The SNP Westminster Leader will say in a keynote speech today (Tuesday) that “the only way to defend devolution is to strengthen it” – in a call for energy powers to be devolved to Scotland.
In a speech to the Institute for Government, Stephen Flynn MP will challenge Keir Starmer to commit to the devolution of energy powers to Holyrood if he is serious about Scotland.
This call follows multiple attacks on devolution from Westminster and a senior Tory calling for the UK Government to ‘reverse’ the devolution settlement.
The Scottish Trades Union Congress also recently called for Labour to substantially strengthen their devolution offer.
In the speech, Stephen Flynn MP is expected to say:
“The Tories’ resentment of devolution comes as no surprise given they opposed it in the first place.
“The real question now is for Labour – will they continue to mimic the Tories or will they defend devolution by strengthening it?
“We are throwing down the gauntlet to Labour – if they are serious about Scotland they will commit to devolving energy powers to the Scottish Parliament.
“Scotland is energy rich and in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, it is right that the natural energy resources of the Scottish people are used to serve the needs of the Scottish people.
“But it looks like Labour are destined to repeat the same old mistakes in Scotland.
“The differences between the Tories and pro-Brexit Labour party are becoming smaller by the day, with both committed to denying us powers and a say over our future.
“Neither Starmer or Sunak will ever deliver the change Scotland needs.
“Faced with that terrible choice, I’m confident that the Scottish people will choose the only real change on offer – independence in Europe.”
