THE SCOTTISH Cabinet has approved a co-operation deal between the SNP and Scottish Greens.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Greens co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater made the announcement earlier today.
The deal - called the Bute House Agreement - has been in the works for months, with the parties locked in negotiations after the Scottish Parliamentary elections in May.
But now, the deal has been signed off from the SNP end - with Green party members set to vote on the agreement on Saturday, August 28.
READ MORE: Douglas Ross accused of 'homophobic dog-whistle' on SNP-Greens deal
The co-operation agreement is based on the New Zealand model of working together pioneered by Labour Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and that country’s Greens.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government has reached a ground-breaking agreement with the Scottish Green Party that meets the challenges and opportunities of our time.
“The challenges we face have rarely been greater - the climate emergency, recovery from a global pandemic and an assault by the UK Government on the powers of our Parliament.
“Today’s politics can too often feel small - polarised, divided and incapable of meeting the moment – and this agreement is intended to change that in Scotland. It is about doing politics and governance better to find the solutions needed to solve the problems confronting the world today.
“The spirit of co-operation and consensus-building is very much in keeping with the founding principles of our Scottish Parliament.
"We do not agree on everything but we are coming out of our comfort zones to focus on what we do agree on.
“The agreement delivers bold policy action on pressing issues. A commitment to more affordable housing, a better deal for tenants and action to tackle poverty and inequality. Steps to accelerate our transition to net zero - more support for active travel, transformation of home energy and a ten year transition fund for the North East of Scotland.
"A focus on green jobs and fair work - and a sustainable recovery from Covid. We also reaffirm in this agreement our shared commitment to securing independence for Scotland, and to giving people the right to choose our country’s future through a referendum.
“It recognises that business as usual is not good enough – we need boldness, courage and a will to do things differently. That is what we offer.”
Green Party co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “This is a historic moment, which could not come at a more important time.
"We must build a fairer and compassionate country and we must do everything in our power to tackle the escalating climate and nature emergencies to deliver a just transition for all. That is what this deal will do.
"Fundamentally this is a new approach to politics. We agree on some things and disagree on others - those distinctive voices can and will remain.”
Green Party co-leader Lorna Slater said: “The stakes could not be higher - with the COP26 climate conference coming to Glasgow, Scotland is in a position show real leadership on climate.
"But this deal is about people as well as the planet. Together, we would deliver a new deal for tenants, giving tenants more rights and introducing rent controls to help tackle Scotland’s housing crisis, create a new National Park, and much more. That’s why we are pledging to work together to build a greener, fairer and independent Scotland.”
More to follow...
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