by Niall Christie

Scotland editor

SCOTTISH Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie has said the party is not pre-empting the result of the May 6 elections despite growing anticipation of a pro-independence coalition in Holyrood.

Mr Harvie said yesterday that the party hopes to “make a difference” in the next parliament with an expanded group of MSPs, adding that the Greens will only speak to other parties after the election about potential coalitions. 

He said that the party, which supports Scottish independence, remains committed to pushing the SNP government towards a more progressive agenda.

“Our job is to convince people that not only do we have the right ideas for Scotland, but that we make a difference,” he said.

“We’ll put forward green ideas and be focused on that positive track record of making a difference and what we can do with more.”

Mr Harvie also raised concerns about the Labour Party’s recent conduct. He will stand in the Glasgow Kelvin constituency against a Labour candidate who was allegedly imposed on the local party by the Scottish Labour executive.

He said that Labour had lost the trust of its own local branch and that its national leaders have “really difficult questions to ask themselves if they want to face both ways on the constitutional question.”

His comments came at the start of the party’s online conference, which concludes today.

Party co-leader Lorna Slater is expected to unveil plans to create over 100,000 jobs as part of a green recovery from the pandemic. 

Ms Slater will also announce plans to invest in renewable energy, public transport and retrofitting homes as part of the fight against fuel poverty and the climate crisis.