‘Scotland’s energy must be in Scotland’s hands’ says MSP as Holyrood backs devolution motion
THE SCOTTISH Government has backed a motion to see energy powers devolved to Scotland – but was immediately knocked back by the UK Government.
Shetland MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad voted in favour of the motion at Holyrood on Thursday, which was brought to the chamber by her party colleague and energy minister Stephen Gethins.
It was eventually passed by a majority of 70 votes to 54, with amendments tabled by other parties – including from Orkney MSP Liam McArthur – failing to secure enough backing.
Gethins told Holyrood he believed that Scotland having the power to control its own energy could help bring the cost of bills down across the country.
He urged the UK Government to support the formal transfer of energy powers to allow the Scottish Government to take action to lower the cost of energy locally.
Goodlad, who was elected as Shetland’s MSP earlier this month, backed her party’s motion emphatically.
“Scotland’s energy must be in Scotland’s hands, and as locally as possible,” she told Shetland News.
“Market design, energy pricing, tax regimes, licensing, strategy, grid are all key powers that influence the price of our energy bills – these are key powers that must be devolved.
“We have a broken Westminster energy system that has socialised the cost of energy and privatised the profit.
“This must change and that’s why I was proud to support the vote.”
However the UK Government immediately responded to the passing of the motion yesterday (Thursday) by refusing the request.
A spokesperson for the Scotland office said the SNP government “needs to concentrate on using the powers it has to get the basics right”.
Gethins said he would be engaging with UK Government ministers to formally request a transfer of powers.
“This government has been returned with a clear instruction to deliver the benefits of Scotland’s abundant energy resources to households, communities and businesses. That is what we intend to do,” he said.
“We are formally requesting the devolution of powers that we need to maximise our remarkable energy potential, so that it helps to deliver prosperity, security and fairness for the country.”
Highlands and Islands list MSPs Morven-May MacCallum (Liberal Democrats), Tim Eagle (Conservatives), Vic Currie and Max Bannerman (both Reform UK) all voted against the SNP motion.
Ariane Burgess and Kristopher Leask (both Greens), and Maree Todd (SNP), voted in favour.
Making his first speech in parliament, Leask – who hails from Orkney – made the case for renewable energy investment into rural and island communities, and the need for Scottish Government to deliver progress on community and marine energy.
“Our transition to renewable energy is a challenge yes, but it is undoubtedly our greatest opportunity to tackle energy security, depopulation, and to create sustainable communities that have generational community wealth,” he said.
Meanwhile McArthur’s amendment called for the government to strengthen community benefit obligations for renewable developers.
The amendment also called for ScotWind leasing revenues to be transferred to local authorities to allow strategic investment in the communities most directly affected.
The Orkney MSP said the Scottish Government’s proposed increase to community benefit guidelines – from £5,000 per megawatt a year to £6,000 – will not meet the expectation of communities.
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