SNP reported to UK statistics watchdog over use of false renewables figure

THE SNP has been reported to the UK Statistics Authority after party staff handed out leaflets containing a false claim about Scotland’s energy potential.

Earlier this month, pro-unionist think tank, These Islands, found that a Scottish Government claim dating back to 2007 that Scotland holds 25 per cent of Europe’s offshore wind potential was false and had never been true.

The Scottish Government has admitted the figure is no longer true.

However, photos have emerged over the weekend showing SNP staffers handing out Yes leaflets which contain the 25% figure.

Scottish Libdems leader Alex Cole-hamilton has written to the chairman of the UK Statistics Authority, Sir Robert Chote.

In his letter, he said: “The continued promotion of false information through these fresh deliveries to households is obviously concerning. How should households which have received this information be informed that it is not in fact true?”

“I fully support the expansion of Scotland’s renewable sector and I desperately want to see Scotland fulfil our renewable potential. Nevertheless, the strong case for that is not helped when the Scottish Government and SNP use figures which leave them open to the charge of misleading and misrepresenting.”

An SNP spokesperson said: “While Alex Cole-hamilton exposes his low ambitions and his party’s skewed priorities by going after a party staffer, the SNP will continue to champion Scotland’s huge renewable generation capabilities, which will go on to exceed 40 gigawatts of power.”