Meeting of the Parliament 04 March 2025
It is shameful that the minister is laughing at the people who have come down here to protest today. [Interruption.] Only the Scottish Conservatives are standing up for the oil and gas sector. Only the Scottish Conservatives believe that we need an energy mix and are listening to the many voices from the real world, not this cloud-cuckoo-land of anti-science nonsense.
I move amendment S6M-16657.3, to leave out from “rejects” to end and insert:
“recognises the importance of renewable energy in Scotland’s future, but believes that a balanced energy mix, including investment in new nuclear power, such as small modular reactors, is essential to ensuring a secure, clean and affordable energy source by reducing the country’s reliance on foreign energy and creating a reliable energy supply for the UK; acknowledges that nuclear power is a proven, low-carbon energy source that operates independently of weather conditions, complementing the variability of renewables and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels; notes that, while renewables will play a central role in Scotland’s energy transition, they alone cannot provide the constant, stable supply required to meet demand; acknowledges that Scotland’s oil and gas sector has been a cornerstone of the UK’s energy security and economy for decades and will continue to play a crucial role in providing reliable energy, supporting skilled jobs and driving investment in clean energy innovation; recognises the vital contribution of energy companies in leading the transition to a cleaner future through investments in emerging technologies that will underpin net zero goals while maintaining energy resilience; notes that, whilst new renewable and electrical infrastructure is needed, the right of communities to object must be respected, with wind turbines, battery energy storage systems, pylons and other infrastructure only being built where it has the express consent of residents; calls for an energy strategy that embraces renewables, nuclear and the managed use of domestic oil and gas to ensure affordable, stable and low-carbon energy for Scotland’s households and businesses, and welcomes the economic and employment opportunities that a broad-based energy mix will bring to Scotland.”
15:31Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.