Practical measures needed to create a better, fairer Scotland - Lorna Slater

It is an important moment. Programmes for Government can sometimes become lists of worthy ambitions, but what matters to people is whether they make a tangible difference to their lives, their communities and the future of our country.

‘We need a clear national planning framework for data centres, with a requirement for Environmental Impact Assessments.’ Picture: Yui Mok

The Scottish Greens have shown in the last Parliament that positive change is possible when parties work together. From expanding free school meals and investing in nature restoration, to pushing forward climate action and improving public transport, Green ideas have helped shape Scotland for the better. That spirit of cooperation should continue.

There are many areas where I believe the SNP Government should listen to the Scottish Greens and make clear commitments in this Programme for Government.

First, Scotland must say no to new oil and gas licences. We cannot credibly claim to be tackling the climate emergency while continuing to support further fossil fuel extraction. The transition away from oil and gas must be fair, properly planned and create good jobs for the workers and communities who have powered our economy for generations.

Second, we need integrated ticketing across Scotland’s transport network. Travelling by bus, train, tram or ferry should not require people to navigate a maze of different tickets, apps and payment systems.

If we want people to leave their cars at home, public transport needs to be affordable, simple and joined up. Scotland has talked about integrated ticketing for years. It is time to deliver it.

Third, the Government needs to get serious about the rapid expansion of data centres. Scotland has enormous potential to benefit from the digital economy, but we cannot simply welcome every proposal without considering its impact on our energy system, water resources, communities and climate commitments.

We need a clear national planning framework for data centres, with Environmental Impact Assessments required for developments so their true environmental consequences can be properly understood. We should welcome investment that benefits Scotland, but not investment at any cost.

Finally, we need to make free childcare genuinely free from the day a child turns three. At the moment, families can find themselves paying for childcare for months after their child’s third birthday, simply because of how local provision and school terms operate. For a family already struggling with the cost of living, those months of additional fees can make a huge difference.

A promise of free childcare should mean free childcare from a child’s third birthday. It really is that simple.

These are just a few practical, progressive measures that would make a difference to people’s lives while helping build a fairer, greener and more prosperous Scotland.

The Scottish Greens do not expect the SNP to agree with us on everything. Politics should involve disagreement, debate and scrutiny. But the last Parliament demonstrated what can happen when we put those differences aside where we can, and work together on the issues where Scotland needs action.

The First Minister has an opportunity next week to show that he understands that lesson.

Scotland needs ambition, not just announcements. It needs action that improves people’s lives today while protecting the country we leave to future generations.

I hope the Scottish Government chooses to work with the Scottish Greens again to make that happen.