Greens lash out at Forbes appointment
“I set out last Thursday, a week ago today, when I announced my candidacy for the leadership of my party, that I wanted to build on the work of the SNP government to create a modern, diverse, dynamic Scotland that will ensure opportunity for all of our citizens.
“And on Tuesday I made it clear to the people of Scotland in my closing words in my speech of acceptance, that I offer myself to be the First Minister for everyone in Scotland – and that is precisely what I will do.”
Harvie then pushed the Scottish Government on whether the progressive taxation bands introduced under the Bute House Agreement would continue.
He said: “I’m not yet sure that the First Minister acknowledges or understands just how worried many LGBT people and others are in Scotland at the moment.
“It’s not only equality and human rights that are at stake here; the new Deputy First Minister has explicitly criticised the role of fairer, progressive taxation.”
He added: “Does the First Minister accept that continuing on the path of progressive taxation will be more important than ever? Will that progress continue, or will the First Minister give in to the right-wing of his party?”
In his response, Swinney said it was “a matter of history and record that the Deputy First Minister was responsible for introducing progressive taxes in Scotland”.
He went on: “Kate Forbes took those budget decisions, sought the agreement of the Cabinet and they were put to Parliament.
“And I welcome the fact that our colleagues in the Green Party supported the measures that the government brought forward.”