Announcing a “green new deal”, The Scottish Greens used Edinburgh’s arts centre at Summerhall to share their pledges on wealth taxes on the one per cent and divestment from fossil fuels.
Co-leaders Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie emphasised the urgency of climate change and the action needed, and that any Green MPs would provide “the green voice in Westminster”.
Lorna Slater highlighted the “scale of investment” needed to drive forward a sustainable future for Scotland, denouncing the “red and blue governments” which she said have failed to take the matter of climate change seriously in the wake of Net Zero targets, and also Brexit.
Mr Harvie outlined the party’s goals for a “fairer, greener, and more welcoming” independent Scotland. Policies outlined at the launch included extending parental leave, repealing the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024, and explaining the Scottish Greens’ stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
After the’ speeches, candidates went to The Meadows. Here, in one of the city’s landmark green spaces, The Edinburgh Reporter spoke with some of the party’s Edinburgh and Lothian candidates to ask what changes they will offer voters, if elected to Westminster on 4 July.
Speaking with Lorna Slater, Co-Leader of Scottish Greens, The Edinburgh Reporter also asked how the party are addressing the needs of younger voters, with climate change being front and centre of the latest manifesto.
Edinburgh East & Musselburgh candidate, Amanda Grimm, also took a moment to state her commitment to safeguarding the future of Edinburgh’s historic Summerhall, as she opened the morning’s proceedings.
The arts and culture hub in the heart of the city was put up for sale earlier this year.
The General Election will take place on 4 July 2024.
Additional material contributed by Zoe MacNaughton
Edinburgh-based journalist. Lover of radio and print.
