PARLIAMENT COMMITTEE SUPPORTS GREEN INVESTMENT BANK FOR SCOTLAND

For Immediate Release – Wednesday 15th September 2010


Attn: NEWS DESKS
ENVIRONMENT CORRESPONDENTS


Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson said he was pleased that the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee has backed the campaign to site the Coalition Government’s plan for Green Investment Bank in Scotland.


The Members agreed that MSPs needed to know the method of choosing where, what and how the Green Investment Bank would operate.


Committee members will lobby UK Cabinet Ministers Vince Cable and Chris Huhne on the issue when they visit the Scottish Parliament in the next fortnight.


Rob has already received backing for the idea to base the bank in Scotland from John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth.


He has also received acknowledgements from the Treasury and Secretary State for Scotland.


Rob and other members agreed that a move by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce to build a campaign to site the GIB HQ in Edinburgh was something that was to be welcomed.


Commenting Rob said:


"There is a real momentum growing within the country for a Scottish base for the new Green Investment Bank. To me it makes perfect sense to have it in the country which contains the renewable resources which will help reduce UK Green House Gas emissions and help power Europe into the future.


“I shall be seeking the support of Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore when he speaks to Caithness Chamber of Commerce on 24th September at the Weigh Inn chamber dinner."


“I hope a cross party approach can be maintained at both local and national levels so that a positive outcome can be made which will benefit the country."


ENDS