Scottish Government Support for Bus Manufacturing Sector

That the Parliament welcomes £7.4 million support for the bus manufacturing sector, which will provide funding for greener, cleaner buses for transport in communities across Scotland; understands that the Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme helps bus operators invest in ultra-low emission vehicles and infrastructure which, in turn, will support a green recovery out of the COVID-19 crisis, furthering Scotland’s ambitions for a net-zero economy and improving air quality through a greener fleet of vehicles; understands that this funding will go directly towards supporting 41 vehicles, 35 of which will be built in Scotland, at Alexander Dennis Ltd in Camelon, supporting jobs and the wider Scottish supply chain; considers Scotland’s ambitions in climate change as world leading, owing to the vision and enthusiasm for transitioning Scotland’s industries, transport systems and housing to greener and cleaner forms of energy through renewable technology, decarbonisation and enhancing natural heritage through sustainable forestry; recognises the importance of Scotland’s bus manufacturing sector, and the jobs supported through the wider supply chain; further recognises the challenges faced by the sector, like many others, throughout the pandemic; calls on the UK Government to commit to supporting bus manufacturing in Scotland, and bring forward what it considers is promised funding for green buses as soon as possible, or provide the financial powers to Scotland to do this immediately; acknowledges the Scottish Government’s support for ensuring a green recovery from the pandemic, and looks forward to seeing more plans come to fruition to support and protect Scotland’s economy for the future.