Meeting of the Parliament 25 March 2026 [Draft]
I recognise the seriousness and the significance of the issue that Mr Ewing raises, which is being decided on by the UK Government. The fact that the UK Government has not come to a decision for some considerable time is causing no end of frustration. Like Mr Ewing, I am hearing all sorts of rumours about the decision. As things stand, I have no clarity on what decision the UK Government has come to, but I assure Mr Ewing that very, very vigorous representations have been made to the UK Government on the decision, which is central to our renewables future.
I have previously raised in Parliament the fact that the lack of a decision by the UK Government is slowing down the upsurge in renewables activity at the same time as the UK Government is penalising the North Sea oil and gas sector through the energy profits levy. What we have here is a perfect storm for the people of Scotland, whereby decisions that are for the UK Government to take are having a damaging effect on Scotland, whether in relation to oil and gas or renewables.
The answer is to take Scotland’s future and Scotland’s energy into Scotland’s hands, and we will be able to do that only with the fresh start of independence.