Hansard

As First Minister, I have made clear on countless occasions the importance that I attach to making sure that there is a just transition in the North Sea oil and gas sector for those who are affected. That is delivered by making sure that we have the right climate to enable that judgment to be taken forward. We must consider any developments in the North Sea in relation to our climate commitments, because we have to achieve them, but we also have to have energy security, and that is why I have argued that the Prime Minister should remove the energy profits levy and enable developments that can be compatible with our climate action to take their course.

Mr Lumsden raises a wider question about issues of energy sustainability and affordability. When this Government came to office, we had a clear ambition to massively increase the amount of electricity that is generated in Scotland from low-cost renewable sources, and we have succeeded in doing that. As a result, right now, people in Scotland should not be fearing soaring electricity bills as a result of soaring gas prices. Decisions by the SNP Government have put Scotland in a position where electricity bills for Scottish households and Scottish businesses should be lower, but decisions taken at Westminster prevent that. The answer is clear: Scotland’s energy wealth should be protecting people here in Scotland right now. Scotland’s energy wealth should be in Scotland’s hands, and that will only come by voting SNP on 7 May.