Scotland’s energy should be in Scotland’s hands, says minister

The Scottish Government will today (Thursday) call for immediate action by the UK Government to devolve energy powers to the Scottish Parliament.

In a statement to MSPs, the newly appointed Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy Stephen Gethins will urge Parliament to support the transfer of energy powers to allow the Scottish Government to take action to lower the cost of energy. 

Mr Gethins will set out that despite Scotland's energy wealth, too many households, communities, and businesses still face unacceptably high energy bills and that if the Scottish Government had responsibility to set energy policy that worked for Scotland, Ministers could help reduce bills, tackle fuel poverty and secure high-quality jobs now and into the future.

Mr Gethins is expected to say:

“People in Scotland face increasing energy bills and a cost of living crisis – in a country that produces far more energy than it consumes. The day after the UK Government announced bills would go up again, that is more important than ever.   

“This disconnect between Scotland's energy wealth and the daily reality facing Scottish households is not inevitable. It is a consequence of a constitutional arrangement that leaves decisions about Scotland's energy in the hands of Westminster – that has delivered among the highest energy bills in Europe.

“Scotland has the energy but it does not have the power. Empowering this Parliament is part of the solution locally, nationally, internationally but also vitally in people's homes too. I urge members across the chamber to support this motion and stand with the Scottish Government in requesting the transfer of energy powers.”