FMQs: Donald Trump is no friend of Scotland, say Greens
Donald Trump’s climate destroying, racist politics have no place in Scotland says Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater MSP.
Speaking at First Minister’s Questions today, Ms Slater condemned the actions of the President-elect and urged the First Minister to stand up to him and his divisive politics.
In her first question to the First Minister, Ms Slater said:
“I was disappointed to hear that Scotland’s First Minister has been having friendly chats with President-elect Trump, with no discussion of his policy agenda.
“Donald Trump’s climate destroying, racist and conspiracy-theory based politics are endangering people and planet, and are the exact opposite of the future that we want for Scotland.
“Here in Scotland we proudly welcome refugees and immigrants as ‘new Scots.’ We value democracy, our environment, and the rule of law.
“First Minister, how can it be in Scotland’s interests to court the favours of someone like Donald Trump?”
Following the First Minister’s response, Lorna Slater reflected on the impact of Trumpian politics on Scotland and expressed her support for compassionate and humane policies like the extension of free bus travel to people seeking asylum.
In her second question, Ms Slater said:
“There is a risk to such a friendly approach. Already we see the Trumpification in Scottish politics.
“All week the Tories have been working to demonise people seeking asylum, and to pit one group of vulnerable people against another. It is shameful.
“At the same time, we’re seeing the rights of refugees and LGBTQ+ folks coming under attack from Westminster policies.
“Will the First Minister stand up to Donald Trump, stand up for human rights, equality and democracy, and will he make clear that we are proud of compassionate and humane policies like the extension of free bus travel to people seeking asylum?”