Alex Salmond says Scots need extra powers to start green revolution

Published on Tuesday 29 December 2009 21:28

ALEX Salmond has committed his government to a green revolution – but only if the Scottish Parliament gets extra powers.

As the SNP Government prepares to table a referendum bill in the next few months, the First Minister will use his New Year's Message to claim that green energy can only be exploited in Scotland if his government has a stronger say over all areas of policy.

Political opponents last night described the argument as a "pathetic red herring", saying the Scottish Government was already perfectly capable of boosting the green energy revolution, in harness with the UK government.

Mr Salmond said that the issue strengthened the case for a referendum on independence, saying it proved that such a vote was not the "abstraction" that opponents have claimed.

The fresh row over the constitution comes with the SNP facing near unanimous opposition within the Scottish Parliament to its proposed referendum bill when it comes before MSPs early next year.

Opponents have argued the SNP is wasting time and money on a referendum rather than focusing on hauling the country out of recession and back into the black.

In the face of these attacks, Mr Salmond's New Year message will be seen as an attempt to convince voters that the referendum has genuine relevance to major policy areas.

In it, the First Minister focuses specifically on the controversy over high transmission charges for renewables firms in Scotland. As they are based further away from the UK's main centres of population, they are charged more for access to the National Grid. Mr Salmond said the charges were "totally unfair and totally unacceptable".

MURPHY URGES POLITICIANS TO RING IN 'YEAR OF HUMILITY'

SCOTTISH Secretary Jim Murphy has called for a "year of humility" from politicians in 2010 in his New Year's message.

In a reference to the MPs' expenses scandal and difficult economic conditions, Mr Murphy described 2009 as "a tough year".

He added: "This coming election, all politicians need to recognise the need to restore some of the credibility and trust that was lost in the political annus horribilis of 2009.

"We need to remember that the elector is the reason we stand for public office and, if successful, it is they who we serve".

He went on: "In many ways arrogance characterised 2009. The reckless actions of some bankers destroyed good banks, and the arrogance of a minority of politicians damaged politics. The twin virtues of humility and hard work will make Scotland stronger in 2010."

In an apparent sideswipe at SNP plans to try and push a referendum, he argued that politicians should put "patriotism before partisan interest" and concentrate on economic growth and job creation. "Although this will be a general election year, I believe that whenever we can we should put party politics second. Working harder, and working together to get Scotland out of recession must be our priority."