The co-convener of the Green Party in Scotland and Glasgow MSP Patrick Harvie launches his Westminster campaign today outside Glasgow University.
Harvie, who represents Glasgow at Holyrood, would become the first Scottish Green MP. He wants voters in Glasgow North to “take the fight to the Tories” and elect a Green MP who will not just vigorously oppose their agenda but will offer a positive, hopeful alternative.
Harvie will also reach out to young voters, who the Greens say are at risk of losing huge opportunities given to generations before them unless radical change is delivered.
The rally takes place just days after a successful council election for the Greens in Glasgow, where a record seven councillors were elected across the city, including Hillhead in the heart of Glasgow North, where the Greens topped the poll.
Patrick Harvie, who will stand down from Holyrood if elected an MP, said: “By electing me, Glasgow can show that we reject the Tory Hard Brexit disaster and fight for our future in Europe. We can show Theresa May’s government that Scotland rejects its cruel attacks on disabled people and the vulnerable, including the vile Rape Clause. The Tories might well wish we didn’t exist, so nothing would get up their noses more than the sight of more Green MPs being elected.
“But at the same time, we need to say clearly that our future can’t be based on everlasting tax cuts for oil & gas companies or sticking with the economy of zero-hours contracts and poverty pay we have now. Greens have a plan for a new industrial revolution, which will create over 200,000 new jobs, lift people out of poverty and tackle climate change.
“Scottish Green voices at Westminster will be critical in these next few years, as the Tories try to inflict terrible and lasting damage on Glasgow, Scotland and wider society. We need to take the fight to them with bold, progressive voices in the House of Commons.
“I want to make a real impact as an MP, joining forces with the incredible Caroline Lucas who, as the first Green MP, has been doing the work of a hundred politicians. Caroline and I will always look to work constructively with other parties where we can, but we’ll never back tax cuts for big business while so many people are struggling, or subsidise the fossil fuel industry while the climate crisis grows.”