Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid) 02 December 2020
02 Dec 2020 · S5 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Burntisland Fabrications
If I wish to correct the record, I will do so.
Consultants were paid thousands of pounds for a business case that was due in January 2019, and then delayed to April. In the latest programme for government, it was not mentioned at all—I think that I am correct in saying that.
The BiFab situation is deeply damaging, and Labour are right to bring this debate to the chamber. It raises significant concerns about consistency and coherence in green policy, as was highlighted by several witnesses at the Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee and the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee.
I move amendment S5M-23537.1, to insert at end:
“, and further calls on the Scottish Government to ensure that these policy commitments on renewables are part of a coherent industrial strategy for the post-COVID-19 era.”
15:46References in this contribution
Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.
- S5M-23537.1 BiFab Motion
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Christine Grahame)
SNP
The next item of business is a debate on motion S5M-23537, in the name of Alex Rowley, on Burntisland Fabrications. Members who wish to speak in the debate s...
Alex Rowley (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab)
Lab
In speaking to this motion for the Scottish Labour Party, I want to make clear that Scotland can and should be a key player in Europe and the world when it c...
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture (Fiona Hyslop)
SNP
In relation to the proposals that were set out in the pre-acquisition business plan, does the member understand and appreciate that that plan indicated that ...
Alex Rowley
Lab
I am aware that, in evidence yesterday to the Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee, the chief executive was very clear about the agreement that was made b...
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture (Fiona Hyslop)
SNP
I welcome the opportunity to contribute to today’s debate on BiFab. I know that this will be a worrying time for BiFab’s workers, and we continue to do every...
Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con)
Con
BiFab has claimed that JV Driver offered on numerous occasions to transfer its shareholding in the company to the Scottish Government at zero cost. Is that t...
Fiona Hyslop
SNP
I have just made the point that we have looked at lots of different options, including state ownership, and we discussed the transfer of shares not only to o...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Thank you, cabinet secretary. Please note that, if you take an intervention while I have some time in hand, I will give you the time back. I did that for you...
Liz Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con)
Con
I welcome the debate, which has been brought to the chamber by Labour, given just how important a topic it is, not just because of the issues that it raises ...
Fiona Hyslop
SNP
As in the terms of the Labour Party motion, will Liz Smith condemn the UK Government for not providing financial support for the business?
Liz Smith
Con
No, I will not, because it is a matter of joint working, as I said earlier in my speech. Scottish Renewables told the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy ...
The Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands (Paul Wheelhouse)
SNP
Will the member take an intervention?
Liz Smith
Con
No, I will not, if the minister does not mind.
Paul Wheelhouse
SNP
What has been said is incorrect.
Liz Smith
Con
If I wish to correct the record, I will do so. Consultants were paid thousands of pounds for a business case that was due in January 2019, and then delayed ...
Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green)
Green
Fifteen years ago, I visited the yards at Methil. At that time, they were largely empty of workers, but in the old office block there were dozens of pictures...
Willie Rennie (North East Fife) (LD)
LD
Five hundred workers were on the verge of filling up the BiFab yards to work on the NnG wind farm off the Fife coast. That would have provided a real-life co...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
We now begin the open debate. Speeches should be of four minutes, although we have a little time in hand for interventions, which we can then make up. 15:54
Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab)
Lab
It is just over three years since the workforce of BiFab marched down the Royal Mile to the Scottish Parliament to fight for their jobs and their community. ...
Fiona Hyslop
SNP
Does the member recognise that the view of Neil Davidson QC was based on partial information? Would she like to tell me what terms of state aid rules will ap...
Claire Baker
Lab
The information is perhaps partial because the Scottish Government has not published what it is taking advice from. What were the terms of the deal with DF...
Annabelle Ewing (Cowdenbeath) (SNP)
SNP
I welcome the opportunity to speak in this short debate on BiFab. At the outset, I say that as the MSP for Cowdenbeath constituency, I stand full square behi...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Sorry, Ms Ewing, please sit down a moment. In a very quiet chamber, barracking from either side means that I cannot hear the speech. So far, I have heard mo...
Annabelle Ewing
SNP
During the 2014 Smith commission process, the Scottish Government did seek a wholesale transfer of energy policy to the Scottish Parliament; however, sadly, ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Please conclude, Ms Ewing.
Annabelle Ewing
SNP
Delivery can only be secured if there is the power to do so. Otherwise, it is just a lot of words.
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
When I say that I want to hear things, I do not mean just for a moment. I want to hear the rest of the debate. Members reverted to type, which annoyed me. Mr...
Maurice Golden (West Scotland) (Con)
Con
The motion opens with a statement to which every one of us should be fully committed: Scotland should lead the way in building a green economy. Central to th...
Paul Wheelhouse
SNP
Does Maurice Golden recognise that, as a prelude to the UK Government developing its North Sea transition deal, the Scottish Government committed £62 million...
Maurice Golden
Con
I welcome the support of both of Scotland’s Governments. I will come on to the failures of the Scottish Government shortly, but I will first continue with th...