KEIR Starmer’s U-turns must not stand in the way of Scotland’s green economic ambitions, the Economy Secretary will say today.
Speaking during a Holyrood debate on Scotland’s green economy today, Neil Gray is expected to warn that the UK’s investment in the transition to net zero is lagging behind “ambitious packages” in the US and Europe.
And he will say that position looks unlikely to change, regardless of who takes the keys to Downing Street after the next General Election.
Gray criticised Labour for “watering down” a key £28 billion-a-year green energy investment pledge, which has also been subject to frequent reports of a U-turn.
He will tell MSPs: “Around the world we see governments stepping in to invest in the green economy at scale - the Inflation Reduction Act in the US, and the European Green Deal.
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“These ambitious packages are designed to drive investment in net zero technologies and the transition – this spending will shape future markets in which Scotland competes.
“UK investment levels stand in stark contrast to these initiatives. That position looks unlikely to change, regardless of whether it is Rishi Sunak or Keir Starmer in Downing Street after the election.”
Gray will add: “Labour once pledged that they would invest an additional £28 billion a year – it was to be their bold response to the US’ Inflation Reduction Act – but barely a week goes by that that pledge isn’t watered down.
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“Firstly the target date is delayed. Then they quietly dropped the word "additional".
“Now it isn’t a commitment, it is merely an aspiration – one that is unlikely to make it to polling day.
“The Scottish Government stands ready to work with an incoming Labour government on this most vital of issues – but we are very clear that Keir Starmer and his U-turns must not stand in the way of Scotland’s green economic ambitions.”
The motion for the debate says that a just transition is vital to tackling the climate emergency and building a strong economy and highlights the "growing strength" of Scotland's green economy, with more than 42,000 jobs supported by the renewable energy sector.
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