Lorna Slater defends Scottish Green party after being criticised by Kate Forbes

Kate Forbes says those in rural areas question why ‘urban-centric environmentalists’ like Lorna Slater have more of a say on the rural economy than they do

Lorna Slater has defended her party’s record after Kate Forbes questioned why people like her have more of a say in the rural economy than those who live there.

Ms Forbes, who ran against Humza Yousaf to be the next First Minister, appeared on Matt Forde’s The Political Party podcast at the Edinburgh Fringe when she made the comments.

The former finance secretary said many in her rural constituency of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch cannot understand why “urban-centric environmentalists” such as Ms Slater and fellow Greens’ co-leader Patrick Harvie have more of a say on rural affairs than they do.

Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, Lorna Slater

Ms Forbes also said oil and gas cannot be turned off tomorrow, and said protestors such as Just Stop Oil are alienating the public.

This comes after a number of SNP backbenchers said members should be asked to vote on whether or not to continue the Bute House Agreement at the next party conference.

This agreement formally brought the Scottish Greens into government for the very first time, and gave Ms Slater and Mr Harvie ministerial roles.

Ms Forbes, who has spoken out on a number of policies brought forward by this agreement such as gender reform and highly-protected marine areas, said she thinks “checking in” with members on this agreement would be a good idea.

Following her comments, Ms Slater has been forced to defend her party’s record, and insists she is not preaching to those who are living in rural areas.

Speaking on BBC Good Morning Scotland, Ms Slater said: “The wonderful thing about being minister for biodiversity is I can travel the country to speak to people in rural areas.

“Just last week I was in Loch Lomond to talk to businesses about better cycling facilities and public transport so they can get more customers.

“I think we all need to work together to make sure the rural economy thrives under the cooperation agreement between the Greens and the Scottish Government.”

Ms Slater added many government policies on climate change, such as the nature restoration plan, have a much bigger impact on rural areas than in urban areas.

She also said the Bute House Agreement means both the SNP and the Scottish Greens have a good track record of doing politics differently and in a way that members of the public want.

The Lothians MSP added: “Remember it is the rural and coastal communities which will feel the brunt of the climate crisis with rising sea levels, changes to the seasons and new pests affecting crops.

“We need to work together to tackle the climate crisis to protect our rural communities.”