Sturgeon’s Indyref dream crushed as Scots back Union for UK’s ‘cheap power’ plans- poll

PMQs: Sunak hits back at Blackford’s energy plan criticism SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Nicola Sturgeon’s dreams of an Independent Scotland have been dealt a fresh blow after a new poll showed a majority of Scots backed being a part of the UK for its green energy plans. Scotland’s renewable energy-rich resources have quickly become a critical part of the SNP pitch for independence. Politicians including Michael Matheson, Scotland’s Energy Secretary, has hailed green energy sources like wind and hydrogen as being at the heart of the party’s plan to launch a second Independence Referendum. Scotland is already a major producer of clean electricity, with 62 percent of the power produced coming from renewable sources. The poll breakdown But a new poll has revealed a majority of Scottish voters would prefer to remain as part of the UK as they believe it is easier for Scotland to transition away from oil and gas to renewable and cleaner energy sources. The survey, commissioned by the Conservative Environment Network (CEN), revealed that more than half of Scottish voters (52 percent) think being a part of the Union makes it easier for Edinburgh to fund new green energy projects. About 56 percent believe that being a part of the UK helps with energy trade, 55 percent hail the Union’s benefits for upgrading clean energy infrastructure and just over half (51 percent), believe that it bolsters the development of new green technologies. Sturgeon’s Indyref dream crushed as Scots back Union for UK’s ‘cheap power’ plans- poll Scotland is rich in green energy Liam Kerr, Scottish Conservative Cabinet Member for Net Zero, Energy, and Transport and MSP for North East Scotland, said: “Scotland can lead the global energy transition because it is easier to secure investment and to trade as part of the United Kingdom. “We can already see the benefits of the Union for unlocking investment in our world-leading offshore wind sector, which is providing cheap power and thousands of skilled jobs across the UK. “Having long been Europe’s oil and gas capital, Aberdeen and the North East can also become the continent’s net zero powerhouse at the forefront of new industries like floating offshore wind and carbon capture. It’s good to see Scottish voters recognise this vision can only be realised as one United Kingdom.” CEN also found that a plurality of Scottish voters (44 percent) think it’s easier to achieve net zero emissions as part of the UK, while only 31 percent believe delivering the transition would be easier for an independent Scotland. READ MORE: Sturgeon shamed as SNP axes £133m energy scheme to slash bills The cost of renewables is fallling Scots believe that the Union could fund renewable energy projects Last year, the eyes of the world were on Scotland, as the UK held the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. In the survey, nearly half (49 percent) believed that by being a part of the UK, Scotland could host another global climate change summit. This is compared to the 22 percent of Scottish voters who believe that being an independent country make it more likely for Scotland to host another such event. Meanwhile, overwhelming three-quarters of Scottish voters said that in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we need to accelerate the UK’s transition to renewable energy. In addition, nearly two-thirds (63 percent) believe that achieving net zero will be good for Scotland’s economy with 54 percent thinking that the Government should encourage energy companies to transition to renewable energy. DON’T MISS: Golden asteroid worth £9 quadrillion targeted by NASA [REPORT] Last Lunar Eclipse to happen in hours – but not everyone will see it [REVEAL] Seven-day blackouts emergency move planned if Putin strikes pipeline [INSIGHT] Voters said that Russia’s invasion made it critical to shift away from oil and gas Trending