Scottish National Party and Scottish Greens seal power-sharing deal

The Scottish National Party (SNP) and Scottish Greens have published details of their new power sharing agreement. The co-operation arrangement states that the two political parties will work together to provide "effective and responsible leadership for Scotland for this session of the Scottish Parliament, in the interests of Scotland, of the people who live in Scotland, and of future generations". The agreement also states that they will secure a referendum on Scottish independence "within the current parliamentary session on a specific date to be determined by the Scottish Parliament".

The agreement between the two pro-independence parties will also result in two Scottish Green MSPs (Members of the Scottish Parliament)  appointed as junior ministers in the present SNP led Scottish government. The Greens have signed up to the majority of the present Scottish government's policy. However, there will also be areas where they are in disagreement with the SNP, and they will be able to criticise it on those issues. 

Image: SNP Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon flanked by Scottish Greens co-leaders Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie.