The Scottish Greens have unveiled a manifesto calling for free bus travel, a universal basic income, and thousands of extra teachers and doctors, funded by higher taxes on aviation, gambling, and landlords. The party, which has seen a surge in opinion polls, hopes to win its first constituency seats at Holyrood in the 7 May election.
Co-leader Gillian Mackay told the manifesto launch in Glasgow that the Greens represent voters angry with a Labour government that “promised change but failed to deliver”. The 165-page document also proposes cutting primary class sizes to 20, building nearly 80,000 social homes by 2031, and introducing free childcare for children aged six months to two years.
Ross Greer, the other co-leader, admitted the pledges were not fully costed, arguing that “government budgets are far more complicated” than household budgets. The Institute for Fiscal Studies warned that the plans would require much higher tax rises or deep cuts elsewhere to be affordable.
The Greens could tip the balance of power at Holyrood in favour of the Scottish National Party, which is expected to win but fall short of a majority. Lorna Slater, the former co-leader, said the party’s rise was helped by Zack Polanski’s leadership of the Green Party of England and Wales, which has diverted attention from Reform UK.
