Scottish National Party: ‘Baffling Hypocrisy’ of Tories Regarding Wind Farms

Following the official opening of London Array, the Scottish National Party (SNP) today published the following release:

  The SNP has pointed out the ‘baffling hypocrisy’ of the Tories after David Cameron opened the world’s largest operational offshore wind farm, at the same time his party attacks Scotland’s renewables industry.

  The Prime Minister opened London Array and described it as a “huge privilege” to be at the opening. This follows Scottish Tory Chief Whip John Lamont’s comments that turbines were “making our energy production industry the laughing stock of the world”.

  Mr Lamont’s claims stand in stark contrast to three Conservative MSPs – Alex Fergusson, John Scott and Jamie McGrigor – who all receive money for having wind farm developments sited on their own land.

  Commenting SNP MSP Rob Gibson said:

  “This is baffling hypocrisy from the Tories. Here we have David Cameron opening the world’s largest offshore wind farm site while his Scottish Tory Chief Whip attacks the SNP’s wind farm policies.

  “Meanwhile three land-owning Tory MSPs rake in tens of thousands of pounds a year from renewable energy projects on their estates.

  “This is a shameless double standard which attempts to undermine a vital growth sector of Scotland’s economy.

  “Scotland is a world leader in tackling climate change and a world leader in renewable energy. We face a global imperative to tackle climate change and how we power our economies is a key part of that.

  “That is why we are pursuing a target for renewable energy to produce the equivalent of 100% of electricity from renewables by 2020, and why we are setting out our plans on how Scotland can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions over the years ahead – and wind power plays an important part in that.”

[mappress]

Press release, July 5, 2013; Image: robgibson