(Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath)
(Alba): What recent discussions he has had with the Scottish
Government on developing carbon capture, utilisation and storage
in Scotland.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (): Carbon capture, utilisation
and storage is a vital component of our journey to net zero. The
Acorn
project represents a huge opportunity for the
north-east of Scotland. As would be expected for any
multi-billion pound project, due diligence must now be
followed.
: Under Westminster rule,
Bathgate, Linwood, Methil and Irvine are all no more. Grangemouth
now risks being added to that sorry list, and with it the hope of
its developing carbon technologies. The Minister is quick to
attack a Scottish Government with limited powers, but
responsibility for the robbery and ruination of Scotland’s energy
sector, and the continued denial of substantial funding for
carbon capture, rests squarely with the UK Government. What is
his office doing to protect energy sector jobs and livelihoods in
Scotland, and what is his Department’s excuse for utterly failing
the people of Scotland?
: I had the pleasure of meeting
the Cabinet Secretary from the Scottish Government this morning,
together with the leader of Falkirk Council, to discuss the
situation at Grangemouth. The Scottish
Government and the UK Government are working together, hand in
hand, to protect as many jobs as possible. The Scottish cluster
is expected to include at least one project located in
Grangemouth, which is welcome news.
