Monday April 21st 2025
Colin Beattie MSP, Midlothian North & Musselburgh, writes his monthly column for Midlothian View
Energy Security is vital to the wellbeing of our communities, the strength of our economy and resilience of our future. Now more than ever, Scotland must protect our energy assets, support a just transition to net zero, and stand up to the Westminster government’s double standards when it comes to nationalising critical national infrastructure.
Grangemouth, Scotland’s only oil refinery, plays a crucial role in our energy landscape. Not only does it support thousands of skilled jobs directly and indirectly, but it is also key to maintaining or domestic fuel supply.
Yet we have seen the UK Government recall Parliament to prioritise nationalising British Steel. Whilst I agree that this is the correct step, the same attitude must be extended to Grangemouth. Scotland is being treated as an afterthought.
Saving Grangemouth would present an opportunity to not only secure jobs in the short term – it could also form a cornerstone of the just transition. With the right investment the site could evolve into a hub for green energy. It is vital we keep the skilled workers in Scotland as they are key to developing a modern sustainable energy economy. Scotland has the resources, the workforce and the will. What we need is the UK Government to back this vision.
Instead, the UK Government continues to fail Scotland on energy. Despite promises to cut household energy bills by £300, they continue to rise. This broken promise has left households across the community struggling to heat their homes – while energy companies continue to post record profits.
You would expect Scottish Labour MSPs to hold the UK Government accountable, however, no Scottish Labour MSPs have met with the UK Government’s Energy Minister, Michael Shanks MP to discuss the crisis on behalf of their constituents.
Scotland deserves better. We deserve a UK Government that defends our vital infrastructure and invests in our future. With the powers of a full independent nation, we could take control of our energy future – unlocking the economic potential for the people of Scotland. Until then we must continue to hold the Labour UK Government to account.”
Tweet Share on Facebook
