Longannet report shows need for just transition honesty from government
Communities that rely on fading industries must be supported now, the Scottish Greens have warned.
The Interim Report of the Just Transition Commission has challenged the Scottish Government over the closure of the coal power station at Longannet, warning it had a negative impact on nearby communities.
It calls for incorporating a Just Transition approach across all government decision making Commenting, Scottish Greens environment spokesperson Mark Ruskell said: “This report show what the Greens have been saying all along – that there is currently nothing ‘just’ about the way fading industries are wound down without a thought for workers and communities. You’d think after Ravenscraig and Silicone Glen Scotland would be better at this.
“It is great news that Talgo are now set to provide low-carbon jobs in Fife, but the closure of Longannet was clumsy. The planning should have started much earlier. We can’t let the same mistakes be made for communities around other fossil fuel relics like Mossmorran.
“No community should be left behind, which is why the Scottish Government needs to be more honest with them and start planning long-term futures now. The Scottish Greens would rebuild the public sector and invest in low carbon jobs now through a Scottish Green New Deal. ”