Gillian Martin
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Mark Ruskell: I hear what the cabinet secretary says about her engagement with industry, but it is communities that are facing a deluge of applications for data centres. There are people here today from Fife and across Scotland who are raising their concerns. Answers are needed, cabinet secretary.”
“The Scottish Government has not undertaken a wholly national assessment of the remit that the member specifically outlines on data centres. However, we are currently engaging with industry and partner agencies to better understand the cumulative impacts of data centre developments on the environment.”
“The Scottish Government’s wildfires strategic action plan sets out a partnership approach to preventing, preparing for and responding to wildfires.”
“Although the Scottish Government is not currently undertaking a formal national assessment, we are working with partners to assess the impact of AI data centres and to look at whether current planning conditions are appropriate.”
“David Green: The response from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and local land management to the severe wildfires that were experienced in the Highlands last year was exceptional, and I put on record my thanks to them.”
“Following on from the good work that was done on the wildfires strategy in the previous parliamentary session by Jim Fairlie and by Siobhian Brown, the former Minister for Victims and Community Safety, a great deal of work is being done on prevention.”
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Every one of 614 lines we hold for Gillian Martin, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 7 of 13.
“George Adam: Does the cabinet secretary agree that actions to preserve historic buildings, such as those undertaken at Paisley’s museum, library and town hall, help retain a cultural focus as well as create economic footfall in town centres? Do such actions represent a way forward for town centre regeneration while making historic buildings fit for purpose for the 21st century? Gillian Martin: I agree with all of that. I thank the member for mentioning the projects in Paisley, because the Scottish Government is pleased to see the cultural investment being made there. It is a good example of culture being a tool for driving the economy, with a wide range of engaging and enjoyable cultural experiences being provided for our citizens, too.”
“The Scottish Government is supportive of historic buildings in town centres being preserved and regenerated. We provide support for our historic environment through sponsorship of Historic Environment Scotland, which received £74.2 million in grant in aid funding in 2025-26. That funding helps Historic Environment Scotland to maintain properties in its care, deliver grants to the heritage sector, undertake research on the effects of climate change on historic buildings, and fulfil advisory and regulatory functions. HES also provides advice to property owners, local authorities, developers and community groups. That helps to protect our historic environment while supporting jobs, skills and vibrant communities.”
“[Interruption.] They would rather just mislead the public. I move S6M-19894.3, to leave out from first “the Scottish” to end and insert: “that the Conservative Party, while in the UK Government, extended the Energy Profits Levy and failed to replace it with a sustainable fiscal regime that supports a just transition, and recognises that communities in Scotland are now paying the price of the UK Conservative administration’s levy on Scottish industry.” The Deputy Presiding Officer: Can we please make sure that we can hear the person who has the floor? A bit of response and reaction to what is being said is one thing, but barracking in that way is not acceptable. I call Sarah Boyack to speak to and move amendment S6M-19894.4. You have up to four minutes, Ms Boyack. 15:07”
“As far as I know, it has not even had a response. The EPL is affecting investment in offshore wind and the stability of the energy supply chain, as well as causing job losses well beyond oil and gas producers. It is having a ripple effect on communities in the north-east, Grangemouth and Fife. Furthermore, it is preventing the decommissioning of obsolete assets, with all the jobs that would come with that. The Deputy Presiding Officer: You need to conclude. Gillian Martin: It is simply a tax on the industrial workers and communities of Scotland. I am appalled that it has not been scrapped. There is one more thing to say before I sit down. The Tories have a brass neck. They introduced the EPL, but they did not even mention that, or that they extended it. It is shameful that they cannot fess up.”
“Gillian Martin: I will use the short time that I have to make one point to Fergus Ewing. I am fully in favour of electrification of production platforms. The decrease in production emissions is important and should be taken into account when all licences are considered. I am deeply worried, because the UK Government did not even mention EPL in the budget statement today. The situation is worse than simply not heeding warnings from the industry. The Labour Government has not taken the offer of Offshore Energies UK to reform the levy in a way that would prompt renewed investment while creating longer-term tax receipts for the UK Treasury. It did the work for the Government. It presented a plan and a way out that would lead to more revenue coming to the Exchequer, but it was not even referenced.”
“Gillian Martin: I will come to Fergus Ewing in a second, after I make this point. Communities are being affected not just in the north-east but across Scotland. Donna Hutchison, the chief executive of Aberdeen Cyrenians, has made clear the real-world consequences. She said: “Every job lost in the energy supply chain lands somewhere—in a home, a family, and a community. It can mean rent arrears, foodbank visits, or a parent quietly skipping meals so their children don’t have to.” Fergus Ewing: Would the way to avert those job losses not be to preserve and create the 1,000 jobs that would come from Cambo and Rosebank? Equinor’s analysis is that 12 or 13kg of CO2 is emitted per barrel of oil, which reduces to 3kg if there is electrification. That compares with 80kg for fracked gas or liquefied natural gas.”
“I am deeply disappointed by the UK Government’s budget announcements a few hours ago, but, more than that, I am deeply worried. Do not just take my word on that; I have the response from David Whitehouse, the chief executive of Offshore Energies UK, who said: “Today, the government turned down £50 billion of investment for the UK and the chance to protect the jobs and industries that keep this country running. Instead, they’ve chosen a path that will see 1,000 jobs continue to be lost every month, more energy imports and a contagion across supply chains”. I totally agree with him. On the other side of things, I want to explain how the situation is affecting communities, because the levy is not just a tax on companies. Fergus Ewing: Will the minister give way?”
“Meanwhile, we will continue the oil and gas transition training fund to support the industry-led energy skills passport and provide enhanced training opportunities for oil and gas workers via our colleges. We have already invested more than £120 million in the north-east through our just transition fund and energy transition fund to support the region’s transition to net zero. That funding has helped to create new jobs, support innovation and secure a highly skilled workforce for the future. We are on the side of energy workers. I turn to the omissions from the chancellor’s statement this afternoon, which I referenced earlier. That means turning to the fiscal regime in the North Sea, which is—again—reserved to the UK Government.”
“We will continue to call on the UK Government to approach all its reserved decisions on North Sea oil and gas projects on a rigorous, evidence-led, case-by-case basis, with climate compatibility and energy security as key considerations. Douglas Lumsden: The environmental compatibility report for Rosebank has been available for some weeks now. Does the SNP Government back Rosebank—yes or no? Gillian Martin: It is getting a bit tiresome explaining the Scotland Act 1998, the Electricity Act 1989 and all the reserved functions of the UK Government to the Conservative energy spokesperson, who I would have thought would be familiar with the detail of those.”
“The previous debate focused on consenting for offshore projects that are already in development—decisions that are reserved to the UK Government. Today’s motion focuses on licensing for exploration to identify new oil and gas fields and the associated fiscal regime. Those are, again, reserved matters. On licensing, within the past hour, the UK Government has published its “North Sea Future Plan”, which includes how it will approach future oil and gas licensing in the basin. The Scottish Government did not receive prior sight of that document, so I will need to take time to carefully consider the detail and its implications for Scotland.”
“The Parliament debated oil and gas policy just two weeks ago, and we now return to that policy in the light of significant United Kingdom Government announcements that have been made over the past hour—or, I should say, in the light of the lack of announcements, because the omissions from the chancellor’s budget statement are more significant than what was included. The future of North Sea oil and gas remains of vital importance for Scotland’s energy transition, energy security, economy and society. Oil and gas still play an important role in Scotland’s energy mix and will continue to do so for decades to come. That role is declining as we reduce demand through decarbonisation of the systems that we rely on to live, and given the geological maturity of the North Sea basin.”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: The cabinet secretary will now take questions on the issues raised in her statement. I intend to allow around 20 minutes for those, after which we will move on to the next item of business.”
“Although I acknowledge that there are challenges to be overcome, the fact remains that Scotland is seen globally as a country that is leading the way and one from which others can learn; a country that is doing everything within its power to deliver the benefits that our tremendous potential pipeline of offshore wind projects represents, and in a way that ensures that the environmental impact and the interests of all marine users are properly considered; and a country that is working hard to deliver sustainable opportunities for our supply chain that translate into good-quality, well-paid jobs for the people of Scotland and support prosperous, sustainable communities. The opportunity before us all is vast. Let us continue working together to seize it.”
“It is imperative that all of us, as Scotland’s elected representatives, advocate for the sector, given the size of the prize for our economy, energy security and net zero ambitions. In doing so, we will reinforce to investors that Scotland is a prime destination for investment in offshore wind projects, supply chain and infrastructure. Offshore wind offers not just an energy solution but a huge economic and social opportunity for the people of Scotland.”
“In my ask of the UK Government I have been clear that the final budget for allocation round 7 must facilitate the deployment of fixed and floating offshore wind projects in Scotland while ultimately keeping prices affordable for consumers. Let us be clear that an underfunded auction would jeopardise the delivery of Scotland’s offshore wind pipeline, undermine investor confidence and risk pushing investment and jobs that are of critical importance, not least to those in the north-east, towards other markets. We will continue to work constructively with the UK Government and other partners to ensure that Scotland’s offshore wind sector reaches its full potential, because we all need to play our part.”
“To secure project delivery in Scotland, the UK Government must prioritise the reforms that are necessary to make transmission charges fairer so that there is a level playing field for Scottish projects, and it must bring forward grid connection dates. A lack of certainty on network connection dates and the unfair transmission charging regime are the most significant barriers to the delivery of Scottish offshore wind projects. This year’s contracts for difference allocation round 7 is a pivotal moment to inject fresh momentum into Scotland’s offshore wind sector and build on the strategic investments in our supply chain that have been made to date.”
“That is central to our considerations as we update the sectoral marine plan for offshore wind energy and work to support the delivery of strategic compensation and a Scottish marine recovery fund. I am, of course, fully aware that where there is an opportunity to be realised there will also be challenges that need to be overcome. Current global market dynamics are bringing uncertainty, which is exactly why the Government chooses to back the sector and provide it with the regulatory, policy and investment stability that it needs to grow. However, action also needs to be taken by others. We continue to work closely with the UK Government on our shared ambitions around clean power to deliver economic growth and energy security and to support net zero ambitions, but we need action on critical issues that relate to reserved powers.”
“Developed in partnership with industry and public sector partners, the plan sets out initial actions that are to be taken over the next two years to support the pipeline of skilled workers that will be needed by the offshore wind sector right across Scotland. The actions build on existing work that is aimed at upskilling Scotland’s renewable energy workforce, which includes the recently launched energy transition skills hub and the oil and gas transition training fund, which is supporting our valued oil and gas workers to retrain and upskill and move into new renewable energy job opportunities. We are also working hard to manage the marine space in a planned way that ensures that the interests of the marine environment and all marine users, including our valued fishing sector, are properly considered.”
“Sumitomo is investing £350 million in a subsea cable factory, which is projected to support around 330 jobs over 10 years, and, just last month, Mitsui & Co Europe Ltd and MOL—Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd—announced plans for a multimillion-pound upgrade at the Port of Nigg. I was glad to meet them last month. One of the most significant opportunities lies in the offshore wind industry’s ability to support well- paid, secure and sustainable employment for people across Scotland. As it continues to grow, the offshore wind sector is providing opportunities to those who are entering the job market for the first time, as well as those who want or need to change careers as part of a just transition. Last week, we published “Scotland’s Offshore Wind Skills Priorities and Action Plan”.”
“That has leveraged around £740 million of wider investment in 10 projects, which have the potential to support around 5,000 jobs in communities across Scotland, including at Ardersier, Montrose, Scapa, Lerwick, Nigg and Kishorn. Scotland has already seen significant commitments from capital and inward investors. The development at Ardersier port, which has the potential to support around 3,000 jobs and reskilling opportunities, is one of the largest regeneration projects in the Highlands for decades. Forth Ports has invested £150 million in expanding offshore wind capabilities.”
“The company took me through its plans at Montrose port the week before I stood alongside its micropiles on the quayside at the port of Leith as I launched the climate change plan. We estimate that the potential capital value of the Scottish offshore wind market could be around £100 billion, given full deployment of the potential pipeline. We are in a unique position to maximise that potential and build on Scotland’s already strong reputation as a destination for offshore wind investment. A key ingredient is our approach to leveraging wider investment. In the past 18 months alone, we have invested around £150 million in the offshore wind supply chain and ports.”
“The Scottish National Investment Bank’s investment in the Pentland project, which was announced yesterday, sends a clear signal to the market that floating wind technology is of critical importance for Scotland’s energy transition, our supply chain and our economy. It also marks the bank’s and the United Kingdom National Wealth Fund’s first joint investment. Our pipeline of offshore wind projects continues to turn potential into reality. For example, the Moray West and Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farms became fully operational earlier this year. They have a combined capacity of 1.3GW, which is enough to power more than 1 million homes. In addition, Inch Cape offshore wind farm is now under construction.”
“Although I acknowledge the uncertainty that global market dynamics—including the decisions by some to pivot away from renewables—are currently bringing to the offshore wind sector, there should be no doubt that offshore wind remains one of Scotland’s most significant economic opportunities and our key competitive advantage in the energy transition. Indeed, as several recent strategic acquisition and investment decisions by committed developers have demonstrated, it is clear that there is confidence in Scotland’s offshore wind market. The Scottish public sector continues to be steadfast in its backing of the offshore wind industry.”
“Our abundant natural resources, world-leading subsea engineering capabilities, strong skills base in oil and gas production, and extensive potential pipeline of projects mean that we are uniquely positioned to lead the global charge on offshore wind and to be at the heart of Europe’s energy transition for decades to come. Most importantly, Scotland’s offshore wind journey is about opportunities for the people of Scotland: opportunities for our communities and our workforce; opportunities for our young people who are just starting out in their careers; opportunities for supporting a just transition; opportunities for reinvigorating coastal communities; and opportunities for growing our economy in a sustainable way.”
“Offshore wind development presents an era-defining opportunity to grow our green economy for the benefit of communities across Scotland while supporting our energy security and our journey towards net zero. Through our world-leading ScotWind and innovation and targeted oil and gas—INTOG— leasing rounds, Scotland is at the forefront of offshore wind development globally, with a potential project pipeline of more than 40GW. That is more than 40 per cent of the United Kingdom’s total pipeline, which is one of the largest in the world.”
“I refer Monica Lennon and anyone else who wants details on that to the statement that Ms McAllan made on Tuesday. The draft bill is out for consultation. It is available for people to see, and the certainty on it and the trajectory are there for people to see. Ms McAllan was certain that she wanted to give that certainty.”
“What can she say to stakeholders who think that there is a lack of certainty and who want that effective engagement to continue? Gillian Martin: I refer Monica Lennon and anyone from those sectors to the statement that was made by my colleague Màiri McAllan. She gave some of the reasons why she thought that it was best to publish a draft heat in buildings bill in this parliamentary session, but she could not make a commitment to get the bill through by the end of the parliamentary session because we do not have certainty about the UK Government’s warm homes plan or the electricity and gas pricing arrangements. That information is critical when it comes to taking a view on the measures that we can take, because the price of electricity is fundamental to the plans for decarbonisation of heat in Scotland.”
“I have offered meetings to the NZET Committee’s convener and to numerous MSPs— those invitations went out in the past couple of days—and my door remains open for anyone across the chamber to engage on the draft plan. I certainly include Monica Lennon in that if she wants to discuss the plan with me. Monica Lennon: I am grateful to the cabinet secretary for that welcome update. Organisations across the energy, manufacturing and housing sectors are expected to deliver the clean heat ambitions that are set out in the draft climate change plan, but many are saying that they cannot plan properly for the scale of the challenge, especially now that the heat in buildings bill has been kicked down the road until after the election. I recognise the wider engagement that the cabinet secretary has carried out, and I welcome her offer today.”
“I wrote to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, the Climate Change Committee, the United Kingdom Government, environmental non-governmental organisations, the Just Transition Commission and business and third sector groups to inform them of the draft plan’s publication. A public consultation on the plan is now open on the Government’s website, and we will hold public engagement activities to make it as active and inclusive as possible. We will also continue to convene the climate change plan advisory group to gather expert views and will continue to engage with members of the Scottish Parliament throughout the consultation period.”
“When we did our ScotWind round, we made sure that there were local procurement and local content provisions within the conditions. Doing so meant that the economic growth would stay in Scotland. We have also recently invested in a programme of offshore wind skills training provision, and we recently opened the offshore wind skills hub in the city of Aberdeen. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Question 6 has been withdrawn. United Kingdom Railways Bill 7.”
“Does the cabinet secretary recognise that, without a skilled workforce, we cannot possibly hope to reap the benefits that would come from modernising our energy infrastructure and that cutting places is the absolute worst thing that we could be doing? Gillian Martin: I am glad to hear Brian Whittle focus on the economic opportunities that are associated with energy infrastructure. He makes very good points that are often missed by his colleagues about the economic importance of that. A source of great dismay to me has been that there are no local conditions as part of the National Energy System Operator’s procurement of an energy and electricity upgrade system. I have written to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero about that issue.”
“Brian Whittle: If we are to make the most of the economic opportunities that come with modernising and expanding our energy infrastructure, having a strong domestic supply chain is vital. We are already hearing warnings from across the sector that, due to a lack of domestic manufacturing capacity, it risks missing out on tens of billions of pounds of inward investment. However, we are still not even close to providing enough college and apprenticeship places to meet the demand for engineers, technicians and those with other trades that those sectors are desperate to recruit in order to build that capacity. In fact, many places for such courses are being cut because of financial pressure.”
“We are directly supporting the sector through the just transition fund and our commitment to invest up to £500 million over five years in offshore wind infrastructure and manufacturing. That includes support for projects such as those involving Maritime Developments, Verlume and Sumitomo’s cable factory. We are also supporting ports across Scotland—including at Ardersier and Kishorn— which are critical to the deployment of all those projects. Over the past 18 months, we have invested almost £150 million and have leveraged about £740 million of wider investment into 10 projects, which have the potential to support about 5,000 jobs across Scotland. That is just the start— we have seen that port developments can support hundreds more jobs indirectly.”
“The right solution in each case is dependent on individual properties and choices, and those choices need to be informed and made with advice. Our Home Energy Scotland advice service continues to support thousands of households annually with free bespoke and impartial advice to make their homes easier, cheaper and greener to heat. The service also points people to sources of grant support, including the warmer homes Scotland scheme and the Home Energy Scotland grant and loan schemes. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Question 4 has not been lodged. Energy Infrastructure (Domestic Supply Chain) 5.”
“Will the cabinet secretary say more about the differences that those services are making and confirm the Government’s continued commitment to delivering a national advice service so that households can make well-informed and confident choices about the future of heating their homes? Gillian Martin: I am pleased that David Torrance highlights the local heat and energy efficiency strategies and Home Energy Scotland. It is absolutely the duty of a local MSP to highlight the support services that are available to allow households to decarbonise. It is crucial that we help people to make informed, positive climate choices. Councils have completed their first round of local heat and energy efficiency strategies, which help to set out likely solutions across Scotland.”
“David Torrance: A recent poll by the MCS Foundation found that although more than a third of Scots do not feel informed about what action is being taken to meet their climate targets, a clear majority still see climate action as important, with 66 per cent of people saying that they would replace their current fossil fuel boiler to help tackle climate change. The Government’s existing support, including Home Energy Scotland’s advice service and the roll-out of local heat and energy efficiency strategies, already helps individuals and local communities to make the right decisions about how to decarbonise their home heating.”
“Nature is one of the best tools that we have to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Nature can support our physical and mental health, cool our urban areas in summer and, critically, protect our places from heavy rain and floods. Scottish Government funding streams such as the £65 million nature restoration fund, the water environment fund, our network of climate action hubs and practical resources from NatureScot and Adaptation Scotland support the huge efforts of community groups and local authorities, which are already delivering those nature-based solutions on the ground.”
“The plan introduces new measures to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, electrify industry and reduce emissions while making Scottish industry more competitive. The plan also describes how we will ensure that the opportunities that net zero presents for new jobs and economic growth, better infrastructure and energy security, cleaner air and improved public services are seized and fairly distributed as part of a just transition.”
“Rona Mackay: I welcome the Scottish Government’s funding for loss and damage, human rights and adaptation projects, which were announced at COP30 last week, and the continued commitment to climate justice and action. Can the cabinet secretary say any more about the Scottish Government’s domestic work to reach net zero, including through the recently published draft climate change plan? Gillian Martin: I thank Rona Mackay for giving that context. Our climate change plan is very important when we represent internationally what we do and share our thoughts on how we can all decarbonise. Our plan sets out 150 actions across transport, buildings and agriculture that are aimed at meeting Scotland’s carbon budgets while supporting people to make and adjust to the changes that are required.”
“The Scottish Government’s representation at COP30 delivered on our programme for government commitment to lead on climate action internationally. At COP30, I pressed for the scaling up of quality finance to meet the needs of the most vulnerable; advocated for greater recognition of states, regions and devolved Governments in global climate processes through Scotland’s leadership roles as president of Regions4 and a co-chair of the Under2 Coalition; and confirmed funding for loss and damage, human rights and adaptation projects as part of the £36 million climate justice fund. I also showcased our climate justice and loss and damage programming, ensuring that the voices of the global south were amplified.”
“It is the Government’s responsibility to lead and, by doing so through the plan, we will enable others to act and innovate. However, we cannot reach net zero alone. People and businesses need to work with us on this shared national endeavour to fight against climate change and harness the possibilities that are before us. It is a national challenge that Scotland must win, because the prize is not only a healthier climate but warmer homes, cleaner air and happier, more equitable and prosperous communities. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The cabinet secretary will now take questions on the issues raised in her statement. I intend to allow around 20 minutes for that, after which we will need to move on to the next item of business.”
“We can do that because of emissions savings in other sectors, including high fuel supply decarbonisation in energy supply and emissions reductions in peatlands. The plan reflects a distinctly Scottish way of achieving this. I am grateful to the many people who have shaped our approach to the draft plan, including the climate change plan advisory group, the Just Transition Commission and scientific advisory bodies. We know that involving people in the policy- making process makes policy smarter and more effective, so I encourage anyone who has an interest to respond to our consultation on the plan. My door remains open to any member who wants to engage constructively on the draft plan so that the final version is as strong as possible.”
“We have restored more than 90,000 hectares of degraded peatland. Through the draft plan, Scotland’s new light detection and ranging— LiDAR—data will help us to accelerate the amount of peatland that is restored year on year. The speed of our decarbonisation follows advice from the Climate Change Committee. Scotland is delivering on the moral imperative to end our contribution to global emissions. However, we will also make important departures from the committee’s policy advice, including on livestock numbers and agricultural emissions. We will support farmers, crofters and other land managers to continue to produce high- quality food and protect rural livelihoods, while enhancing diversity, soil health and agricultural business productivity.”
“We will use commercial finance to support the decarbonisation of heavy goods vehicles. We are also introducing new energy performance certificate regulations and setting out proposals to boost heat network development by requiring large non-domestic premises, where they have the opportunity to connect to a heat network, to move away from fossil fuel heating systems. In that way, infrastructure and local places are being transformed to support health and wellbeing. Our approach also focuses on nature-based solutions that will benefit communities, restore ecosystems and protect green spaces. In 2023, Scotland created more than 8,400 hectares of new woodland. To go further, we are supporting skills development in forestry management to increase farm productivity and tree planting.”
“That is why we have invested more than £120 million so far in the north-east through the just transition and energy transition funds, supporting workers into low- carbon jobs and enabling investment in offshore wind, port infrastructure and supply chains. We are also investing an additional £9 million in the oil and gas transition training fund to help North Sea workers to move into those low-carbon roles. Those initiatives sit alongside the work that we are doing to support people through the transition and to deliver the wider benefits fairly. For example, the redesign of our energy and transport systems will also help to reduce household costs, improve air quality and enhance energy security. The draft plan includes new support for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and consumer incentives to encourage EV uptake.”
“Between 1990 and 2022, emissions from electricity generation fell by 88 per cent, driven by our natural resources, community involvement, supportive planning and falling costs, with wind and solar now the lowest-cost forms of new generation. Today, Scotland generates more than half its electricity from renewables and, in 2020 alone, community benefit payments from renewables projects exceeded £30 million. There is still massive untapped potential in, for example, hydro, tidal and wave energy, anaerobic digestion and geothermal energy. The transition and the action that we are taking are already ensuring major benefits for Scotland, with much more to come. However, as well as seizing those new opportunities, we have a particular responsibility to areas where change will inevitably be felt the most.”
“As well as reducing emissions, the plan is about how we unlock economic benefits, strengthen our communities, tackle poverty, restore nature and improve health and wellbeing. Many of those wider benefits are already being delivered. The number of low-carbon, sustainable jobs is growing faster here than in the rest of the United Kingdom, thanks to consistent Scottish Government investment. Low or zero-carbon industries, such as renewable energy and hydrogen, have expanded by more than 20 per cent since 2022, contributing more than £9 billion to the economy and supporting more than 100,000 jobs. Our electricity sector exemplifies that.”
“We continue to accelerate the ambition and action of partners globally through our leadership positions as Regions4 president and Under2 Coalition European co-chair. We increasingly feel the real-life impacts of climate change domestically. The growing frequency of storms, heat waves and flooding events is impacting our health, our livelihoods and the resilience of our communities. Indeed, the Scottish climate survey shows that most of us see climate change as an immediate problem for our country. Tackling the climate emergency remains a priority for this Government and must continue to be so for Parliament in this and future sessions. The draft climate change plan that we have laid before Parliament today sets out more than 150 actions that we must take between now and 2040 to grow our economy and reduce our carbon emissions.”
“The latest delay to its warm homes plan means that we still lack essential information on when and how the UK Government will use its reserved powers to make clean heat systems more affordable. I urge the UK Government to provide that clarity as soon as possible, and we remain ready to work with it to accelerate the transition to clean heat in our homes and buildings. We will also continue to work collaboratively with other partners—local authorities, industry and the third sector—and we must bring people with us on that journey. The voices of climate inaction are growing globally, and here at home. Some question the impact that a country of Scotland’s size can make. However, Scotland has demonstrated how smaller countries can contribute to global change.”
“I will continue to work constructively with the UK Government to make that happen. That includes working on our shared commitment to decarbonise heat in buildings. It is an area where the Scottish Government has shown leadership, which is demonstrated by our legislative requirement for clean heat to be installed in new homes and our continued drive and ambition to promote investment and growth in heat networks. The plan maintains that leadership. It confirms our target to decarbonise the heat in Scotland’s buildings by 2045 in a manner consistent with our commitment to reduce fuel poverty by maintaining our support for those who need it most. The UK Government must show similar leadership.”