government where there is no Green representation is at Westminster. Although the voting system may directly discriminate against emerging parties, a Green MP is inevitable.
This election, and this manifesto, are largely focused on reserved issues, as the Scottish Parliament has responsibility for many areas including public services. But questions will be asked across all areas. So what are our Green MSPs doing?
Using the powers in the Scottish Parliament, and working with local communities in each region, the seven Green MSPs are campaigning on:
Food
For a food revolution and supporting local community campaigns against the megaretail invasion, opposing local supermarket developments and supporting small business growth.
Energy
Consistently campaigning for increased funds and action for energy efficiency. In February, the Scottish Parliament voted to support a Green MSP motion calling for tougher action on energy efficiency. A Green Bill on Home Energy Efficiency has been lodged.
Waste
Leading a campaign for a “Zero Waste” approach to Scotland’s dire record on waste. Encouraging local authorities to take a lead in the absence of government action.
Transport
For traffic reduction and more public transport with a Green Transport Bill in progress. Promoting public transport alternatives to the Executive’s £1 billion roads programme and opposing major new roads such as the M74 Northern Extension and the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.
Climate Change
For serious action, prompting the first parliamentary inquiry into climate change. Exposing the contradictions of the Scottish Executive’s motorway building programme and promotion of ever more air travel.
GM
Taking action for a GM-free Scotland, including a law to keep biotech companies at bay by holding them liable for any economic damage caused by GM crops.
Public Services
To replace council tax and business rates with Land Value Taxation. A bill is under development.
Planning
Promoting third party right of appeal to level the playing field between developers and communities. Green MSPs have campaigned locally to save green spaces and supported dozens of community campaigns against illthought out and unjust developments such as those faced by the Greengairs community already surrounded by eight landfills and open cast mines.
Education
Campaigning for sustainable development to be at the root of all education approaches, and promoting peace education. Green MSPs are campaigning against against commercial interests influence in education and end all Private Finance Initiatives.
Health
Fostering a public health approach to create a National Health – not Sickness – Service with preventative action and a healthier environment, and support for the ban of smoking in enclosed public spaces to protect workers and non-smokers from the effects of other people’s cigarette smoke.
ID Cards
Green MSPs scored a landmark victory in their campaign against ID cards, when the Parliament backed a Green motion and voted to reject ID cards, demanding a statement from the Scottish Executive on the use of a proposed national identity database in Scotland.