Consent Process Handling

First Minister’s Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament am 5:08 pm ar 31 Hydref 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Douglas Lumsden Douglas Lumsden Ceidwadwyr 5:08, 31 Hydref 2024

The First Minister will be aware that Stephen Flynn lobbied for an offshore wind project, which the Scottish Government approved, and that, one month later, he received a £30,000 donation from one of the beneficiaries of that project. A Scottish Government official acting on behalf of Gillian Martin appeared to fast-track a ministerial reply in response to Flynn’s request and, a few months later, the project was approved.

If the First Minister has nothing to hide, he has nothing to fear, so will he order an investigation into the handling of that consent process by the Scottish Government?

Photo of John Swinney John Swinney Scottish National Party

I have no intention of doing that, because the process has been properly conducted, and information—[ Interruption .]

Photo of John Swinney John Swinney Scottish National Party

I do not think that it should be a surprise that a Government that, in its policy position, is supportive of renewable energy developments has taken a decision to authorise a renewable energy project.

Photo of Alison Johnstone Alison Johnstone Green

Mr Lumsden, you have put your question. I would like to hear the response.

Photo of John Swinney John Swinney Scottish National Party

Earlier this year, information was released under freedom of information requests that showed that there had been no breaches of protocol.

I really do not think that it is a big surprise that a Government that has had a consistent policy position for 17 years in favour of renewable energy development should take a decision to grant consent to a renewable energy development. What the question represents is the grubbing at the bottom of a barrel by Douglas Lumsden and the Conservatives. It debases this Parliament, it debases the Conservative Party and it shows that it has nothing constructive to say in Scottish politics.