THE Scottish Government has provided an update on the progress of talks between the SNP and Greens on a potential co-operation deal.
Talks between the parties started after they secured a pro-independence majority at the Holyrood election, and are set to continue through until late August or early September.
Last week a government insider told The National that Nicola Sturgeon and her ministers are “optimistic” that a deal will be struck over the summer.
As she unveiled the talks after the May 6 vote, the First Minister said she would be looking for agreement with the party on areas like climate change and the environment – however, she said other areas could be “challenging”.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon ‘optimistic’ on co-operation deal with Green Party
The pro-independence parties’ manifestoes different on areas like tax – with the Greens backing a wealth tax and a tight timeline to end fossil fuel extraction from the North Sea.
Deputy first minister John Swinney provided a written update on the talks to newly elected Green MSP Gillian Mackay, who represents the Central Scotland region.
Swinney told Mackay that as the First Minister had set out, the parties are looking to work together “to change the dynamic of our politics for the better in line with the founding priciniples of our Parliament”.
The MSP added that since the Scottish Parliament election the parties have been “engaging in positive discussions” and “have identified the subjects to be explored as part of this”.
“Talks are covering the major challenges of this parliament,” he wrote. “This includes Scotland’s recovery from Covid, our response to the climate emergency, the constitution, public services, infrastructure, and building a fairer and more equal Scotland.”
Swinney confirmed that the talks would continue with an update to be provided following the summer recess.
Responding to the written answer, Harvie said: “Discussions have been positive, and as the deputy first minister has indicated, will cover the major challenges facing Scotland including economic recovery from the pandemic, responding to the climate emergency, the constitution, public services, infrastructure and making Scotland more equal.
“As talks continue over the summer, we look forward to discussing a wide range of issues with the government and reaching agreement on a programme which delivers a fairer, greener Scotland.”
Meanwhile, 155 members of the Scottish Greens have written to the co-leaders about their concerns over a co-operation deal.
The open letter calls on Harvie and Slater to challenge the SNP over its record on trans issues, claiming there are “gender-critical SNP representatives” at every level of the party.
Members are also urging the leadership to demand the Scottish Government repeals the Prostitution Act of 2007 that criminalised the sale of sex in public.
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