Scottish Labour has called on First Minister John Swinney to publish his Government’s energy strategy after more than 1,380 days of waiting.
Daniel Johnson, the party’s energy spokesman, said it is “ludicrous” the strategy could reportedly take until late 2027.
The Scottish Government stance on energy has shifted in recent years, from Nicola Sturgeon’s presumption against new oil and gas to a softer approach under Mr Swinney.
The Government has still not confirmed its move away from opposing oil and gas by publishing a finalised energy strategy.
The draft strategy was first published in January 2023, with the final version expected in the summer of 2024.
Mr Swinney has declined to give a timeline for the strategy, telling the Press Association on Wednesday it will be published “in due course”.
Mr Johnson said the Government must do so urgently.
He said: “It is ludicrous that Scotland could be waiting until late 2027 for an energy strategy that was first drafted in January 2023.
Daniel Johnson condemned the ‘ludicrous’ delay in publishing the strategy (Fraser Bremner/Daily Mail/PA)
PA Archive
“Workers and businesses need certainty about the future of oil and gas, renewables and nuclear.
“They cannot afford another year of drift, making it harder for companies to plan ahead and invest in Scotland’s energy future, putting future projects and skilled jobs at risk.
“John Swinney must stop kicking the can down the road.
“He must publish the strategy next week when Parliament returns. Scotland’s energy workforce deserves answers, not another delay.”
Energy minister Stephen Gethins said: “Unfortunately the Scottish Government does not have full control over Scotland’s energy policy.
“Over the coming weeks, significant decisions will need to be made by the UK Government that will have a long term impact on Scotland’s energy policy such as the SSEP (Strategic Spatial Energy Plan) which is sitting on the Secretary of State’s desk. That must benefit Scotland’s long-term ambitions.
“The Scottish Government committed in the Programme for Government to publishing a refreshed energy strategy to provide long-term certainty for industry and communities and we will deliver that.
“The UK Government must also replace the Energy Profits Levy with a fair system to protects jobs, energy security and investment in our energy sector.”