Video: Energy Bill
/I led the SNP at the Second Reading (Lords) of the Energy Bill. It was quite abnormal debating a piece of legislation that I pretty much supported. In fact, I have to admit that I broadly welcome most of the measures in the Bill, particularly those relating to carbon capture storage and hydrogen models.
However, the UK Government has to get over its obsession with nuclear – the only legislation that has gotten more expensive over the years instead of cheaper! Westminster also has to learn from Holyrood by setting up a Just Transition Commission to place fairness and long-term job creation and transfer at the forefront of net zero. It is astounding that they have yet to step up and match the Scottish Government’s £500m just transition fund – something I have called for time and time again, including writing to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Scotland (Alister Jack MP) about.
The bill is also littered with comments that Jack must look at. For example, it states: “the Scottish Ministers, if the regulations contain provision that would be within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament if it were contained in an Act of that Parliament”. The requirement only to consult is not good enough. As an absolute minimum, the UK Government should seek to work with and obtain the permission of the Scottish Government where regulations relate to devolved competency.
This is another example of a power grab, as the matter is set out in the Bill instead of there being collegiate working.
