Stop playing games over clean heat, Tories warned
Opposition parties should stop playing political games over the roll out of clean heat to Scotland’s homes, say the Scottish Greens.
Businesses and households are being fed a diet of misinformation by MSPs who say that they support Scotland’s work to tackle climate change but then oppose almost every action to do that, warned the party's climate spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP.
Mr Ruskell also accused critics of “delay, dilution and distraction” and urged Ministers to ignore Tories and others without a plan and instead heed the calls from experts welcoming clear, calm certainty.
Speaking during Topical Questions at Holyrood, Mr Ruskell said: “Last year the clean heat industry wrote to the First Minister urging the Scottish Government to move forward with its heat in buildings bill as soon as possible.
"They said that to meet the challenge and maximise opportunities, the industry needs certainty and that new standards would allow homeowners, landlords and supply chains to understand what they need to do and by when.
“Given that clear steer from industry, does the minister agree that calls from opposition parties for delay and dilution go against what businesses are telling us they need to deliver the heat transition with the urgency that is required to tackle the climate emergency?"
Mr Ruskell welcomed the Minister Patrick Harvie’s response criticising opponents for trying to undermine the scheme, particularly given their lack of any alternatives.
He said: “The Minister offered real clarity and confidence to business, unlike critics from some of the opposition parties who should frankly hang their heads in shame at trying to derail what should be a national effort.
“Decarbonising our homes and buildings has to be a priority for us all if we are to meet our net zero targets, create renewable careers and support a greener and cleaner economy that will meet the needs of the future.
“Business leaders have made it clear that new mandatory standards are a welcome, positive and game changing opportunity. MSPs should meet the standards of supporting these aims for their constituents, not falling short for political gamesmanship.”