Why the Scottish Greens?

Heckle welcomes the opportunity to co-publish this article with Green Left Scotland in response to our editorial calling for a comradely debate on strategic questions facing Scottish socialists. Niall’s article is the first in what we hope will be a broad series, encompassing a range of perspectives beyond that of our own editorial board, and we encourage those interested in contributing to get in touch.

I joined the Scottish Greens in 2016, just as the Holyrood election campaign reached its climax. This was later than many others of my generation of activists, with the 2014 Scottish Independence referendum campaign largely passing me by. 

I would be lying if I said there was some ‘lightbulb moment’ that forced me into joining the Greens. In 2015 and 2016 I had become more politically aware, and active. Still living in Dundee at the time, I saw the Scottish Parliament elections approaching and vowed that, come the time of the vote in May 2016, I’d have committed myself to a cause. 

My method was simple enough – as manifestos and campaigns rolled out, I poured over these in great detail. In truth, there were really only two options at the time. The Scottish Greens, then only represented by two MSPs – neither anywhere near where I lived in Dundee – represented the pragmatic option for someone of the left, still fairly new to politics, and learning exactly where they stood. They were a small party, but not too small, and established as a force having played a big part in the 2014 independence campaign.

On the other hand though, a more radical option presented itself. RISE, a newly-created left-wing alliance, hadn’t long been founded. Even as someone watching from afar, it was clear the politics espoused by those who had largely cut their teeth as part of the Radical Independence Campaign (RIC) two years earlier was pushing the boundaries of the political establishment. That appealed to me, but in the end I trumped for joining the Greens. 

Whether that was the right decision, I don’t think is for me to say. I’ve been a member for nearly nine years now. After moving to Glasgow and working as a journalist for my entire time in the party, I spent years on the periphery, playing small parts where I could. 

Now though, I have an election under my belt, standing for Westminster in 2024, alongside multiple terms on party committees.

Despite all of this, I’m still asked: “As a socialist, why are you in the Greens?” And to be honest, I do think it’s a fair question. But often those asking it – while well intentioned – can still misunderstand the Scottish Greens as a party. 

I’ve made no secret of criticisms I’ve had of the Scottish Green Party. I remain convinced that the party could be bolder on economic policy. We have a problem with class – both in the perception of us as middle-class do-gooders, and in our tendency to breakthrough in better-off areas of Scotland. We would also do well to put more power in the hands of our grassroots members, often falling into the trap of neoliberal parties and concentrating power among a few. 

But for all of these faults, I’m yet to be convinced that there remains a better option in Scotland. After all, the political wing of any movement needs to have electoral success in mind, and barring a now-historic win for socialist MSPs in 2003, no left-wing party but the Greens have managed that breakthrough, nor look likely to in the future. 

Our time in Government, while far from perfect, still represented the most progressive administration Scotland has seen since devolution. Green councillors across the country offer a break from the other four major parties, putting grassroots power at the heart of their campaigns, and giving local people a voice in their community. And Green members have consistently shown that they are content to hold the feet of our own leadership to the fire when necessary – getting results in the process. 

Now, this is not a plea for socialists to join the Greens en masse. Far from it. As I think I’ve outlined, I understand the limitations of party politics, and the flaws that Green parties across the world have been shown to have time and again. But given our size and small number of dedicated volunteers, the Greens offer an opportunity for change through Holyrood and in town halls that no other party does. 

With just a few hundred active members across the country, affecting change can be done quite easily. Winning over a small but influential group of Green members can mean a shift in policy, or even a shift in the political outlook of candidates in a short period of time. 

For those working on campaigns, you only need look at the fantastically effective work done by Living Rent in ensuring Scottish Greens adopted their proposals for rent controls, mere months before we entered government, to see the difference that can be made. 

Personnel too, can be significantly impacted. With selections for Holyrood, local council elections – not to mention the small issue of a leadership election – all likely to take place in 2025, it’s going to be a big year for Scottish Greens. Members will have a say on the future of our party at Holyrood, and decide how our most high-profile politicians look. 

I’ll write more about this closer to the time – and hope to have contributions from others who will be involved – but needless to say, now is the perfect time for socialists within the Greens to make themselves heard. And for those leftists who are Green-adjacent, have considered joining (or even rejoining) – if it’s a left-wing group of Green MSPs and socialist leaders that you want, then 2025 is the year to have your say. 

I am incredibly hopeful that we have an emerging group of left-wing activists and politicians who can work with those who have been pulling the party leftward for decades. But to ensure they are the ones representing Greens nationally and locally, we must organise, and we must make ourselves heard within the party. 

2025 is the year I hope to hear left-wing voices in the Scottish Greens really speak up.