SNP to enter talks over 'formal cooperation agreement' with Scottish Greens

The First Minister has confirmed the Scottish Government and the Greens will enter "structured talks" with a view to working towards a "formal cooperation agreement".

Nicola Sturgeon revealed at the Scottish Parliament this afternoon that since the election she has had "series of exploratory discussions" with the party co-led by Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater about how they might work together more formally.

At a meeting at Bute House last night it was agreed that informal discussions would move forward to talks which would be supported by the civil service. However, any agreement will be subject to approval processes of the cabinet and parties. 

The First Minister said what the parties hope to achieve is "potentially groundbreaking" and could see Green ministers form part of the government.

Sturgeon said: "In the coming weeks will seek to agree specific policy areas in which we would formally cooperate and within each identify the shared objectives and policy initiatives we would be agreeing to work together on.

"I'm confident these policy areas will include the climate emergency and how we can accelerate our progress to net zero. But we're keen to identify other issues too and not just where we already have a similar outlook, but also where cooperation will be more challenging for both of us.

"We'll also seek to agree a model of joint working within government to support progress in the areas of cooperation.

"This could include formal processes of consultation, and in agreed areas of cooperation, the involvement of the Green Party and Scottish Government policy development and delivery.

"It will also include details of any reciprocal support the Greens would give to aspects of the government's legislative policy and budgetary programmes.

"Obviously, we need to see how much progress these talks can make. And we shouldn't get too far ahead of ourselves today. But as we embark on this progress, we are setting no limits on our ambition.

"So in that vein, let me be clear that while this is not a guaranteed or a pre-agreed outcome, it is not inconceivable that a cooperation agreement could lead in future to a Green minister or ministers being part of this government.

"The key point for today is that we are both agreeing to come out of our comfort zones to find new ways of working for the common good to change the dynamic of our politics for the better, and give meaning to the founding principles of our parliament."

The SNP took 64 seats in the Holyrood election, which was one short of a majority, but Sturgeon would have a stable majority if she could call upon the support of the seven Greens.

Following the announcement in parliament, Greens co-leader Slater said: "Scotland desperately needs a green recovery from the pandemic that leaves no-one behind, while time is running out for meaningful action on the climate emergency.

"The Scottish Greens have always worked constructively with other parties, delivering meaningful change like free bus travel for young people, and earlier this month the public returned the largest ever Green group to parliament to take that work further and faster.

"We hope that through these talks we can deliver real change."