During a Members Business Debate in the Scottish Parliament, Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has called for a UK National Coal Strategy as well as a commitment from the Scottish Government to ensure the industry’s future.
Coal unlike gas does not have a UK National Strategy. The Conservative member believes the creation of a coal strategy similar to gas has the potential to increase investor confidence both inside and outside the industry.
Speaking in the debate Murdo Fraser said:
“The industry needs assurances on its future from the UK Government and the Scottish Government. There needs to be a strategy for coal just as there is a strategy for gas. It would be good to hear the minister (Fergus Ewing MSP) publicly commit to the future of coal within Scotland’s energy mix.”
Commenting outside the Chamber Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Within Fife, in my own constituency, the coal industry supports a large number of skilled and important jobs. The shale gas revolution in the United States has depressed world coal prices resulting in testing times for the Scottish Coal industry.
“However, a commitment from the Scottish Government to support coal’s future in our energy mix would go some way to increasing investor confidence and get the industry moving again.”