Scotland News: Scottish Greens warn of ‘no push by SNP’ and Sturgeon | Politics | News

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Patrick Harvey and Lorna Slater, co-leaders of Holyrood’s Green Party, have been appointed ministers in the Scottish government.

Now, the Scottish Liberal Democrats are urging the Greens to remain firm in their opposition to Covid passports.

Willie Rainey, former leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said: “I agreed with Patrick Harvey when he stood firmly against this measure in recent weeks.

“But I worry that he and his colleagues may vote for her next week.”

Rainey continued: “If Patrick Harvey does not stand up to the SNP on this important issue, he will be pushed into the rest of Parliament.

The coalition government crosses a line. Moving from the state to encouraging people to vaccinate to forcing them to do so is a big step.

“The IT system can’t handle the current demand for vaccines passports to travel abroad, so I can’t see how it will handle this huge increase in demand.

“We know that government often fails when they run huge IT projects and this is done in a hurry, so I fear the consequences for people and businesses across the country.

Green coalition ministers will know all this so I can’t understand why they wouldn’t take on the SNP. I would urge them to do so before it is too late.”

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In February, Mr Harvey warned that vaccine passports risked “making the social inequality we face worse today” and “could set a dangerous precedent in the long run, as people’s civil rights will depend on their medical history”.

However, when ITV Border asked him if he would vote against Ms Sturgeon’s plans on Thursday, Harvey admitted the Scottish government would have “one position” on the issue.

“What I think is important is that the entire parliament gets a chance to discuss this and see how the arguments have changed over time,” he said.

“If we now get to a point where this only comes once that difference in age groups has been overcome and almost everyone will have access to vaccine doses, I think some of those arguments have shifted based on where we are that would have been several years ago. Months “.

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Speaking on Tuesday, the chief minister announced plans as proof of vaccination would be required for nightclubs as well as for any closed indoor live event involving more than 500 people from the public.

Proof of vaccination will also be required to attend any unrestricted outdoor events with more than 4,000 people in attendance, and at any event with more than 10,000 people.

Ms Sturgeon said: “We don’t want to re-impose any of the restrictions that have been in place for most of this year because we all know how much damage businesses, education and the general welfare of people have been causing but we must stem a rise in cases.

“We believe that limited use of vaccine certification in some high-risk environments can help us keep businesses open and prevent any further restrictions as we approach fall and winter.”

The plans angered Scottish Conservatives and some nightclub owners.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said hospitality groups, sports clubs and venues had “no idea” how the accreditation scheme would work.

He added that SNP ministers could not even identify a “nightclub” after Deputy First Minister John Sweeney admitted there was a “fine line” in whether the passport scheme would apply in some licensed buildings.

“It’s an absolute shame,” Donald MacLeod, owner of the legendary The Garage and The Cathouse, told The Daily Record.

“I don’t think it has been considered. If a vaccine passport is brought in, it should be one for all, all for one. It shouldn’t just target clubs and events.”

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