Westminster needs to adopt the ‘Plan MacB’ approach
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
SINCE the historic election results of May the SNP’s poll ratings along with those for independence have increased and ratings are significantly positive for the SNP Government and Alex Salmond compared to the negative ratings for the UK Government and parties.
So it was astonishing to hear David Cameron dub two thirds of Scots “stupid” for supporting the control of oil and gas revenues to come into the power of the Scottish Parliament.
The SNP is already reflecting the views and opinions of the people of Scotland who clearly seek access to the record tax revenues being generated by Scotland’s North Sea oil and gas – a trillion pound asset base which is set to generate an all-time record £13.4 billion in tax revenue this financial year. Yet, at the same time, we have still not seen the introduction of a road fuel regulator to offset sky-high fuel costs.
The cavalier conduct by the Treasury over increased taxation without consultation in the North Sea underlines the oil and gas industry is too important to be left in the hands of the UK Government. No wonder our opponents are on the run when they want Westminster to keep control of this important job-creating industry.
As he visits Caithness this week we should be told if Danny Alexander agrees with Cameron we are stupid and, as someone who can say he has the backing of his Highland voters for the London coalition, what universe does he inhabit? In contrast, the SNP Government is building recovery in Scotland, and it is the Tory
The SNP Government is delivering a “Plan MacB”, which is cutting unemployment in Scotland while it rises in every other part of the UK, and it is vital the Tory
In their heart of hearts the vast majority of Lib Dem delegates at the party’s UK conference agree with the SNP and know the “Plan MacB” approach is the right one for England as well as Scotland. That is why we have already had five former Lib Dem councillors switching to the SNP, and why the party’s vote has collapsed all over Scotland.
When can we expect Danny Alexander to approve increased capital expenditure, improved access to finance for medium and small-sized businesses, and the introduction of measures to boost consumer confidence and economic security? That is what is working in Scotland, and the UK Government needs to adopt it now.
Another great let down for the North is the failure of the UK Government to argue for a fuel discount scheme on the mainland. A discount scheme for the isles cannot come fast enough, and with agreement now received from the European Commission there is no excuse for continued Treasury delays.
Danny Alexander announced this scheme almost a year ago, but it took almost six months for the Treasury to approach the commission for it to go ahead. We hear fears on the islands are voiced that fuel suppliers have upped the prices to filling stations there. Could the five-pence discount be denied to customers? This is a bungled scheme.
Again it’s a Treasury problem and Danny Alexander, as chief secretary and as a Highland MP, must step in to ensure, firstly, the scheme is not delayed and, secondly, businesses and jobs are not put at risk by Treasury delays.
TURNING to the “Online viewpoint” feature in last week’s Groat, my remarks about opponents of wind power have been answered by name but often anonymously. My postbag does not reflect these comments.
Over time I have aided objectors to wind projects get their voices heard. I have listened to developers and I have argued for maximum community benefit. All of these are serving my constituents which I will continue to do without fear or favour.
My own views are coloured by two opposites. Firstly, there is a huge imperative to decarbonise our electricity supply. Secondly, some objectors want to settle in a “remote” or “wild” area and are determined no development should take place in the view from their windows. Others, rightly, ask what do we get from wind developments.
I take a local and a national view as I convene the rural affairs, climate change and environment committee at Holyrood. We all have to seriously consider the best ways to mitigate climate change and adapt our homes, transport and businesses to combat it. Before offshore marine electricity production adds its weight to meet our growing electricity demands, onshore wind has its place in a basket of power sources.
We paid for nuclear, coal and hydro power developments from taxes so we did not notice the cost. Nowadays private developers fill the role. Where the winds blow and the tides rip we have huge job opportunities. We do want clean power, so sharing the view with removable wind towers and pylons is a short-term contribution to curbing CO2.
CAITHNESS, Sutherland and Ross figured prominently in the annual Highland business awards at the Scottish Council for Development and Industry.
Highlights include Wick-based global-reach KP Technology Ltd for excellence in research and innovation.
Global Energy Group won the outstanding business achievement category and Highland Home Carers, an employee-owned and run service, won the people development award on the night. Remote, forgotten...no; they and we are at the heart of the new Scotland’s determination to succeed!
www.robgibson.org
