The SNP has said Highland workers, Scottish workers and industry have been let down after the UK Government approved a series of Chinese backed investment projects in England while a major Highlands development was blocked.
The criticism follows confirmation that plans for a £1.5bn wind turbine manufacturing plant in the Highlands will not go ahead, a project that had been expected to create around 1,500 jobs.
The company behind the proposal, Ming Yang, said it had not been informed of the decision in advance.
First Minister John Swinney said he had been “blindsided” by the move, with no prior update or communication from the UK Government on a decision seen as critical to Scotland’s energy sector.
At the same time, ministers have approved a number of Chinese backed projects in England, including developments linked to nuclear power, infrastructure and energy networks.
Emma Roddick said:
“The fact is when it comes to Scottish and English industry, the UK Labour Government applies very different treatment, after 18 months of dither and delay, once again Scottish industry and workers have been punished.
“The Labour UK Government gave the greenlight to a multitude of Chinese backed projects in England, extortionate nuclear power plants, a Chinese super-Embassy, Heathrow Airport as well as power networks and battery sites, yet when it comes to 1500 jobs in the Highlands it’s a very different story.
“Anas Sarwar sat silent as his London Labour bosses shutdown Grangemouth, allowed Mossmorran to close, put 1000 energy jobs per month at risk and wrecked investment in renewables through crippling transmission charges.
“It’s no wonder Scottish voters feel our industries are less than an afterthought to Westminster.
“Scottish workers, Scottish industry and the Scottish economy deserves better than Westminster governments that couldn’t care less, the Highlands has just been starved of a £1.5bn investment package and 1500 jobs.
“That’s the bottom line.
“Through a fresh start with independence, we can build a wealthier and fairer Scotland, that comes through putting Scotland’s energy in Scotland’s hands and that’s something an SNP majority can secure.”
The decision has intensified political debate around investment, energy policy and regional fairness as the election campaign continues.
For communities in the Highlands, the loss of a project of this scale raises fresh questions about economic opportunity and long term investment.
