‘Demand better’ by backing public spending paid for by taxing rich, Greens say

The Greens have urged Scots to “demand better” and back the party at the Holyrood election in seven days.

Co-leader Gillian Mackay said her party was offering Scots free universal bus travel and a huge expansion in childcare, paid for by taxes on the rich.

She urged people to make sure her party returns a “record number” of MSPs to Holyrood after May 7.

She said: “From soaring energy bills and extortionate rents to increasing bus fares and the cost of the weekly shop, people across Scotland are being squeezed at every turn.

“The Scottish Greens are the only party that is offering the bold solutions that are needed.

“We are focused on real, practical action that will make life easier for people across Scotland.”

Ms Mackay said Scots had already been “shown the value of voting Greens”, as it pointed to its influence over the last Scottish Government, including the introduction of free bus travel for under-22s, the scrapping of peak rail fares and the ending of school meal debt.

“There is so much more that we could do with a record number of Green MSPs,” she said.

“A vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote for free bus travel for everyone, helping people get to work, education and medical appointments while seeing friends and family without worrying about the cost.

“We will expand free childcare to every child over six months so that families can save money and parents can be supported in going back to work.

“We will cut bills by investing in warm homes, clean energy and pursuing climate action that actually improves people’s lives.”

Ms Mackay said the Greens would fund all of their proposals by “asking those with the broadest shoulders to finally pay their fair share”.

She went on: “Every vote for the Scottish Greens on May 7 is a vote to demand better for Scotland.

“We can have a country with free travel, lower bills, better childcare and warmer homes that are cheaper to heat, but only by using the peach ballot to vote for the Scottish Greens.”

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “Change is possible in seven days but only with a Scottish Labour government

“The Greens can’t deliver change in this election – they can only deliver more of the same.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat deputy leader Wendy Chamberlain MP said: “I doubt people in the Highlands will believe the Greens are demanding better given they want to scrap dualling the A9.

“This is going to be a breakthrough election for the Scottish Liberal Democrats. At the last general election, we overtook the Scottish Conservatives and came within touching distance of the SNP.

“We will deliver first-rate healthcare, help everyone with the cost of living, end the ferries fiasco, fix our roads and get Scotland moving again.

“You can vote for change with fairness at its heart by backing the Scottish Liberal Democrats on your second, peach, regional ballot paper.”

Scottish Tory deputy leader Rachael Hamilton: “Voters across Scotland haven’t forgotten the devastating impact the pro-independence Greens had when the SNP previously brought them into government.

“They forced higher taxes on Scots, abandoned our oil and gas industry, rowed back on crucial road upgrades and attempted to ban fishing.

“Their bonkers manifesto confirms they are still detached from reality.

“By contrast, the Scottish Conservatives have produced a credible alternative vision to bring down people’s bills and reverse two decades of SNP decline. That is why you must use your peach ballot to vote for us to stop an SNP majority on May 7.”