THE Scottish Greens have returned a record number of MSPs in the Holyrood election, creating a pro-independence majority in the Scottish Parliament.
The Greens failed to win a constituency, but took eight seats on regional lists, including gains in the North East and Central Scotland regions.
Now, the focus on the Greens shifts to whether they will again occupy the role of helping the SNP pass budgets and other legislation on a case-by-case basis – while extracting concessions from the ruling party – or if there will be a formal coalition between the two.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said another independence referendum would be “irresponsible and reckless”, but a coalition between Holyrood’s two independence supporting parties, which would include 72 seats, would be harder to reject.
Before polling day, both the SNP and Scottish Greens refused to rule out a coalition, and Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said today it would be for the SNP to make the first approach.
As of this afternoon, there were “no plans” for talks between the two sides, according to a Greens source.
Meanwhile, co-leader Lorna Slater was elected to Holyrood on the Lothian list, occupying the seat formerly held by Andy Wightman – who left the party in January.
There is also space in the parliamentary group for former co-leader Maggie Chapman, who won in the North East region.
Chapman’s election could be seen as one of the most surprising results of the election, due to the North East region’s reliance on the oil and gas sector as a source of employment and economic stimulus.
The Greens have previously said they want a just transition away from oil and gas, with re-training for staff in the sector, along with an end to new exploration licences in the North Sea.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel