Scottish Greens vote for First Minister to deliver greener future for Scotland
The Scottish Greens are looking forward to building on the successes of the last 18 months and delivering even more for the people of Scotland, said Co-leader Lorna Slater in a speech to welcome the new First Minister Humza Yousaf.
Yesterday the Scottish Greens’ Party Council unanimously voted to support the election of Humza Yousaf as the next First Minister and to continue the Bute House Agreement between the two parties.
Speaking in the debate, Lorna Slater said:
“Today represents a historic milestone. Our youngest ever First Minister. Our first Muslim leader. And the first minority ethnic leader of a devolved Government in the UK.
“It also represents the continuation of our historic agreement, which brought the Scottish Greens into Government for the first time in the UK.
“Humza Yousaf has been a great supporter of the Bute House Agreement. That support has been consistent and strong throughout the last six weeks, and for that Humza Yousaf has my – and my party’s – gratitude…
“I am proud of what we have already delivered in the first 18 months of our collaborative Government. An emergency rent freeze; free bus travel for young people; record funding for tackling the nature and climate emergencies; doubling the Scottish Child Payment; an active travel investment programme that rivals the best of our European neighbours; an Energy Strategy that recognises we need to leave oil and gas in the ground.
“I look forward to building on these successes. Delivering more for the people of Scotland, our climate and our environment. Because our work has only just begun.
“From delivering our commitment to create highly protected marine areas, so that our oceans can regenerate after decades of decline, to a bold new climate plan. We will deliver a greener Scotland. From bringing in permanent rent controls and new rights for tenants to delivering new social security protections. We will deliver a fairer Scotland. And from banning cruel conversion practices and bringing in safe access zones around abortion clinics. We will deliver a more compassionate Scotland.
“My Scottish Green colleagues and I look forward to working with the new First Minister and Scottish Government to deliver a fairer, greener, independent Scotland. It is needed now more than ever before.”
