Parliamentary questions

Willie Rennie

1,353 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.

2 Jul 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform on 16 June 2020 regarding the greenhouse gas emissions statistics and confirming that the 2018 emissions target was not met (Official Report, c, 17), what assessment it has made of how extr…

Answer · Michael Matheson: Routes from Scotland to global hubs like Heathrow and Amsterdam are essential for Scotland’s international connectivity, supporting economic growth in Scotland and helping us deliver our Trade and Investment Strategy. However, we recognise that more needs to …

2 Jul 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5F-03817 by Nicola Sturgeon on 9 January 2020, (Official Report, c 18) and S5F-03986 on 27 February 2020 (Official Report, c. 20), in light of the First Minister's comment in both responses that when the proposed expansion of Heathrow Airport was last …

Answer · Michael Matheson: The decision to support Heathrow airport’s expansion was one for the Westminster Government and Parliament.

1 Jul 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how the declaration of a climate emergency and the need to achieve net-zero targets (a) is currently, and (b) will in future be taken into account by the planning system, and whether this will be a material consideration in applications made in (i) advance of, and (ii) after the Nationa…

Answer · Kevin Stewart: Scottish Planning Policy and National Planning Framework 3 were published in 2014. Given when it was published, the current policy does not expressly refer to the Global Climate Emergency, but does aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and includes a vision …

1 Jul 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how it will engage the renewable energy industry in developing a green economic recovery to the COVID-19 crisis, and what discussions it has had regarding this.

Answer · Paul Wheelhouse: The renewables sector has a vital role to play in meeting our climate ambitions, as well as creating jobs and contributing to our recovery from Covid-19. I and fellow Scottish Government ministers have been engaging with the energy industry on a regular basi…

1 Jul 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on introducing a Renewable Transition Training Fund, as recommended by Scottish Renewables, as a means to support a green economic recovery to the COVID-19 crisis and enable workers to "acquire sustainable, exportable skills and join the renewable energy industry".

Answer · Paul Wheelhouse: On 16 th July 2020, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture announced a package of £100m to support in 2020-21 to help ensure that people who have lost jobs, those at risk of unemployment and young people entering the labour market can benefi…

1 Jul 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on its Local Government and Communities and Energy and Climate Change directorates working together to accelerate the transition to renewable heat, as recommended by Scottish Renewables as part of a green economic recovery to the COVID-19 crisis.

Answer · Paul Wheelhouse: The Scottish Government’s Energy and Climate Change and Local Government and Communities Directorates already work together to deliver energy efficiency and renewable heat measures across a range of programmes and support mechanisms, for example in terms of t…

1 Jul 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take in light of Scottish Renewables' call to unlock the benefits of shovel-ready renewable energy projects as part of the recovery to the COVID-19 crisis; what discussions it has had with the UK Government about progressing this, and what projects it has identified.

Answer · Paul Wheelhouse: Renewable projects provide us with a major investment opportunity which can support a green economic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis. Ensuring that shovel ready projects are able to deliver quickly will also help us make progress towards our vital net zero …

1 Jul 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to Scottish Renewables' call for it to use its trade, export and investment powers to boost skills exports to nations seeking to undertake green recoveries to the COVID-19 crisis.

Answer · Ivan McKee: Scotland is already an experienced exporter of energy and related skills and services with many international companies already benefiting from our long-standing expertise and experience in renewables and other energy related sectors. This government and its …

18 Jun 2020 · First Minister's Question