Patrick Harvie MSP, the co-leader of the Scottish Greens, urges the new First Minister not to backtrack on LGBTQ rights and equality.
Scottish Government Must Not Retreat on Equality
Patrick Harvie MSP, the co-leader of the Scottish Greens, has urged the new First Minister not to backtrack on LGBTQ rights and equality. Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, Mr. Harvie expressed concern over recent decisions made by the Scottish Government and called for a reaffirmation of progressive policies.
A Clear Signal
Mr. Harvie stated, «The Scottish Greens have been clear that we acknowledge the SNP’s right to form a minority government, but we’ve been equally clear that the First Minister must quickly give a signal of the direction his government will take».
He went on to criticise recent appointments and decisions made by the Scottish Government, saying, «Yesterday that signal came pretty clearly – progressive ministers sacked, and the second most powerful job in government given to someone who has opposed LGBTQ people’s legal equality, who has expressed judgmental attitudes to abortion, and who has even expressed the view that people who have families without being married are doing something wrong».
A Step Backwards?
Mr. Harvie questioned whether this is the Scottish Government’s vision for the future of Scotland, asking, «Is this taking us back to the repressive values of the 1950s?»
He then called on the new First Minister, John Swinney, to reaffirm his support for progressive taxation to invest in public services, climate action, and tackling child poverty. Mr. Harvie emphasised the importance of fair tax policies in achieving these goals.
He said, “Making sure that people on high incomes pay their fair share is the only way that the government has been able to afford investment in climate and nature, cheaper public transport, or the Scottish Child Payment. Without fairer tax policies, which the Greens repeatedly had to push the SNP into supporting, these things couldn’t have happened.”
A Challenging Year Ahead
Looking ahead, Mr. Harvie highlighted the challenges that Scotland may face in the coming year. He stated, «Next year, whether it’s the Tories or the Labour Party, we know that the UK government will continue with austerity, imposing deeper cuts than ever on Scotland».
He then posed a crucial question to the First Minister, asking, «Does the First Minister accept that continuing on the path of progressive taxation will be more important than ever? Will that progress continue, or will the First Minister give in to the right-wing of his party?».
Mr. Harvie expressed his concern for the well-being of the LGBTQ community and others in Scotland, emphasising that it is not only equality and human rights that are at stake but also the ability to invest in crucial areas such as climate action and tackling child poverty.
As the new Scottish Government takes shape, it is vital that the principles of equality and progressive taxation are upheld. The decisions made now will shape the future of Scotland and determine whether the country moves forward or takes a step back.
