The MP for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey has appealed directly to the Prime Minister for clarity over the UK Government’s position on a proposed £1.5 billion Mingyang investment at Ardersier.
Graham Leadbitter raised concerns after a decision on the project was delayed again last week during the Prime Minister’s visit to China.
The proposed development is expected to create up to 1,500 jobs and is seen as a significant opportunity for Scotland’s energy sector, particularly in the North and North East.
Mr Leadbitter, who is also the SNP’s Energy spokesperson at Westminster, said there is growing frustration over delays and uncertainty surrounding the project.
He said people want the UK Government to act with greater urgency on energy jobs after what he described as a damaging period for the sector.
Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin MSP has also called for a decision to be made sooner rather than later.
Speaking on the issue, Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey MP Graham Leadbitter said:
“People want to see the UK government act with more urgency where jobs in Scotland’s energy sector is concerned after all Labour at Westminster has presided over thousands of jobs being lost mainly here in the North and North East of Scotland.
“People are ready and able to put their world class skills and expertise to use in helping grow our economy and deliver a Just Transition but they’re being held back by an indecisive Westminster system that’s holding back investment.
“And it’s not just investors and companies getting jittery about this if the UK government continues to stand in the way of jobs then we’ll lose people to countries that are taking their energy economies seriously.
“It’s past time for the Prime Minister to make an announcement on this and deliver clarity to my constituents and to the businesses looking to invest heavily in this part of the country.”
The Mingyang proposal has been widely viewed as a test of the UK Government’s commitment to supporting energy transition jobs in Scotland.
Local leaders and industry figures have warned that continued delays risk undermining confidence and could see skilled workers and investment move elsewhere.
