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Lorna Slater - Lothian
Electorate of Lothian - Scottish Greens - Scotland
Who is Lorna Slater?
Lorna Slater, born on September 27, 1975, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a prominent Scottish politician. She has served as the co-leader of the Scottish Greens since 2019, alongside Patrick Harvie, and was a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Lothian region since May 2021.
Slater held the position of Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy, and Biodiversity from August 2021 until April 2024.
Early Life and Education:
After moving to Scotland in 2000, Slater pursued a career as an engineer in the renewable energy sector. Her involvement in Scottish politics began with the Scottish Greens, leading to her candidacy in the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, though she was not elected at that time.
Political Career:
In 2019, Slater replaced Maggie Chapman as co-leader of the Scottish Greens. She contested the Edinburgh Northern and Leith constituency in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election and, while she did not win the constituency seat, she was elected on the regional list.
Ministerial Role:
Following the 2021 election, the Scottish Greens formed a power-sharing agreement with the SNP, leading to Slater's appointment as a junior minister. This role marked her as one of the first Green politicians to serve in the UK government.
Deposit Return Scheme:
Slater was involved in the controversial handling of Scotland's deposit return scheme, initially set for earlier implementation but delayed multiple times. Despite her advocacy for environmental measures, the scheme's repeated postponements drew criticism from various groups and political opponents.
Biodiversity Initiatives:
In her ministerial role, Slater launched significant biodiversity initiatives, including a consultation on Scotland's biodiversity strategy aimed at creating a "nature-positive" Scotland by 2030. However, the strategy faced criticism for perceived delays and lack of substantive action.
Circular Economy:
Slater introduced the Circular Economy Bill to the Scottish Parliament, emphasizing waste reduction and sustainable consumption. The bill received mixed responses, with some praising its goals and others questioning its feasibility and the adequacy of its funding.
Legacy and Criticism:
Throughout her tenure, Slater faced challenges related to her policies' implementation and political pressures, leading to a vote of no confidence, which she survived. Her work has been pivotal in pushing for environmental reforms in Scotland, albeit amidst significant scrutiny and opposition.
What are Lorna Slater's Political Values?
The Scottish Green Party, established in 1990 following the division of the original UK Green Party, is a prominent political entity in Scotland that advocates for green politics. It is affiliated internationally with the Global Greens and the European Green Party.
The party has distinguished itself from its UK counterpart by focusing on issues specifically relevant to Scotland while sharing a broad commitment to environmentalism and social justice.
Political Representation:
As of May 2021, the Scottish Greens hold seven seats in the Scottish Parliament. They are also represented in local government, with 36 councillors spread across 13 of the 32 Scottish councils.
Their influence expanded significantly during the first Yousaf government, where they secured two ministerial posts as part of a coalition agreement with the SNP, marking a historic first in having Green Party members in a UK government.
Environmental Advocacy and Energy Policy:
The Scottish Greens are vehemently opposed to nuclear energy, advocating for an accelerated transition to renewable resources like wind and solar. The party argues that nuclear power, besides being expensive and slow to develop, poses severe risks and leaves a harmful legacy for future generations.
They actively campaign against new nuclear developments and criticize the UK government's investment in nuclear technologies, particularly nuclear fusion.
Climate Change and Ecological Protection:
The party has a robust stance on climate change, emphasizing the urgency of this global crisis. They have criticized recent actions by the UK government, such as the approval of the Rosebank oil field and the rollback of various environmental initiatives.
The Scottish Greens advocate for strong legislative measures to reduce carbon emissions, phase out single-use plastics, and oppose oil and gas developments in Scotland.
Social Justice and Civil Liberties:
The Scottish Greens push for reforms in the justice system that prioritize the rights of victims and challenge laws they believe infringe on freedoms, such as the SNP's Hate Crime Act. They also have a significant focus on social policies, advocating for a universal basic income, drug decriminalization, and substantial housing reforms including rent controls.
Economic and Community Initiatives:
Economically, the party supports a green new deal aimed at fostering sustainable growth. They champion local, community-based economic models and advocate for significant public investment in local services, aligned with their vision of a steady-state economy that does not exploit natural resources.
Transport and Infrastructure:
In transport policy, the Scottish Greens oppose major road expansions like the dualling of the A9 and A96, arguing that such projects conflict with climate commitments. Instead, they promote the expansion of public transport networks, including rail nationalization and electrification, and advocate for improved cycling and walking infrastructure.
Scottish Independence and Governance:
The Scottish Greens are strong proponents of Scottish independence, viewing it as a means to implement progressive environmental and social policies more effectively. They support the devolution of powers and have participated actively in discussions and campaigns related to Scotland's constitutional future.
Advocacy for LGBT+ Rights:
The party is at the forefront of campaigning for LGBT+ rights in Scotland, supporting initiatives like gender self-identification and comprehensive anti-discrimination measures. They have faced criticism and internal challenges regarding their steadfast approach to these issues but continue to prioritize LGBT+ rights as integral to their policy agenda.
The Scottish Green Party remains a critical voice in Scottish politics, with a comprehensive platform that integrates ecological sustainability with progressive social policies. Their commitment to Scottish independence, combined with their stance on environmental and social issues, positions them uniquely in Scotland's political landscape, advocating for transformative changes that align with their vision of a greener, more equitable Scotland.
