Budget will put Scotland on path to 'greener future', says Harvie

The Scottish Budget will put the country on a path towards a “fairer and greener future”, Patrick Harvie has pledged.

Ahead of spending plans being announced on Thursday, the Scottish Green minister indicated there will be investment in new measures to end Scotland’s contribution to climate change.

And he said it marks the “first step” on delivering commitments to tackling the climate emergency, as set out in the agreement reached by his party and the SNP to enter government in August.

Although the Scottish Greens have voted to approve the Budget in previous years at Holyrood, this year will be the first time that they have held office.

Harvie and Lorna Slater were given ministerial posts as part of the agreement struck after negotiations.

Scotland has taken a “big step forward” by having Greens in government according to the UK Climate Change Committee.

Praising the joint policy platform, it noted our £1.8bn for decarbinising buildings, trebling of investment in active travel, and funding for trains and buses. 🌍 pic.twitter.com/kplCbNqu7K
— Scottish Greens (@scottishgreens) December 7, 2021

Speaking ahead of the Budget, Glasgow MSP Harvie said: “The Budget that will be presented to Parliament on Thursday will put Scotland on a path towards securing a fairer and greener future.

“It’s the first step on delivering commitments to tackle the climate emergency made in the agreement between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Greens.

“That means investing now to cut pollution from transport, make homes warmer and more energy efficient, and restore our natural environment.

“The Budget process is a core part of our shared agreement made in August and will help us accelerate efforts to become a net-zero economy and support people, businesses and communities to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

“This Budget will invest in new measures to end Scotland’s contribution to climate change and create green jobs.”