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Patrick Harvie,
Scottish Green Party Leader
Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
Patrick Harvie, Glasgow MSP and leader of the Scottish Green Party, talks to SPT Express about sustainable transport, the Glasgow Subway and the big challenges ahead.
1) Scotland currently has ambitious targets to meet on Climate Change. How do you think we are doing, and what more could we do to tackle this issue?
Scotland's emissions have come down, but not quickly enough to keep us on track for the legal targets. Most of the recent reductions are the result of the recession anyway, so there's a real danger that emissions will rise again in time. We've got consensus on what has to be achieved, but not on the actions we have to take.
2) As well as leading the Scottish Green Party, you currently convene the Transport, Infrastructure & Climate Change Committee at the Scottish Parliament. What marks out of 10 would you give Scotland's transport network and why?
If it wasn't for the climate change and peak oil challenges, I'd say we were fair to middling. There are many countries with a better, cleaner, cheaper transport system, but there are many worse ones too. Sadly we haven't shown anything like the priority that's needed for sustainable transport - the low carbon priorities which everyone signs up to on paper simply aren't being delivered. The environment movement has had a big impact on many policy areas, but transport is perhaps the biggest failure to date.
3) You’ve served Glasgow as an MSP since 2003. What is your opinion of the current Subway system in the city?
It's a hugely valuable part of Glasgow's public transport provision, and I think most Glaswegians have a great fondness for it. But it can't go on without serious investment; if we just keep running the system as it is, we'll eventually lose it for good. I'd hate to see that.
4) SPT has funds to modernise a number of Subway stations in time for the Commonwealth Games in 2014. What are your thoughts on our plans for a fuller modernisation programme of the network both above and below ground?
I think it is essential. We need to be putting the kind of investment into public transport which has previously only been on offer for the road building programme. If we care about greener, cleaner, more affordable transport for the city, a modernised Subway is a vital part of that.
5) Glasgow has seen significant investment in new road infrastructure with the M74 nearing completion. Do you think enough funding is being given to sustainable public transport projects?
Funding for sustainable transport has been a joke by comparison with road building. Whether it is environmental improvement to make routes safe and pleasant to walk or cycle in, or efficient public transport, they always seem to come last in the priority list. It's appalling to see some of the huge price tags attached to road projects, which are approved on the basis of evidence which everyone knows is nonsense.
6) With the next elections fast approaching, what do you think the big challenges are for the Scottish Green Party?
We've got real opportunities in next year's election, especially given the anger people feel at the UK coalition parties, the lacklustre performance of the Scottish Government, especially on transport for Glasgow, and the apparent desire of both Labour and the SNP to hand on the cuts to Scotland instead of even considering raising revenue. What on earth was all that work establishing a Parliament with a tax varying power for, if we're not willing to use it now when the foundations of the welfare state are under attack like never before?
7) Where is your favourite place to visit in Glasgow and how to you prefer to get around?
I walk a lot, and apart from complaining about the state of the pavements, it's my favourite way to get about. But I'm a daily bus user too. My favourite place on Glasgow would either be Pollok Park, or my own flat. I don't get to spend enough time there.
8) What are you hoping for this Christmas?
Great food and fun company - that's what makes me happiest! And a good Dr Who Christmas special!
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