The Scottish National Party and Scottish Greens have published details of their new draft power-sharing arrangement for the Scottish Government. The deal will take the Greens into government for the first time anywhere in the UK.
The draft proposal contains a draft “co-operation agreement” which details how this power-sharing arrangement is envisioned to work, the expectations of both parties and the processes put in place to facilitate this new agreement, and a draft “policy programme” which details the key areas of policy on which the Scottish National Party and Scottish Greens have agreed to co-operate.
BBC News - SNP and Greens deal
So far the general response from environmental and conservation groups has been cautiously optimistic..
The draft power-sharing arrangement between the Scottish National Party and Scottish Greens shows what can potentially be achieved by a progressive alliance of parties and also what the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru need to do in advance of the next General Election for the Westminster Government if they are to defeat the chaotic, reactionary, populist and right-wing Conservative Party, something that a majority of people wish to see.
The power-sharing arrangement in Scotland will see a joint commitment to a Natural Environment Bill which is most definitely a step in the right direction for that nation as it tackles the climate emergency and the repair, recovery and restoration of the environment and nature.
With Glasgow scheduled to host the world at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November 2021, the power-sharing arrangement comes at a critical moment in history for Scotland and the planet.
Scotland’s post-pandemic economic recovery will be a key priority for the new Scottish Government, and that nation, and all of the UK’s nations, need a green nature-based recovery. There must be an integrated approach addressing the nature and climate emergencies and securing post-pandemic economic recovery since nature, climate and the economy are inextricably linked. Restoring biodiversity mitigates against the impacts of climate change and contributes towards sustainable local and national economies that work for both people and planet.
One specific area where the draft power-sharing arrangement offers hope of more rapid progress is in the regulation of intensive grouse moor management to address the massive environmental impacts and appalling wildlife crime associated with that “sport” enjoyed by a wealthy and privileged minority.
The draft power-sharing arrangement doesn’t offer anything new on this. The Scottish National Party had already pledged to implement a licensing and regulation scheme due to the complete failure of land-owners and grouse moor managers to deal with all the issues brought to their attention. That in itself is a progressive step, especially compared with the Westminster Government’s consistent refusal to act.
However, what it does do is underline the commitment previously made by the Scottish National Party and places the Scottish Greens right at the heart of the decision-making process in the Scottish Government and enables them to bring their campaigning determination to bear. Hopefully, this will lead to faster implementation of the licensing and regulation scheme which, to date, has yet to see any progress beyond a pledge to introduce it.
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