Scottish Election 2021: Greens claim only they can deliver 'fair' economic recovery

The Scottish Greens have put the post-Covid economic recovery at the heart of their election campaign, with a claim they are the only party who can deliver on fairness and on the challenge of the climate crisis.

Ahead of a full election battle launch on Calton Hill on Tuesday – which will include a new slogan – the party’s co-leader Lorna Slater pledged the Scottish Greens would deliver a “fair and green recovery from this pandemic which leaves no-one behind”.

She said the party would campaign on its “record of delivering change over the last five years” as well as a “detailed vision” for Scotland's future.

The Scottish Greens candidate for Edinburgh North & Leith, Ms Slater said: "From fairer income taxes, free bus travel for young people and a public sector pay rise, we've shown in the last five years that Green votes make a difference.

Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater.

"But our future is at stake. With global science showing we have only nine years left before the climate breakdown becomes irreversible, the Scottish Greens are the only party contesting this election with the practical solutions to address the climate emergency with the urgency it requires.

"Our manifesto will build on the detailed plans in our Scottish Green New Deal to invest in renewable energy, public transport, warm homes and protecting nature, creating tens of thousands of new well-paid jobs and rebuilding the public sector to address the urgent challenges that face our country.

"At this election Scotland has an opportunity to vote for the country it wants, leading Europe in renewable energy and driving down emissions.”

The Holyrood election will take place on May 6.

A message from the Editor:Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.