Bank chance for fairer, greener Scotland
THE new Scottish National Investment Bank will be a great opportunity to make the country fairer and greener, the Government have been told.
A range of organisations who responded to the public consultation on SNIB have urged ministers to ensure that the potential is fulfilled.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the establishment of SNIB in September and work to develop the remit is being headed by Tesco Bank chief executive Benny Higgins.
Unison, the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, Common Weal and Friends of the Earth were among bodies responding to the consultation.
Unison Scottish organiser Dave Watson said: “SNIB is an opportunity to seize the economic opportunities of tackling climate change, but this must be done through an inclusive approach based on Just Transition principles.”
Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Ric Lander added: “Scotland urgently needs new sources of public investment that can fund the transition away from fossil fuels and towards a low-carbon economy.”
SCIAF director Alistair Dutton said: “This is an opportunity to help Scotland create a low-carbon economy which protects workers’ livelihoods, create new industrial opportunities and deliver a fairer and more equal Scotland.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We recognise that inclusive growth, built on equality and respect for the environment, is essential.
“The First Minister has made it clear that the transition to a low carbon economy presents important economic opportunities for our country.”