Energy rush

This week in Strasbourg, the European commissioner for industry, Antonio Tajani, warned that Europe faces “a systemic industrial massacre” because the race for renewables is driving electricity prices to unsustainable levels. The president of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, urged policy-makers to prioritise reducing energy costs.

The comments came as Audit Scotland published a report on the Scottish Government’s renewable energy policy which cast serious doubt on the feasibility of Scotland being able to meet SNP targets for electricity generation from renewable sources and green jobs.

Despite these warnings, Alex Salmond still seems intent on ploughing ahead with the mad-dash for renewables, despite his recklessly misguided energy policies continuing to push consumers’ bills to untenable levels. This damages industry and competitiveness and drives more people into fuel poverty.

The SNP government must heed the warnings and ask itself if it is really serving the interests of hard-working Scots.

Struan Stevenson MEP

The European Parliament