Labour Government falls short while SNP Government gives up on climate
Responding to the UK Government’s latest announcement on electricity pricing, the Scottish Greens have said the proposals may offer some short-term limited protection from future gas price shocks, but accused both the UK and Scottish Governments of failing to deliver the deeper changes needed to ensure the low cost of renewable electricity is passed on to bill payers rather than siphoned off in profits.
The party said that under John Swinney, the SNP Government has rolled back on climate action while demanding tax cuts for the fossil fuel giants, abandoning the leadership needed to push for a fairer energy system. At the same time, the Labour UK Government continues to keep the benefits of cheap renewables in the hands of private profit, rather than passed on to workers, families and communities.
Scottish Greens Net-Zero spokesperson, Patrick Harvie said:
"With a typical lack of ambition, the Government is responding to a major energy crisis with just a small step; or more accurately consulting on that small step.
“While this change may have some limited benefit in protecting people from future price shocks, what's really needed is a much more fundamental change to let bill payers get the benefit of the low generating cost of renewable energy.
“That would be a huge help to those struggling with the cost of living crisis right now, and it would also give a meaningful financial incentive for households to make the switch from expensive and outdated fossil fuels for heating and transport, to cheaper alternatives like electricity, which should be the urgent priority.
“At a time when families are being hammered by the cost of living, both governments should be doing far more to deliver cheap renewable power, cut fossil fuel dependence and put communities in control of the energy they rely on, but instead of showing the urgency this moment demands, both governments are still allowing an energy system that puts private profit before the public good.”
Patrick added:
“The Scottish Greens believe both the Scottish and UK Governments must do far more to promote public and community ownership of clean energy, so that the profits aren't siphoned off to benefit shareholders at the expense of workers, families and communities.
“Under John Swinney, the SNP has rolled back on the climate ambition the SNP once promised, and seems to have given up the climate leadership Scotland urgently needs. At the same time the UK Government seems determined to make sure the energy system protects profit rather than people.
“People need lower bills, clean power and long-term energy security, not more half-measures and delays like we are seeing now. On 7 May, a vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote for lower bills, a switch to clean energy and an end to governments putting shareholder profit ahead of the needs of ordinary people.”
