Harvie rules out propping up any party aiming to extract remaining oil

Patrick Harvie has ruled out the possibility of the Green Party propping up any government intent on extracting remaining North Sea oil reserves in the event of a hung parliament.

Asked during the Scottish party’s campaign launch whether the Greens would work with a party resolved on greater extraction, Harvie simply said, “no”.

With polls currently suggesting no party will win enough seats to form a majority government, Ed Miliband may require the support of SNP, Green and Plaid Cymru MPs to form a working government.

But while the SNP has attempted to reassure voters that a vote for the SNP would not lead to a Tory Government, Harvie’s comments suggest that unless the Labour Party changes its position on oil extraction, then a working Labour majority requiring Green support would be impossible.

Polling released by the Guardian today suggests between them, Labour and the SNP would win 322 seats in the general election – one short of the 323 needed to form a working majority. The Green Party is projected to retain its one MP.

The Scottish Green Party general election manifesto advocates a £10 minimum wage, nationalising railways, and transferring more powers to Scotland and its local communities.

Harvie MSP said: “Everyone is tired of the same old Westminster politics. Scotland is ready for change and people are eager to vote for ideas they can believe in.

“The Green membership surge means we're in a strong position to send principled voices to speak up for Scotland's communities. Our bold vision for Scotland and the UK is a compelling offer that others simply can't match.”

Councillor Maggie Chapman, Scottish Greens co-convener, said: “With a £10 minimum wage we could ensure no-one works in a job that keeps them in poverty. By rolling back benefits cuts and lifting the punishing sanctions regime, we can restore a society with compassion. And with real powers devolved to Scotland and to local communities we can put people not big business in control.”