McArthur lambasts Scottish Government for making climate change a “constitutional battleground”

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Orkney Liam McArthur has today slammed the Scottish Government for attempting to turn the fight against climate change into another constitutional issue.

During Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Portfolio questions, Mr McArthur challenged Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Mairi McAllan on her government’s attempt to use net zero to drive a wedge between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

Speaking in Parliament, Mr McArthur said:

“Despite the spin, this statement confirms that Scotland’s progress to net zero is at a standstill.

“The Cabinet Secretary is right in her criticism of some for denying the necessity, and others the complexity, of achieving net zero.

“Given the UKCCC’s repeated warnings of the need for both of Scotland’s governments to work together, does she believe that our chances of getting back on track are enhanced by her, and her SNP colleagues, making climate policy yet another constitutional battleground?”