Scotland can build a just transition to a secure sustainable economy
Patrick Harvie, Economy spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Glasgow, today used a Holyrood debate to call for collaboration between workers, trade unions, industry and governments to manage a shift towards lasting jobs.
Had the Green amendment to today's economy debate been selected by the Presiding Officer, MSPs would have been invited to vote for a broader range of economic indicators, a transition away from economic reliance on fossil fuel, and the harnessing of offshore skills to develop a sustainable economy.
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
"There have been massive job losses with expectations of more to come from North Sea oil and gas. We’ve heard warnings from the likes of the Governor of the Bank of England about over-reliance on unburnable fossil fuels. Yet Holyrood's other parties continue to delude themselves that business as usual will suddenly bounce back, when they should be planning a managed transition to viable alternative sectors.
"Individuals, communities and the wider Scottish economy are not helped by simply hoping for a return to the past. We know we can create many more jobs in new industries if we start investing now. And we need to start measuring the success of our economy not just by looking at GDP but by considering tangible issues such as job security, good health and skills.
"By bringing together workers, trade unions, industry and governments, Scotland can build a just transition to a secure sustainable economy for the workers of today and the future.”
Patrick's amendment, not selected by the Presiding Officer, is here