Cabinet reshuffle is no excuse for delays on climate plan
Cabinet reshuffle can no longer be used as an excuse to delay publication of Scotland’s first carbon budgets, says Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP.
Today, the First Minister confirmed that Gillian Martin will remain in her role as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, with Mairi McAllan returning from maternity leave in a new role as Cabinet Secretary for Housing.
Mr Harvie said:
“The delay in setting Scotland's first carbon budget has already caused serious concern, and some had blamed it on the imminent reshuffle.
“Now that Gillian Martin has been made permanent in the job she was covering for, this can no longer be the explanation.
“It's urgent that she comes to the Chamber in the days ahead to explain the delay and to publish the Government's proposals immediately. There is no time to waste.
“We welcome Mairi McAllan back from maternity leave. She will also have a critical role to play here, and must restore boldness to Government action on both rent controls and clean heating that the Greens kick started, but which the SNP have watered down ever since.”