Queen's speech: UK Government hides intentions behind rhetoric
The Queen’s speech hid the UK Government’s intentions behind rhetoric, the Scottish Greens have warned.
Opening the Westminster parliament, the Queen talked about a recovery from the pandemic, green industries, sustainable economics and reform of the planning system.
Responding, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “Other than the positive news that the UK Government will finally move to ban conversion therapy, which still hold the danger of loopholes and exemptions, this was a Queen’s speech which masked the government’s true priorities. Talk of climate commitments and green industries is cheap when you are investing in other priorities such as expanding the UK’s nuclear arsenal.
“For rhetoric to mean anything it needs action and real investment in green jobs across the UK. But we’ve seen this government would rather hand out millions to their friends.
“There are also worrying signs of a further power grab by the Tories. We know they plan to encroach on Scotland’s devolved transport policy by expanding roads here, and the plans for voter ID is a blatant pitch for voter suppression among those who are more likely to vote this government out.
“In Scotland, I’m proud that the Scottish Greens played a crucial part in extending the franchise to include foreign nationals and refugees, which helped achieve increased turnout for the Scottish parliament election. Instead, the UK Government seems desperate to stop people exercising their democratic right, as they have done with their attitude towards Scotland having a say over our future.”