The Scottish Green Party has launched its 2024 General Election manifesto with a pledge to protect the country from the “existential threat” of climate change by phasing out fossil fuels and investing in renewables.
The party wants to see a £28bn a year Green New Deal that would include a just transition for oil and gas workers and a major shake-up to the UK’s energy use.
The 56-page manifesto calls for an end to oil and gas companies being able to advertise and a stop to all subsidies for fossil fuels.
All public sector pension funds, the party said, should also fully divest from fossil fuels.
The Greens would also levy a private jet tax of £1,000 per head against those using their own planes to travel to or within the UK.
Addressing journalists and party activists at the Edinburgh launch, co-leader Lorna Slater warned the world is “hurtling towards climate hell”.
She said new oil and gas licences are “a fast-track to climate breakdown”.
“They are incompatible with our climate commitments,” she said.
“Any party, or any politician, that tells you otherwise is – I’m afraid – simply denying basic climate science.”
The party reiterated its desire to see an independent Scotland without the monarchy and it wants the next UK Government to devolve the powers to hold referendums to Holyrood.
It also wants a higher minimum wage, a ban on zero-hours contracts and a transition to a four-day workweek.
Harvie said the party would immediately end the two-child benefits cap.
“The arbitrary and cruel benefit cap has taken an average of £51 a week from almost 28,000 Scots families since its introduction.,” he said.
The Scottish Greens co-leader said everyone should be entitled to a guaranteed minimum income.
He told party members: “Our manifesto lays out our vision for how the UK and Scotland can be a fairer, greener, more welcoming country.
“But the reality is that in spite of the challenges that we face, only small change is on offer from Labour.
“Starmer might replace Sunak in Number 10. But we will still have starved public services, Brexit, a government in the thrall of the billionaires, disrespect for Scottish democracy, and a deepening climate crisis.
“Don’t waste your vote on more of the same. Use your vote. Use it to deliver a powerful message. To say you want a green, fair and independent Scotland.
“Vote like your future depends on it on July 4 – because it does. Vote Scottish Greens.”
The Scottish Greens manifesto can be found in full here.
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