That the Parliament notes reported comments from Tara Singh, the chief executive of RenewableUK, the UK’s wind farm trade body, calling for the UK's Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, to “take energy out of the culture wars” by increasing North Sea production; understands that Ms Singh reportedly stated that the crisis in the Middle East demonstrates how the UK remains vulnerable to events overseas and would be “stronger, safer and less exposed if it produces more home-grown energy of every kind”, and that while efforts should mainly focus on green energy, it is also “entirely sensible” to support home-grown oil and gas as well; believes that the fact that these comments come from the UK’s renewable energy sector, demonstrates that the UK Government’s current approach to the North Sea industry is harming not only the existing oil and gas industry, but also the chances of delivering the just transition to net zero; calls on the UK Government to finally listen to the experts, change its energy policy, and support the jobs and investment required to make the most of the vast energy resources, and considers that the only way to make the right decisions about Scotland’s energy wealth is with the fresh start that independence would bring.
Supported by: Karen Adam, Colin Beattie, Stephanie Callaghan, Annabelle Ewing, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, Audrey Nicoll, Evelyn Tweed, Elena Whitham