Ed Davey comments on energy prices: ‘at best wrong and at worst nonsense’

The SNP has welcomed leading academic and energy expert Dr David Toke’s comments on Ed Davey’s scaremongering about energy prices in an independent Scotland.

Dr Toke of AberdeenUniversity, who was giving evidence at the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee today, confirmed his view that that the UK government’s energy secretary’s position on energy costs of bills and independence was: “at best wrong, at worse he is talking nonsense.”

Welcoming this, Chic Brodie MSP said:

“This is a serious contribution from a respected academic which totally undermines Ed Davey’s weak anti-independence points.“Westminster’s failures are risking higher bills for households across the UK – and it is Scotland’s energy generation that can help keep the lights on and bills down.

“Westminster’s mismanagement of energy policy and obsession with nuclear power is making an already tight margin between energy supply and demand even tighter and risks thousands of jobs in the process.

“Scotland’s incredible natural resources mean that we can ensure a reliable and affordable supply of electricity across the UK – and with the full powers of independence we can permanently cut £70 per year from household energy bills.”

The SNP also welcomed an article by another leading energy and climate change expert which further put paid to UK government claims about energy prices in an independent Scotland.

The article, written by Oxford based energy author Chris Goodall, notes that ‘the R-UK needs Scotland more than Scotland needs us’ and ‘Scottish renewables are getting cheaper over time but the reverse is true in England and Wales’.

Mr Brodie added:

“The Scottish Government’s commitment to renewables is gaining friends from both north and south of the border – including notable field experts like Mr Goodall. These experts are also demolishing the scaremongering arguments of the Better Together campaign.”

“Only a Yes vote and independence can allow Scotland the opportunity to reap the rewards from our vast natural and renewable resources which can be harnessed and used and to build a better, fairer Scotland.”