Part of Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:30 pm on 12 December 2024.
Ash Denham
Alba
2:30,
12 December 2024
I do not think that anyone will be the wiser as to where the Scottish Government stands on this after that answer from the Minister.
As members will know, the energy sector has fiercely criticised the Government’s uncertain tone when its energy strategy and just transition plan was unveiled last year. That tone has knocked confidence and discouraged industry investment.
Workers in the sector urgently need confidence that the energy transition will protect the livelihoods of their communities across Scotland. A lack of clarity on new oil and gas licences or the future of Scotland’s refinery capacity at Grangemouth does not build confidence. Will the Government now step up with a plan that meets Scotland’s energy security from our own natural resources, and provide a realistic plan to restore the industry confidence that will secure sectoral skills?
Question Time is an opportunity for MPs and Members of the House of Lords to ask Government Ministers questions. These questions are asked in the Chamber itself and are known as Oral Questions. Members may also put down Written Questions. In the House of Commons, Question Time takes place for an hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after Prayers. The different Government Departments answer questions according to a rota and the questions asked must relate to the responsibilities of the Government Department concerned. In the House of Lords up to four questions may be asked of the Government at the beginning of each day's business. They are known as 'starred questions' because they are marked with a star on the Order Paper. Questions may also be asked at the end of each day's business and these may include a short debate. They are known as 'unstarred questions' and are less frequent. Questions in both Houses must be written down in advance and put on the agenda and both Houses have methods for selecting the questions that will be asked. Further information can be obtained from factsheet P1 at the UK Parliament site.
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