Meeting of the Parliament 26 June 2024
Once again, we see the Scottish Government taking no responsibility. As far as I am aware, the Conservative Party has not blocked anything that is coming through the Scottish Parliament. Only the Greens and the SNP are blocking issues—as we saw yesterday, when they blocked our proposals to put back recycling targets into legislation.
All those questions should be the focus of the Scottish Government’s remarks today, not false patting on the back for the great achievement of missing targets and failing in its obligations on climate change.
The Climate Change Committee also noted that the policy and plans that the Government had in place would not be enough to achieve the legal targets that are required under the Climate Change Act 2008. There was significant concern, particularly in relation to devolved areas of competence including buildings, transport, agriculture, land use and waste. Yet again, rather than coming forward with a clear plan for how we can move forward, the devolved SNP Government is coming forward with platitudes and promises.
If we are to meet our obligations, we need a clear plan with achievable and measurable targets that works with communities and industries. We also need a Government that will take that forward and deliver a true, just transition for everyone in Scotland as we move towards more renewable energy sources. However, we have no plan in Scotland.