Greens attack Kate Forbes at John Swinney’s first FMQs

Mr Harvie questioned whether the first minster understood “just how worried” many LGBT people and others were in Scotland.

He went on to demand that Mr Swinney continued with “progressive” taxation and did not “give in to the right wing of his party”.

The SNP leader said his government would be led from the “moderate left of centre” political position.

The first minister said Ms Forbes had delivered progressive taxation during her time as finance secretary, between 2020 and 2023. During that time, her budgets were supported by the Scottish Greens.

“I want to lead a modern, dynamic and diverse Scotland, Mr Swinney said. ”A place for everybody, where everybody feels at home, at peace, where they have a place and that their place in our society is protected by my leadership of this country.”

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Ms Forbes said: “I am here to support the first minister and together we serve all communities in Scotland as we further and progress the rights of every community in Scotland, and I look forward to doing my part in achieving the government’s aims in that regard.”

She said she had signed up the government’s collective responsibility, adding: “So I stand by the government’s decisions and agenda to improve and progress the rights of all of Scotland’s communities.”