Scottish Green Party

Scottish Green Party. The Scottish Green Party is a green, progressive, and pro-independence political party operating in Scotland. Formed in 1990, it is a full member of the European Green Party and the Global Greens. The party has seen significant growth in the 21st century, becoming part of a governing agreement with the Scottish National Party following the 2021 Scottish Parliament election.

History

The party's origins lie in the UK Green Party, which contested the 1984 European Parliament election in the United Kingdom. The Scottish branch was formally established as an autonomous party in 1990. It first gained representation in the Scottish Parliament following the inaugural 1999 Scottish Parliament election, with Robin Harper becoming the first elected Green parliamentarian in the United Kingdom. The party campaigned for a "Yes" vote in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum and saw its influence grow substantially after the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, where it became the fourth-largest party. A landmark was reached with the signing of the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish National Party in 2021, bringing co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater into government as ministers.

Policies

The party's platform is built on core principles of environmental justice, social justice, and radical democracy. Its central environmental policies include a rapid transition to renewable energy, a comprehensive Green New Deal, and opposing new North Sea oil and gas exploration. It advocates for a circular economy and major investment in public transport, including the expansion of rail transport in Scotland. On social policy, it supports policies such as a universal basic income, enhancement of LGBT rights, drug liberalization, and stronger tenants' rights through rent control. The party is a staunch advocate for Scottish independence, viewing it as a necessary step to fully implement its green and social policies, and supports reforming the British monarchy.

Organisation and structure

The party is organized through a network of local branches across Scotland, with its headquarters located in Edinburgh. Its supreme decision-making body is its regular Conference, which sets policy. Day-to-day governance is managed by a National Council and an Executive Committee. The party has a distinctive co-leadership model, currently held by Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater. It maintains close ties with other green parties through the European Green Party and the Global Greens, and its youth wing is known as the Young Greens of Scotland.

Electoral performance

The party achieved its first parliamentary success in the 1999 Scottish Parliament election under the Additional Member System. Its best result to date came in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, where it won a record eight MSPs, including victories in the Glasgow and Lothian regions. In Westminster elections, it has never won a House of Commons seat, typically focusing resources on the devolved parliament. The party has established a stronger presence in local government, with councillors in authorities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Highland Council.

Leadership

The party is led by two co-leaders, a position held since 2008. The current co-leaders are Patrick Harvie, MSP for Glasgow, and Lorna Slater, MSP for Lothian. They were elected to their roles in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Previous leaders include the party's first MSP, Robin Harper, and Alison Johnstone, who now serves as the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament. The co-leaders work alongside other key figures such as the party's Convener and its parliamentary spokespeople on portfolios like finance, climate change, and social justice.

Category:Political parties in Scotland Category:Green political parties Category:1990 establishments in Scotland