Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : My focus is on making Northern Ireland work for all its people within the United Kingdom – Beattie [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Ulster Unionist Party on 2 October 2022.

Ulster Unionist Party leader, Doug Beattie MC MLA, has stated that his focus is on making Northern Ireland work for all its people within the United Kingdom.

Mr Beattie said:

“The Ireland’s Future conference in Dublin’s 3Arena may have been a substantial event for those who want a United Ireland, but as a show of unity it demonstrated that nationalism has its own problems. The event included political, civic and celebrity voices focused on the ‘what we want’, but yet again failed to outline the ‘how’.

“What I saw and heard at the conference were individuals outlining a geographical unity without a people being united. There was no plan, not even an outline, instead it was heart over head time and time again.

“I certainly don’t feel threatened by it as I believe it is as fair to have an aspiration for a United Ireland as it is for me to have a strong belief in a United Kingdom. However, it is not reasonable to ask unionists to design what they are fervently opposed to.

“As a unionist with a strong sense of Britishness and Irishness I am clear the challenge is to make Northern Ireland work for all its people. That means focusing on the economy to create better services in education, health and infrastructure, creating jobs, better housing and a connected future where all are respected regardless of their religion, sexual orientation or cultural background.

“For me this can be best achieved in the United Kingdom. Unionism needs to adapt and enhance its approach, selling the positives and being more inclusive. My confidence in my Union is unshakeable, but it can be delivered better if we focus on a union of people.

“As a positive, inclusive unionist I can listen to Jimmy Nesbitt and not feel threatened or try to portray him as some kind of modern day Lundy. In fact listening to his words I feel challenged; challenged to change his mind and thousands of others minds.

“The Ireland’s Future Conference in the 3Arena really did nothing to assist with unity of any type, be that its people or the geographical space. Despite massive resource it missed the mark, drove individuals to their trenches and increased suspicion.”

October 8, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Local parties must be involved in Protocol negotiations – Aiken [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Ulster Unionist Party on 30 September 2022.

The Ulster Unionist Party’s Finance Spokesperson, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, has urged the UK Government and the EU to include local political parties in the negotiations aimed at finding a deal to resolve the long-standing issues surrounding the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Steve Aiken said:

“The announcement today that talks around resolving the protocol are to be resumed is to be welcomed.

“That both the EU and the United Kingdom recognise that the current impasse has undermined the Belfast Good Friday Agreement is a recognition of reality.

“The Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and EU Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič should now take the opportunity to involve key Northern Ireland stakeholders in these discussions.

“At the bare minimum those political parties who are entitled to form an Executive – and who will have to implement whatever is agreed – should be at the table.

“There is a short window to achieve an agreed solution. It is time to get a deal; one that puts the interests of Northern Ireland first and ensures that goods travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and which will remain in Northern Ireland, are not subject to restrictions, thereby respecting the UK single market.”

October 8, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Allen thanks the Northern Ireland Utility Regulator for his work in securing delivery of £400 energy bills support for Northern Ireland households [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Ulster Unionist Party on 30 September 2022.

East Belfast Ulster Unionist MLA and Communities Spokesperson Andy Allen MBE has thanked the Utility regulator, John French, for his proactive work in ensuring the people of Northern Ireland receive the much-needed energy bills support scheme providing £400 per household.

Mr Allen said:

“I want to place on record my personal thanks to the Utility Regulator, John French and his team, who in the absence of a devolved Government, were the key drivers in ensuring Northern Ireland households didn’t miss out on this much-needed support, contrary to what others may try to portray. From the information currently available, it is anticipated the £400 will be delivered in the following way:

·       A direct reduction via electricity supplier of £400 for households with a monthly or quarterly credit bill;

·       A tiered drawdown for those on a prepayment meter as detailed below;

·       Vend (top up) 1: £5 (customer vend) + £170 (EBSS payment) = £175 total

·       Vend (top up) 2: £5 (customer vend) + £170 (EBSS payment) = £175 total

·       Vend (top up) 3: £5 (customer vend) + £60 (EBSS payment) = £65 total

“Confirmation from the Prime Minister that these payments will commence in Northern Ireland during November is welcome, however this scheme dates back to May 2022 and the situation for many households has drastically changed. Therefore there is an urgent requirement for Westminster to provide further intervention and support.

“Furthermore, there is urgent need for additional support beyond the derisory £100 which is clearly not enough for the 68% of households across Northern Ireland who use an oil boiler to heat their homes. The Government needs to set out in the coming days how they intend to offer equivalent support for these households.

“The support being delivered from the UK Government needs to be complemented by schemes from Northern Ireland departments such as Communities and Economy. However, without a Northern Ireland Executive this cannot be done and our people will continue to suffer.”

October 8, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : O’Neill extends heartfelt sympathy to families of Creeslough tragedy [October 2022]

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 8 October 2022.

Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill has extended her condolences to the families of all those who have lost their lives in yesterday’s tragic incident in Creeslough in Co Donegal.

The north’s First Minister Designate said she is shocked and heartbroken at the loss of life and wished all those injured and recovering on hospitals a full recovery.

Speaking after Gardaí confirmed that 10 people have died, including two teenagers and a child of school age, Michelle O’Neill said:

“I am shocked and heartbroken by the sheer scale of the loss of life and injuries following yesterday’s tragic incident in Creeslough in County Donegal.

“My thoughts and prayers are firstly with all those families who have lost a loved one.

“I extend my condolences and my heartfelt sympathy to all those families and friends who have lost a loved one in this awful tragedy.

“For many their grief has been compounded by the long hours of anxious waiting.

“I can only imagine the pain and distress they have been going through.

“I wish all those who have been injured, some seriously, a full recovery.

“I commend the efforts of all those involved in the emergency services north and south, all those local people and others who volunteered to help rescue people who were trapped and to recover the victims.

“I commend also the people of Creeslough and the wider community of Donegal which is already pulling together at this sad time to comfort all those who have lost a loved on or who have suffered as a result of this terrible tragedy.

“Today is a day for grief and mourning, for people to come together in solidarity with those coming to terms with loss and injury.

“The thoughts of people right across this island are with you.”

October 8, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : More than 1,000 volunteers sign up to suicide prevention badge scheme [October 2022]

The press release issued by Cornwall Council on 8 October 2022.

In its first year, more than 1,000 volunteers have signed up to a scheme to support people in Cornwall who are having suicidal thoughts.

The news comes as the county prepares to mark World Mental Health Day on Monday October 10.

The ‘Orange Button Community Scheme’ launched last September with the aim of creating a community of advisors who could be approached by anyone struggling with their mental health.

The idea is to make people who have already received mental health and suicide prevention training more visible to those who need help.

Hundreds receive training each year – for example through workplace schemes – but there used to be no way for a member of the public to identify who has been trained, and therefore who to approach for advice and support.

By wearing a distinctive orange button, these trained volunteers are easily recognisable to people having suicidal thoughts wherever they are, for example at work, in shops, pubs, cafes, libraries or just on the street.

The orange button signifies that the wearer knows how to listen, isn’t afraid to hear the word ‘suicide’, and will not judge them. Although they cannot offer counselling, they can signpost individuals to the right support services.

A year on, a total of 1,092 people have signed up to be an orange button wearer – and in that time they have helped dozens of people.

Sophie Alway, an Orange Button wearer from Falmouth, lost her daughter Georgia to suicide in 2020. She then set up the charity Georgia’s Voice which aims to reduce the rate of suicide among young women by making them realise they are not alone.

Sophie said: “I decided to become an Orange Button wearer so that people who are struggling would know I was a safe person to approach, that would listen without judgement and help with signposting to relevant support.

“It has been a positive experience and even if people don’t know what the orange badge is for they will often ask, so it often opens conversations and raises awareness that way.

“I have had several people approach me asking for help, all of whom I have been able to signpost.”

Sophie recalled one elderly man in particular who came into her shop in a very bad way.

“He was drinking heavily and arrived in tears,” she said. “He had recently lost a loved-one to suicide and I mostly just listened. He was too overwhelmed at the time to take in any information, so we agreed he would come back and I would provide him with some in a few days, which he did. I signposted him to a local men’s mental health support group, a grief support group, and an alcohol misuse charity. A few months later he came back in to say thank you and I hardly recognised him! He had bright eyes and a smile on his face; he had accessed the right support, was alcohol free and in employment again!”

The Orange Button scheme is led by Cornwall Council and NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB).

Statistics show the rate of suicide deaths in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is consistently higher than the national average.

Paula Chappell, Public Health Practitioner and suicide prevention lead in Cornwall’s Public Health team, said:

“It’s great news that so many people have embraced the Orange Button scheme and we’re delighted with its success.

“Every single death represents an individual tragedy and a devastating bereavement for family and friends. The impact also extends into the wider community and to all services involved, with an estimated 135 people affected by each suicide. So anything that can help prevent this is hugely important.”

Cllr Dr Andy Virr, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Public Health at Cornwall Council, added:

“In recent years, less than a third of people who died by suicide had contact with mental health services in the year before their death, highlighting the need for members of communities to learn active listening skills and know where to find signposting information to share.

“There is still a lot of stigma around suicide and mental health in general so schemes like Orange Button are vital to support people who might be suffering in silence in our communities.

“The more we can break down those barriers and empower people to speak openly and honestly about their feelings, the better for everyone.”

Tim Francis, Associate Director of Strategic Commissioning: Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism at NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB said:

“It’s truly fantastic to see just how many people are stepping forward to train, and then offer themselves up to support others who may be struggling or reaching out for a conversation.

“This is an example of an idea which has become a reality, and one which represents a tangible commitment to a community of support and compassion. Wouldn’t it be great to see the Orange Button worn in every village or town and organisation large or small across our counties of Cornwall the Isles of Scilly?”

For more information check out the Council’s Orange Button webpage.

If you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health call the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 24/7 NHS mental health response line on 0800 038 5300. It’s free to access by anyone, any age, any time, day or night.

October 8, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Housing order introduced in Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex to protect poultry and captive birds [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 8 October 2022.

New legal requirement for all bird keepers in these hotspots to keep their birds indoors and to follow stringent biosecurity measures.
Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds in Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex are to be introduced from 00:01 on 12th October, following a decision by the United Kingdom’s Chief Veterinary Officer.

The housing order legally requires all bird keepers in these hotspots to keep their birds indoors and to follow stringent biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the disease, regardless of type or size. Bird keepers are advised to consult the interactive map to check if they are impacted and should then read the new regional AIPZ with housing measure declaration which sets out the requirements in Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex.

The Chief Veterinary Officer is now encouraging all bird keepers in the affected regions to use the next five days to prepare, including taking steps to safeguard animal welfare, consult their private vet and expand housing where necessary.

The new housing measures build on the strengthened biosecurity measures that were brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) last month, covering Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex. The AIPZ means that all bird keepers need to take extra precautions, such as restricting access for non-essential people on site, ensuring workers change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and cleaning and disinfecting vehicles regularly to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Over the last year, the United Kingdom has faced its largest ever outbreak of avian influenza with over 160 cases confirmed since late October 2021. The introduction of the housing measures comes after the disease was detected at 16 premises in the affected areas since the beginning of September, as well as several reports in wild birds.

The United Kingdom’s Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:

We are seeing a growing number of bird flu cases on commercial farms and in backyard birds across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, and expect the risk to continue rise over the coming months as migratory birds return to the UK.

We are now taking further action to help protect flocks from this highly infectious and devastating disease. Keepers in these hotspots must continue to follow strict biosecurity standards to protect their flock, and should use the next few days to prepare and move their birds indoors.

The housing measure means bird keepers in the affected area must:

housing or netting all poultry and captive birds

cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing

reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control

keep records of mortality, movement of poultry and poultry products and any changes in production

thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis

keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points

minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds

prevent access by poultry to ponds and watercourses and ensure that birds are kept in fenced or enclosed areas

The UK Health Security Agency continue to advise that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency advice remains unchanged, that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

The regionalised housing measures will remain in force in Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex until further notice.

A regional AIPZ without housing measures remains in force in Cornwall, Devon, Isles of Scilly and parts of Somerset. The need to introduce mandatory housing measures as part of the AIPZ in force in the south west or further national AIPZs with or without housing will be kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to protect flocks.

Keepers should report suspicion of disease in their birds to APHA on 03000 200 301. Keepers should familiarise themselves with our avian influenza advice.

Defra has also set out practical guidance to support land managers, the public and ornithological and environmental organisations in their response to the growing threat of avian influenza to wild birds. The ‘Mitigation Strategy for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds in England and Wales’ sets out how these groups, together with the government and its delivery partners, can mitigate the impact of avian influenza on wild bird populations whilst protecting public health, the wider environment and the rural economy.
October 8, 2022
PRESS RELEASE: Andriy Yermak discusses security assistance to Ukraine with chair of Bundestag defense committee [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 7 October 2022.

Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak held a meeting with the chair of the German Bundestag’s defense committee, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, who is in Ukraine on her second visit since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion. The main topics of the negotiations were: the need for the strongest possible international reaction to Russia’s illegal attempts to annex Ukrainian territories, as well as ways to strengthen defense assistance to our state from Germany.

At the beginning of the meeting, Yermak briefed Strack-Zimmermann in detail on the situation at the front and thanked her for her decisive support of Ukraine in the conditions of Russian aggression. The Bundestag defense committee chair’s sharp condemnation of the cynical Russian farce with pseudo-referendums and attempts to join the territories of Ukraine, which are null and void from the international legal point of view and which will not have any impact on the complete restoration of the territorial integrity of our state, became important.

The parties noted the European Union’s approval of the eighth package of sanctions and agreed on the need to further increase sanction pressure on the aggressor state, as well as its complete international isolation.

The parties focused on the defense cooperation between Ukraine and Germany. Yermak expressed his gratitude to Strack-Zimmermann for a clear position in providing our country with heavy weapons by Germany, including Marder armored fighting vehicles and Leopard tanks, to strengthen the potential of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in resisting the full-scale Russian invasion, as well as air defense systems to defend Ukrainian skies from missile terror of Russia.

It was stated that to implement its revanchist plans in Europe and the world, Russia uses all possible tools, resorting to energy, nuclear, radiation and other forms of blackmail. The armed occupation and attempted seizure of the Zaporizhzhia NPP by Russia, which threatens a disaster of a planetary scale, was given as an example.

The parties noted the importance of proper implementation of the grain export initiative and the need to continue it despite obstacles from the Russian Federation.

There was an exchange of views regarding the planned important international legal measures, as well as Ukraine’s initiatives at the UN.

The head of the President’s Office and the chair of the Bundestag committee discussed the practical mechanisms of inter-parliamentary cooperation between Ukraine and Germany, in particular at the level of the defense committees.

Strack-Zimmermann said that more than 80% of the population in Germany supports Ukraine, and expressed her belief in maintaining such a high level of solidarity between German society and our state.

October 8, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : British lamb shipped to America for first time in over two decades [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 8 October 2022.

British lamb has now been exported to the USA for the first time in over 20 years.

The United States Department for Agriculture (USDA) agreed to open the market for British lamb last year, and following the necessary inspections, the first consignment was flown to the USA this week containing lamb produced by meat processors Dunbia from its site in Carmarthenshire, Wales.

Industry estimates the US-market will be worth £37 million in the first five years of trade, opening up access for British farmers to a market of over 300 million American consumers to enjoy the United Kingdom’s world-renowned lamb, part of the government’s work to boost exports and grow our economy.

The deal agreed last year comes alongside the wider efforts across government to drive growth and open up new opportunities for the British food and farming sector, in turn boosting jobs, skills and productivity across the country. This includes capitalising on new trade freedoms outside the EU through export opportunities, ensuring that premium products are not just enjoyed at home but championed around the world.

Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawardena said:

Tucking into roast lamb for Sunday lunch is quintessentially British – and now millions of American families will now be able to enjoy our top-quality lamb too.

The opportunity for growth for British food is enormous – bringing jobs, skills and prosperity across the nation. With our mission to unlock growth, we will continue to secure more opportunities for our farmers and food producers to benefit from new markets.

Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

Seeing our world-class lamb back on American menus is fantastic news for our farmers. Now they can sell to a consumer market of over 300 million people, which support jobs and growth in a vital British industry.

It also shows our two nations working together to remove barriers and boost trade, building on recent resolutions on steel tariffs, and whisky exports.

Dr Richard Irvine, UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, said:

This represents a major achievement for the UK lamb industry. We are proud of our food safety and the quality of food we are able to produce.

Gaining access for the export of British lamb to the USA represents another success for British industry, in addition to the existing agreements enabling beef and pork exports from the UK to the USA.

AHDB International Market Development Director Dr Phil Hadley said:

We are delighted to see this first order of UK lamb heading to the US, following years of negotiations and hard work by AHDB, UK government and the wider industry to get our lamb back on American plates after an absence of more than 20 years.

We hope this order will be the first of many, allowing millions of US consumers to enjoy our world-renowned lamb, while bringing a major boost to UK sheep producers and exporters, who have another valuable market in which to sell their products.

This announcement follows a string of export successes in the last two years including the first export of beef to the USA in decades and the first ever export of British pork to Chile.

NFU President Minette Batters said:

It is great news that British farmers producing top quality, sustainable, high-welfare lamb once again have access to the US market, something we’ve been working hard to achieve for over two decades. Expanding into markets such as these will be crucial to maintain the profitability of farm businesses.

Earlier this year I set out our ambition to grow our agri-foods exports by 30% by 2030 and become the number one supplier of choice both at home and abroad. It’s vital we seize opportunities such as these so British food producers can export more Great British food overseas in the years ahead.

Phil Stocker Chief Executive of the National Sheep Association said:

This is fantastic news for the British sheep industry and it comes after many years of hard work, by Government and their departments, by AHDB and devolved nations levy bodies, by NSA, and by the industry operators who have made it happen.

The success of the British sheep industry is underpinned by market opportunities and access to the US will offer just that, building on what is already a healthy demand for our high quality British lamb and sheepmeat here and overseas.

The Small Ruminant Rule that banned British and EU lamb imports for over 20 years was rescinded by the US Government in January of this year.

October 8, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Pakistani friends – UK statement at UN General Assembly [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 October 2022.

Ambassador Kariuki’s speech at the adoption of a resolution on solidarity with Pakistan and strengthening the humanitarian system after the devastating floods.

Thank you Mr President,

To the people of Pakistan, the victims, and their families we send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences.

As the Secretary-General and Ambassador Akram have said, the floods demonstrate the catastrophic effect of climate change. It has hit some of the most vulnerable people in one of the world’s most at-risk countries. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Pakistani friends.

The UK welcomes the adoption of this resolution today. It is vital that the international community continues to support the people of Pakistan, as they look to recover and rebuild, following this disaster.

In September, the UK announced $18.4m to provide shelter and essential supplies to people across the country. This represents 10% of the initial UN flash appeal.

We are committed to working with the Government of Pakistan, international agencies and civil society to best support those in need.

We welcome the work of the UN and the World Bank to respond fast to their urgent needs. We encourage these organisations to work together with the Government of Pakistan and the international community in a coordinated, collaborative, and open manner, so that support to the response and reconstruction efforts are both effective and impactful.

It is important also to ensure a longer term response to improving climate resilience, with the support of the IFIs. At COP26, the UK pledged over $61m to partner with Pakistan to fight climate change, manage water more sustainably and unlock climate investment at COP26 last year.

Mr President,

This is a tragedy of unprecedented proportions: it demonstrates the human impact of climate change, and the need for us all to maintain momentum, as we advance towards COP27.

This catastrophe also emphasises why the world must work hard to build a greater climate resilience, this includes greater commitment to adaptation and adaptation finance as well as the transition to clean energy sources as quickly as possible, committing to and delivering on an ambitious set of NDCs.

Thank you Mr President.

October 7, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Scotland can lead the green industrial revolution through independence, new report shows [October 2022]
The press release issued by SNP on 7 October 2022.

A new report into Scotland’s green energy and renewables industry has said that Scotland has the potential to become a green energy powerhouse, creating up to 385,000 jobs, boosting Scotland’s economy by up to £34billion a year by 2050 and lowering energy bills permanently.

The report, by economist Dr David Skilling, suggests that Scotland can increase its green energy output by over five times the currrent rate, increasing from Scotland’s current capacity of 12GW to over 80GW by 2050.

With estimates showing that Scotland has the potential to generate around 10% of Europe’s wave power and posses 25% of the potential European offshore wind and tidal resource, it’s clear that Scotland has the energy to lead the renewables revolution but now we need the powers to make it a reality.

For too long, Westminster has held Scotland’s energy potential back. This has had a devastating impact on our economy and jobs, as well as selling Scotland short in the current energy crisis.

Decision after decision taken by Westminster governments has lost Scotland progress in our drive towards a green, sustainable future. With the scrapping of promised investment in projects like carbon capture and storage, creating a transmission charges system that negative affects Scottish energy producers and pursuing a recklessly damaging Brexit, it’s clear Scotland is being held back by Westminster.

Scotland has a golden opportunity to lead an energy transition that secures net zero, enhances energy security and lowers energy costs for consumers. But to take that opportunity Scotland needs the powers to take action that can only be achieved through independence.

Here’s a breakdown of Scotland’s potential green industrial revolution outlined in the new report. You can read the full report here.

Scotland’s full energy potential

Scotland is an energy-rich nation, and we have the potential to achieve the green equivalent of a new oil boom. The new report illustrates how Scotland is already a green energy powerhouse across the British Isles and can expand on our potential to be a leading European producer of green and renewable energy.
- Already in Scotland we produce over 60% of the UK’s onshore wind energy capacity, leading the way on renewable energy production.
- Renewable electricity accounted for 99% of Scotland’s gross electricity consumption in 2020, up from 24% in 2010. This is one of the highest shares across advanced economies, demonstrating Scotland’s potential as a renewable energy powerhouse.
- Scotland is already a net exporter of electricity. In 2020, 31.8TWh of renewable electricity was generated in Scotland – equivalent of powering all households in Scotland for almost three and a half years.
- The report shows that Scotland has the potential to boost our renewable energy output by more than five times. Rocketing from 12GW of installed renewable capacity to over 80GW by 2050, delivering roughly £14.5billion to Scotland’s economy and 110,000 jobs.
- Scotland has the potential to generate around 10% of Europe’s wave power and posses 25% of the potential European offshore wind and tidal resource. Offshore wind costs are estimated to be lower than new nuclear generation and are already close to being competitive with other fuels like natural gas illustating the future of energy is in renewables.
By unleashing a green industrial revolution Scotland’s economy can flourish

By investing in the renewables revolution, Scotland will be able to reap the benefits across wider society and the economy. Scotland’s rich natural resources mean that we can generate enough cheap green electricity to power Scotland’s economy, and also export electricity to our neighbours. All the while, supporting jobs in Scotland and our net zero decarbonisation ambitions.
- Access to low cost, renewable energy can give Scottish businesses a competitive advantage and encourage companies to expand their operations across Scotland. Scotland’s foreign direct investment (FDI) performance is already outpacing Europe and the rest of the UK and can be further enhanced amongst energy companies looking for long-term investment in renewables.
- Leveraging our leading position in offshore wind and our pioneering reputation in tidal technology, Scotland can attract economic growth in advisory and services firms serving global markets.
- With estimates of green hydrogen exports to Europe in the region of £48 billion annually by 2050, Scotland can become a substantial green hydrogen exporter delivering thousands of jobs and boosting Scotland’s economy.
- A boom in our renewable and hydrogen potential will help in delivering Scotland’s Just Transition, ensuring that highly skilled jobs from the oil and gas sector are maintained through the transition to our growing renewables sector.
Westminster is holding Scotland back, we need to take the handbrake off our potential with independence

In an energy-rich nation like Scotland, it is simply unacceptable that almost half of households are struggling to afford energy bills when Scotland produces more electricity than it uses because of the failure of Westminster. The scandal of the current crisis is that renewable electricity is already relatively cheap and yet because the power over energy policy lies with Westminster, Scotland is forced to suffer the consquences of inaction and ideological politics from Tory government’s we never voted for. The effects of Scotland’s lack of control over energy policy are plain to see.
- After Westminster’s deeply damaging Brexit, limits on Scotland’s labour supply has led to negative impacts for Scottish businesses not faced by European counterparts. However, with independence, Scotland can position itself as an attractive location for high-skilled workers in the energy sector like it always has before.
- With limited financial and borrowing powers, Scotland is dependent on the actions of the UK government for investment to unleash our full potential in renewable energies. Yet Westminster has already proven time after time that it is not willing to invest in Scotland’s energy sector, meaning that it is only with independence that we can fully unlock Scotland’s renewables potential.
- The UK’s energy system isn’t fit for purpose. While Scotland’s offshore and onshore wind can able provide electricity at a lower cost than nuclear or gas-fired power, the UK’s wholesale energy prices are driven up because of Westminster’s decision to rely on gas – the most expensive form of energy generation. Under Westminster control, Scotland is powerless to break the link between the cost of gas and the price of renewable and low-carbon electricity meaning energy prices will continue to rise.
- Scotland’s energy producers continue to be put at a major financial disadvantage by Westminster’s the disastrous transmission pricing system, with Scottish Renewables noting the that alone the Westminster system “makes Scottish offshore wind farms 20% more expensive than those in English waters”.
For too long, Westminster has held energy-rich Scotland back and our communities are now facing the devastating consequences. We cannot allow Westminster to squander Scotland’s renewable energy potential, just as it squandered our oil wealth.

Scotland has a golden opportunity to lead an energy transition that secures net zero, enhances energy security and lowers energy costs for consumers. It is now time to grasp that opportunity and time to choose that independent green future.
October 7, 2022