HOLYROOD BIAS CLAIMS AS MSPS CLASH OVER NET ZERO 'MADNESS'

Ex-Tory leader Ross is thrown out of chamber during heated debate

- David Walker

THE "madness" of plans being considered by the Scottish Government to achieve net zero targets would require a cull of two million cattle and sheep as well forcing the public to drastically cut down its meat intake, critics have claimed.

In an astonishing clash at Holyrood yesterday, the Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay warned that if accepted, the proposals would "hammer" the average working man and woman.

So heated did the debate become that his predecessor Douglas Ross, pictured, was ejected from the chamber for "persistently" breaking Holyrood rules.

That decision last night led the Scottish Tories to question the impartiality of presiding officer Alison Johnstone, whose decision it was to eject the MSP for Highlands and Islands.

Mr Findlay's anger was aimed at First Minister John Swinney, who readily admitted that the SNP would be "considering" recommendations put forward by the Climate Change Committee in order for Scotland to reach net zero by 2045.

The organisation is an independent, statutory body whose purpose is to advise the UK and devolved governments on emissions targets. However, in recent years, it has faced several allegations of conflicts of interest.

Mr Findlay began his attack at First Minister's Questions by listing just some of the committee's suggestions.

He said: "Let's take a look at some of the specific suggestions in this report.

"To meet the SNP net zero target, the number of cattle and sheep in Scotland would need to fall by two million. A cull of two million animals in the next decade.

"That is around 25%. This would drive farmers out of business, destroy the rural economy and put our food security at risk.