Greens focus on poverty and cars

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/6595497.stm

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The Scottish Greens have claimed poverty has become the "forgotten issue" of the Scottish Parliament election campaign.

The party criticised the promotion of economic agendas that put GDP growth ahead of other indicators.

They claimed a "single-minded focus" on GDP failed to distinguish between growth which put quality of life first, and that which stripped assets.

The Greens also set out a vision to improve public transport.

'Benefit trap'

Party co-leader Robin Harper said: "Greens understand that our most deprived communities are also those with the most urgent need for better public transport, warm energy-efficient homes, and high-quality public services run in the public interest.

"Greens have a vision for Scotland where communities no longer get left behind, where the benefit trap is ended, and where work always pays."

The party also set out its programme for delivering alternatives to travel by car, including making cross rail schemes a priority.

They also want to reverse rail privatisation, open new stations across Scotland and re-regulate bus services.