THE Scottish Government has delayed the publication of its new plan to tackle climate change.
The draft Climate Change Plan was due to be published this month, updating Scots on what measures will be taken in order to meet net zero targets.
However, Net Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan told MSPs on Tuesday that the publication of the plan would now be delayed in part because of Rishi Sunak’s rollback on the UK’s climate commitments.
In September, the Prime Minister pushed back the deadline for the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and the phasing out of gas boilers in an unexpected and much criticised announcement.
McAllan said this caused problems for Scotland’s own plans.
“Scotland has some of the world’s most ambitious climate change targets for emission reductions and we are already halfway to net zero,” she said.
“However, we have always been clear that the hardest part lies ahead.
“Regrettably, the UK Government’s recent actions have only made that job harder still, not least when it comes to our homes and transport.
“While we are working to make our homes greener and easier to heat and reduce our reliance on petrol and diesel cars, the UK Government is reneging on its own commitments, creating huge uncertainty for businesses and households.
“A fair and just transition will bring enormous benefits – a greener environment, cleaner air, new sources of economic vitality, greater energy security and healthier lives. That is why it is important that we take the time that is needed to get this plan right.
“We will continue to work with stakeholders to produce a plan that is fair and just for everyone, and addresses the difficulties presented by the UK Government’s policy reversals.
“While it is regrettably not possible to do this by our own November deadline, we will progress in line with our statutory commitments.”
However, the chief executive of the UK’s independent Climate Change Committee, Chris Stark, has criticised the delay and claimed the actions of the UK Government should not be so disruptive.
“This is very disappointing,” he said.
“We agreed to push back @theCCCUK annual Scottish Progress Report to review the Scottish Government’s new climate plan – due at the end of this year.
“Now it seems we’ll have nothing to review.
“Not sure why the PM’s September speech on Net Zero would require delay by the Scottish Government.
Not sure why the PM’s September speech on Net Zero would require delay by the Scottish Government. We looked at it in detail - the biggest policy changes were about English buildings. And not aware of anything in the King’s speech that would require a delay to the Scottish plan.
— Chris Stark (@ChiefExecCCC) November 7, 2023
“We looked at it in detail - the biggest policy changes were about English buildings.
“And not aware of anything in the King’s Speech that would require a delay to the Scottish plan.”
When asked by the Tory MSP Finlay Carson to confirm that Rishi Sunak’s policy changes should have had no significant impacts on the Scottish Government’s own plan, Stark said.
“No. I think there are impacts for Scotland from the change in the date of the phase out of petrol and diesel cars and vans (albeit minor).
“Potentially positive impacts from a UK-wide strategy to accelerate grid infrastructure etc. But these are reasons to go faster”.
