Scotland’s First Minister urges UK Labour leader to commit £28 billion annually to green policies
John Swinney implores Keir Starmer to reconsider Labour’s decision on green policy investment citing climate urgency and net zero goals. SNP advocates for matching investment and climate assessments in new developments.
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has urged UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to reconsider and commit to investing £28 billion annually in green policies. This appeal follows Labour’s decision in February to abandon such plans, with Starmer citing financial viability concerns. Swinney emphasized the urgency of climate change and the need for substantial investment to meet green economy goals and achieve net zero emissions.
The call coincides with the Scottish National Party (SNP) launching a new climate and just transition manifesto, which also advocates for the UK government to match Scotland’s £500 million transition fund for the northeast, a hub of the oil and gas industry. Despite Scotland missing several emission reduction targets, Swinney highlighted the country’s leadership in climate initiatives and its ambitious net zero target by 2045.
Furthermore, Swinney is pushing for climate compatibility assessments for new oil and gas developments and urging Westminster to ban new coal licenses. The SNP also seeks investment for the Grangemouth oil refinery to mitigate job loss fears as it transitions to an import terminal by 2025.
