Greens yet to make ‘final decision’ on backing Budget – Harvie
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The co-leader of the Scottish Greens says his party is yet to make a “final decision” on whether to support the Scottish Budget, and still regrets the end of the powersharing deal with the SNP. Patrick Harvie said the Greens will continue to negotiate with John Swinney’s government ahead of MSPs voting on the Budget proposals in February.
But due to Scottish Labour deciding to abstain on the Budget vote, the tax and spending plans are almost certain to pass. The First Minister has nevertheless spoken of his desire to reach as much consensus as possible with the other parties at Holyrood.
Speaking on BBC’s Good Morning Scotland programme, Mr Harvie said the Greens’ priorities included accelerating the rollout of free school meals and a £2 cap on bus fares. He said: “We haven’t made a final decision. “The government have, I think, a great deal more … work to do, to answer the questions and to respond to the proposals that we put forward.
“I hope that we hear constructive answers. “But as you know, there have been budgets in the past where we have voted in favour. “In recent years, we’ve got a strong track record of delivering change through the budget that makes the lives of people in Scotland better and addresses the climate emergency.”.
Mr Harvie also spoke of his regret over the end of the Bute House Agreement last year, the powersharing deal which meant he and co-leader Lorna Slater entered government for the first time as ministers. Humza Yousaf’s decision to terminate the agreement ultimately led to him having to step down as first minister.
