GIBSON ASKS PARLIAMENT TO INVESTIGATE FOSSIL FUEL LOGJAM

MARINE ENERGY REPORT BACKS FUEL LEVY ACCESS

SNP MSP and Member of the Scottish Parliament’s Committees on Energy and Climate Change Rob Gibson has today urged Parliament to hold an inquiry into Scottish access to the £150 million of money accumulated on Scotland’s behalf as a result of the Fossil Fuel Levy.

Mr Gibson’s call comes after a report suggested there could be 12,500 jobs in marine renewables which could contribute £2.5 billion to Scotland's economy by 2020. The reports recommendations included “the release of the Fossil Fuel Levy surplus funds to help promote renewables in Scotland.”

There is at least £150 million held by the UK under the Fossil Fuel Levy that should accrue to Scotland. Due to Treasury rules any transfer of the money to Scotland would see the Scottish Government’s budget cut by the same amount – meaning no actual funding increase.

Mr Gibson, Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism committee and a member of the Parliament’s Climate Change Committee said;

“I want to find a way for Scotland to prise open the door of this bank vault and start investing this money in Scotland’s green future.

“As the recent report into marine renewable potential made clear we could generate over 12,500 jobs from investment in marine technology alone. Access to the Fossil Fuel Levy is a key part of realising that investment.

“There is universal agreement that, but for Treasury rules, this money should be being invested in Scotland’s green energy industry. We have been stuck at a logjam for years now – despite repeated Scottish Government efforts.

“I want to see the Energy Committee, which has previously recommended releasing the funds, take evidence on the value of this money and the reasons it cannot be accessed . We must look at ways we can release this money for Scottish investment.

“This £150 million of potential investment is sitting in a bank account in London when it could be being supporting Scotland’s green energy potential, creating jobs and working for our future.

“Scotland has vast potential when it comes to marine renewable energy.

“With over 12,500 potential new jobs in the industry we can not afford to let this opportunity pass.”

POPULATION BOOST WELCOMED AS DECLINE IS REVERSED

FALL IN BIG KILLERS

SNP MSP Rob Gibson, Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Economy Committee, has today welcomed figures from the General Registrar for Scotland showing that Scotland's population is at its highest level since 1981 as long term projections of population decline are put into reverse.

Figures show the population increased by just over 24,000 in the year 2007/2008 as migrants exceeded the numbers leaving Scotland and reducing death tolls from ill health such as heart attacks see life expectancy increasing. Births exceeded deaths by 4,000 - the highest natural increase since 1992. And migration accounted for an increase of 19,200 people, with most migrants among young or working age people.

Rob Gibson MSP said;
"These figures show Scotland is beginning to turn around the long term population decline we have faced, with the highest level since 1981. Scotland is proving an attractive destination for migration, and we have the highest natural increase in population since 1992.

"That people are choosing to come and live and work in Scotland and that people born here are choosing to stay at home is a positive reflection on our economy and society, and prospects for the future.

"While these trends are good news for Scotland we must not be complacent, and a growth in the number of young and working age people is essential in building a bright economic future for Scotland."

Commenting on the death rate figures, Health Committee member Dr Ian McKee welcomed the fall in deaths from heart disease over the last 20 years.

"The decline in heart disease as one of Scotland's big three killers is a real tribute to the efforts of the NHS and public health professionals over the years.

"It is now for people across Scotland to make sure they play their part by eating healthily and living healthy lifestyles.

" For example the continuing high level of deaths from alcohol is something that we must address and the Scottish Government's efforts to reverse tackle this problem are essential."

MSP WELCOMES EFFORTS ON FILIPINO FISHING CREWS

SNP SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT DEMAND IMMIGRATION DISCUSSIONS

SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands Rob Gibson today welcomed Scottish Government efforts to ensure Scotland’s fishing industry is not left crewless by the decision of the UK Government to repatriate Filipino Crew members, particularly on Scotland’s north west coast as he raised the issue at First Minister's Questions.

In answer to a question from Mr Gibson First Minister Alex Salmond said Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead had requested an urgent meeting with the UK immigration minister to discuss the issue and to ensure there was a sensible period of adjustment to any new immigration rules.

Under UKBA’s current proposals there are fears parts of Scotland’s fleet could be shut down due to a lack of crews.

Speaking after FMQs Rob Gibson commented;

“The UK Government must agree to an urgent meeting to resolve what could be a devastating decision for Scotland’s fishing industry.

“The Scottish Government’s efforts to secure a meeting will be welcome news to the industry.

“The UK Government has acted with no thought for the consequences of their decision for Scotland’s coastal communities and fishing industry.

“There can be no delay in getting this issue sorted out.

“The efforts of the industry and the Scottish Government to encourage new domestic entrants are welcome however the Filipino crew members provide a vital service that supports our industry and the UK Government should not be able to bring an arbitrary end to that role.”