Greens urged to 'take fight to Tories' as Patrick Harvie launches MP bid
Patrick Harvie is to launch his campaign to become Scotland's first Green MP with a rally in Glasgow.
Last updated 11th May 2017
Patrick Harvie is to launch his campaign to become Scotland's first Green MP with a rally in Glasgow.
The Scottish Greens co-convener, who represents the city at Holyrood, is bidding to be elected in the Westminster seat of Glasgow North.
Mr Harvie will urge voters to “take the fight to the Tories” as he addresses party activists and supporters outside Glasgow University.
Speaking before the event, he highlighted the record seven councillors elected across Glasgow in last week's local council vote, with the party topping the poll in Hillhead in the heart of the target constituency.
Mr 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.”
He continued: “At the same time, we need to say clearly that our future can't be based on everlasting tax cuts for oil and 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.”
The Greens announced on Wednesday they will field only three General Election candidates in Scotland as part of a targeted campaign.
Lorna Slater is standing in Edinburgh North and Leith while Debra Pickering is the Green candidate for Falkirk.
The party has have also confirmed it will not endorse any other candidates in areas where no Green candidate is standing after facing criticism it was stepping aside to aid the SNP in some areas.