Scottish Liberal Democrats call for climate-focused industrial strategy

Scottish Liberal Democrat deputy leader Wendy Chamberlain today laid out her party's plans for a new industrial strategy "which has tackling the climate emergency at its heart" during a visit to a clean power-start up.

Wendy Chamberlain was at PlusZero, a Harris-based company specialising in the production, distribution and operation of green hydrogen.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats would support science, research and innovation, particularly among small businesses and start-ups with an interest in zero-carbon and environmental technologies, by:

• Investing in energy storage, including green hydrogen, pumped storage and battery capability;
• Continuing to participate in Horizon Europe and joining the European Innovation Council, both of which have a big focus on hydrogen as a breakthrough technology;
• Aiming for at least 3% of GDP to be invested in research and development by 2030;
• Improving joint ministerial work on new cross-cutting policies such as the UK industrial strategy.

Wendy Chamberlain said:

"The UK can lead the world with innovation and ingenuity. Liberal Democrats will put tackling the climate emergency at the heart of a new industrial strategy, cutting emissions and driving a strong economic recovery.

"Businesses and entrepreneurs should be supported to create clean well-paid jobs in every part of Scotland.

"While other parties abandon their climate commitments, only the Scottish Liberal Democrats have a plan that can give businesses the certainty they need to invest in products and unlock their global potential.

"We need to seize the economic opportunities of net zero now. We simply can't afford for the UK to be left behind on green skills and the industries of the future."