NEW independent analysis from the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (SPICe) has confirmed Scotland is leading the rest of the UK in the fight to reduce carbon emissions.

Scotland’s total emissions decreased by 35% between 2008 and 2016 – outstripping a 27% reduction across the UK. Meanwhile, England achieved a 29% reduction between 2008 and 2016.

Decarbonisation of electricity and waste emissions reductions helped Scotland outperform the UK overall.

Independent advisers described the targets in the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Bill, set to be debated by MSPs next month, as being at the very limits of feasibility.

The bill would see Scotland become carbon-neutral by 2050.

Commenting, SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson said: “The fight against climate change is one of the

defining challenges of our time – the SNP is fully committed to maintaining Scotland’s place as a global leader in emissions

reduction, delivering ambitious, credible and affordable targets for the future.”