Johnson’s energy strategy not fit for purpose
Boris Johnson’s new energy strategy is not fit for purpose as it fails to tackle the cost of living crisis or heed warnings on the climate emergency, the Scottish Greens said today.
The Prime Minister’s proposal for a new oil and gas licensing round in the North Sea flies in the face of the UK’s climate obligations, his expensive fixation with new nuclear will take decades to deliver costly energy, and create a toxic waste legacy in the process, while his refusal to commit to significant onshore wind expansion, at a time when the Scottish Government has committed to double that here, is cowardly.
Commenting, Scottish Greens energy and climate spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said:
“Boris Johnson’s energy strategy is not fit for purpose. It flies in the face of climate science and does nothing to support the millions of households who are facing sky high energy bills right now.
"With Greens in government here in Scotland we are taking action to tackle the cost of living crisis by introducing free bus travel for young people, doubling the Scottish Child Payment, while committing to make a million homes warmer and more energy efficient.
“This strategy presented another opportunity for the Westminster government to help those struggling most, but it seems it's an opportunity missed.
“Earlier this week the UN warned that we’re facing a now or never moment to tackle the climate emergency. Incredibly, Boris Johnson’s answer is to approve a new licensing round for North Sea oil and gas.
“The cooperation agreement which brought Greens into government in Scotland commits to doubling onshore wind here, but the Prime Minister is running scared of a few backbenchers by effectively keeping a ban in place in England.
“A commitment to new nuclear power will take decades to deliver costly energy, produce a toxic waste legacy, and apparently still deliver less energy than the Scottish Government’s ScotWind offshore programme. It simply doesn’t make sense.
“Scotland has 25% of all Europe’s offshore renewables potential. With independence we could lead Europe in the just transition to our renewables future. Instead, with the climate denying Tories in the driving seat it seems we’re going full speed ahead toward climate breakdown.”