Too Green for Power?
Cormac Rocks
Too Green for Power?
Cormac Rocks reflects on the cooperation agreement between the Scottish Greens and the SNP Government
As Boris Johnson rambles on about his pet windfarm project, Middle Eastern nations grapple with a future with no oil and China tries to slash emissions, Scotland is taking real steps to tackle climate change.
The SNP have entered a power sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens. Coming at a very convenient time with the impending arrival of COP26 in November. Although sharing some views, they disagree on other topics. Most notably on oil and gas which could lead to a lot of contention, and perhaps a collapse of their ‘I scratch your back, you scratch mine’ agreement.
However, two Green Cabinet members will give the SNP a huge majority. A majority of 71-57 is more than enough to push their policies through, along with a strong opposition to any Tory backed initiatives. Both parties involved back a second independence referendum. This means that the SNP have a cast-iron mandate to hold a referendum, backing Boris Johnson and his cronies into a corner. If the people want a referendum, they cannot deny them their democratic right. No matter what the PM does to keep it off the agenda.
The SNP’s climate agenda can now progress at speed. The agreement demonstrates their commitment to the environment. This will take the form of continuing to push for net zero carbon emissions and an expansion of Scotland’s world leading renewable energy sector. Top 3 in Europe in fact. 97% of our energy needs were met by renewable energy sources in 2020, only falling 3% short of the SNP’s aspirations. Nicola Sturgeon often advocates for Scotland to have a role to play in helping solve the climate emergency. The backing of the Greens shows that she has support from a voter base made up of activists and people who are climate aware and conscious. Especially from a younger demographic, who showed broad support for the Greens in the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary Election. Voters who could become SNP supporters with the implementation of the right policies. Greens co-leader Lorna Slater realises this, stating “Scotland is in a real position to show real leadership on the climate”. With the COP26 climate conference approaching quickly, they want to show that they are demonstrating the correct values of a host nation. The world’s eyes will be on Scotland, and they won’t want to see the showmanship many politicians attach to climate initiatives. The appointment of Green MSPs to cabinet positions show leadership, alongside demonstrating a real commitment to the climate.
The Green’s stand to benefit greatly from this agreement. Their voices will be heard on topics such as the climate and oil and gas industry expansions. The influence they can now exert could help block expansion of oil and gas fields in the North Sea, and the exploration of new ones.
Whether the Greens will vote against the SNP if it comes to a vote, we do not know. They will be better off with the ability to abstain from votes. It allows them to avoid potential conflict with their SNP allies and allows them to wash their hands clean of any policies that go belly up. Other things they could block include fracking, which is a recurring issue between MSPs and powerful oil and gas lobbyists. Trident is something both parties oppose. The agreement could block attempts to expand facilities at Faslane or to station submarines at the base if Scotland were to secede from the Union.
Many stand to benefit from this agreement. Although exactly how remains unclear. The coming months should tell us how this partnership will flourish, or wither, for the duration of the current parliamentary cycle. The Green’s could well see a growth in votes and perhaps gain a constituency, but they will be judged on their actions in cabinet. Through all of this, Scotland could become a climate leader, no matter what Greta Thunberg says…