We must reverse the Green policy dogma

LAST week, the SNP’s acting net zero secretary announced that she was dropping the plan to force new homeowners to install heat pumps, because it would “make people poorer”. This legislation-drawn up by the Greens’ Patrick Harvie when his party had a deal with the Nats — was a prime example of completely unrealistic plans that would have badly hit Scots in the pocket.

- Rachael Hamilton DEPUTY LEADER OF THE SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVES

We all want to see energy solutions that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

But no one is going to be persuaded to go along with any net zero scheme if its chief effect is to hammer them with eye-watering costs, especially at a time when energy prices and high taxes are already squeezing household budgets.

I'm glad that the penny seems finally to have dropped with Gillian Martin. If Scotland is going to make real progress on how we produce and consume energy, she now needs to go back to the drawing board and come up with policies that the public will endorse and support.