Windfall tax on oil giants could help ‘alleviate suffering’ on energy bills

Scottish Greens “absolutely support” the idea of a windfall tax on oil and gas companies, co-leader Lorna Slater has said.

Ms Slater echoed calls for energy giants to pay an extra levy on an “unexpected” massive boost in earnings brought about through a post-covid surge in international demand and volatile pricing.

“They have made record profits at a time when people are struggling desperately to pay their energy bills,” Ms Slater said.

“A windfall tax, properly used, could absolutely be used to alleviate that suffering and put money back into people’s pockets.”

The MSP, who is Scotland’s minister for green skills, circular economy and biodiversity, said “the number one issue for everyone on the doorsteps this year is the cost of living. Everybody is concerned about that.”

Ms Slater claimed her party was helping tackle the problem “in so many ways” at a national level, including free school meals for Scottish primary school pupils and free bus travel for those aged 21 and under.

“We’re doing a lot of work on that in Government, but a lot of the policies will be delivered on the ground by councils,” she said.

Ms Slater said the environment was still at the top of the agenda.

“The climate emergency and the nature emergency are still with us,” she said. “Time is still ticking along.

“If we don’t fundamentalthe ly change how our society works, they will overtake us.”

She stressed the party’s message – “think global, but act local”.

“So much of what we need to do to tackle the climate crisis is actually implemented by your town councils – things like improving public transportation, upgrading infrastructure in your streets for safe cycling, walking and wheeling, improving your green spaces, improving recycling and waste-handling,” she said.

“All of these things are right on the nose of wha t we need to do to tackle the climate crisis and only with Greens in councils can you ensure they will be a top priority.”

Ms Slater also set out her vision for the future as the country – and world – moves to end greenhouse gas emissions and curb climate change.