UK Government has 'Shameful' Energy Policy Track Record, Says SNP's McCaig
The UK government has a ‘shameful’ track record on energy policy, according to the Scottish National Party’s Business and Energy spokesperson at Westminster, Callum McCaig.
McCaig, who also labelled the UK’s Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy Department policy as ‘confused and damaging’, made the comments in reference to the future of Peterhead’s gas-fired power station, which is thought to be under threat.
The SNP politician, along with the SNP’s Eilidh Whiteford - whose constituency is within the location of the power station, said in a joint letter to UK Business Secretary Greg Clark that any possible threat to the future of the station is in part due to the UK government’s decision to abandon a promised Carbon Capture and Storage program, which they described as a “very damaging U-turn”.
Peterhead power station’s retention was described by the politicians as being vital to keeping jobs and skills in the area and enhancing Scotland’s energy security.
“The UK government has a shameful track record on energy policy and any threat to Peterhead would just be the latest in a long list. They need to act and help create a positive role and future at Peterhead,” McCaig said in a statement sent to Rigzone.
“Our letter to Greg Clark is to get some common sense thinking into the Business and Energy Department – which is clearly lacking at the moment as their energy policy is confused and damaging,’’ he added.
Whiteford echoed McCaig’s sentiment and expressed concern at the broader effects of closing the asset.
‘’We want an assurance from Greg Clark that there is a commitment to address Peterhead’s future,” she said.
“This is of real concern to the workforce and the communities but also the knock on to the supply chain. It would be a damaging and retrograde step when energy generation has such enormous potential for Scotland. The Business Secretary has to look at safeguarding Peterhead’s future. It would be yet another unforgiveable Tory folly not to look at all the options now,” Whiteford added.
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