Greens welcome independence announcement
Scottish Greens Parliamentary Co-Leader Alison Johnstone MSP this afternoon welcomed the statement from the First Minister outlining plans for a future independence referendum.
Alison said:
“The Scottish Greens have always believed that Scotland’s future should be in Scotland’s hands, as an independent nation at the heart of Europe. The Brexit shambles has only confirmed our belief that we would be far better governing ourselves. So we welcome the First Minister’s statement today.
“Support for independence grew over the course of the last referendum in part due to the breadth of inspiring, positive visions of what our nation could be. The vision currently being considered by the SNP looks more like the failed economic model of the UK, a vision which has led to cuts to public services and increasing child poverty, than the bold vision for independence the Greens campaigned for and believed in.
“The First Minister also announced the establishment of a citizen’s assembly. We welcome this move, but this body cannot simply be a talking shop. We will put pressure on the Scottish Government to ensure that this body is listened to and shapes government policy.”