Greens call for new economic principles for Glasgow

Cllr Nina Baker (Anderston/City)

MSP Patrick Harvie joined Green Councillors in Glasgow in calling for a radical new approach to the economic development of the city. They believe the 'old ways' have been demonstrated to have failed and that the "Prosperity without growth" model proposed by the Government Thinktank, the Sustainable Development Commission, is the way forward. The  Green New Deal is also proposed as the foundation for the emergence of a resilient low carbon economy for the city. For the first time, the Green group on the city council is publishing its alternative view, in response to the Labour administration's annual State of the City Economy statement.

Bailie Dr Nina Baker, editor of the Greens' booklet on their economic views for the city, said "The old ways of doing things have repeatedly exposed the fragility of the city. We focus too much on one sector and on attracting big outside companies. If that sector has problems or those companies lose money, Glasgow cannot control the effects those problems have on the city. We believe a more varied approach, with more nurturing of SMEs and local enterprises would be far more resilient".

MSP Pat Harvie said" Around the world Greens are making the case for a different kind of economy. It's an approach that's urgently needed, not just to safeguard our environment, but to ensure better quality of life for everyone we share it with."

Download the document Resilient City: an alternative economic vision for Glasgow and her people, here