Greens want energy policy devolved

The Scottish Greens have called for powers over energy policy to be devolved to Holyrood in order to tackle the climate emergency.

Energy policy is currently largely reserved, with the electricity market and subsidies for renewables set by Westminster.

Speaking before a visit to Whitelee Windfarm near Glasgow today, Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “Energy is one of the clearest ways in which Westminster is holding back Scotland’s capacity to tackle the climate emergency.

“Tory and Lib Dem governments pulled the rug out from under Scotland’s wind power progress, then they failed to back our enormous tidal potential.

“Independence would best allow Scotland to grow and invest in the green industries we need, but in the meantime energy powers should urgently be devolved to the Scottish Parliament to allow the development of a progressive support scheme for renewables.

“Scotland should be able to direct investment and protect the renewables supply chain, creating new jobs in the sector as part of a Scottish green new deal. The clearest way to demand this is to vote Scottish Green on 12 December.”