Scottish Greens co-leader appointed minister for zero carbon buildings and tenants’ rights
The co-leader of the Scottish Greens has been appointed as minister for zero carbon buildings and tenants’ rights following the signing of a working agreement with the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Patrick Harvie and fellow Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater are both set to become ministers in the Holyrood government, marking the first time Green Party representatives have been appointed to government in any part of the UK.
Mr Harvie will be minister for zero carbon buildings, active travel and tenants’ rights, working alongside housing secretary Shona Robison and net zero secretary Michael Matheson.
Mr Harvie will be responsible for driving policies that move Scotland away from reliance on high-carbon modes of transport, as well as delivering a new deal for tenants and ensuring building standards are fit for purpose.
He said: “We are at a crucial tipping point in terms of our relationship with the planet. I am thrilled at the opportunity to drive forward policies that enhance people’s lives while supporting the urgent goal of tackling the climate emergency as we emerge from the pandemic.”
Ms Slater will take on the role of minister for green skills, circular economy and biodiversity, and will work with finance and economy secretary Kate Forbes and net zero secretary Mr Matheson.
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Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This historic co-operation agreement is founded in a shared drive to work together in the Scottish government to build a greener, fairer, independent Scotland.
“We have massive challenges to overcome: a global pandemic and its lasting effects, the climate emergency, and the assault by the UK government on the powers of our parliament. Patrick and Lorna’s roles in government are rightly at the heart of facing up to them, and the expertise and passion they bring with them will contribute greatly to defining Scotland’s path forward in doing so.”
The appointments follow the approval formal co-operation agreement between the Scottish Greens and the SNP after the SNP fell one seat short of an overall majority in May’s election.
Under the agreement, both parties have committed to a number of shared policies, including a commitment to pursuing another independence referendum before the end of 2023 and a pledge to implement rent controls.
Ms Sturgeon added: “Although our parties do not agree on everything, we have been able to compromise on both sides, find common ground and agree on areas where we can work together to build a better country.
“The world has had to adapt quickly to respond to the fast-paced and changing nature of the pandemic, but what it has shown us is that we can put politics aside to tackle the challenges in front of us decisively and in a way that delivers. I look forward to working with my new Green Party colleagues in this new and ambitious way.”
