Maggie_chapman_ric2014
Scottish Green Party co-convener Maggie Chapman

The Scottish Green Party have condemned Theresa May’s calls for an early General Election as ‘weak and opportunist’ – while Greens south of the border have welcomed the move. 

The Scottish Greens have said the motion for a June 8th election shows that Scotland continues to ‘suffer at the hands of a hard right Tory party’, yet a spokesperson for Caroline Lucas – the only UK Green MP – told Bright Green that ‘she will’ support the plans.

The Prime Minister announced plans for a Westminster vote for an early General Election tomorrow, which needs the backing of two thirds of MPs to succeed. With Labour backing the move, it is almost certain to succeed.

The Scottish Greens’ Co-convener Maggie Chapman said:

“This is the sign of a weak and opportunist Prime Minister who, rather than trying to explain the damage she is doing, has resorted to this desperate tactic. There is only reason for Theresa May to hold an election now and it is that she knows that things are going to get worse as Brexit bites.

“She should be focusing on trying to undo some of the damage her approach to Brexit has done and enabling us in Scotland to have our voices heard. She has, instead, opted to compound her previous mistakes with this move. When the spotlight falls on her unyielding, racist and hate-filled politics, I am confident that this move will backfire.”

However, Caroline Lucas MP said: 

“Britain is at a crossroads – and today’s announcement means that people are rightly given a say over the direction this country is going to take. Only the Green Party offers a bold, positive vision for a different kind of Britain.

“At this election we will stand for a economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few; a Britain that’s open to the world and the protection of our precious environment. We will stand up to the politics of hatred and division that is scarring our communities and give people across the country a chance to vote for a better Britain.”

The Green Party of Northern Ireland have yet to release a statement at time of writing.

Bright Green will be publishing an interview with Scottish Green Party Co-convener Patrick Harvie MSP in the coming days.