[Scottish Parliament, 30.05.2024] Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston led a debate in the Scottish Parliament yesterday calling for the Scottish Government's ban on wood-burning stoves to be lifted. He emphasised the vital importance of these stoves to rural communities.
In his Members' Debate, the Scottish Conservative MSP and Convenor of Holyrood's Cross-Party Group on Islands urged ministers to suspend the new regulations relating to wood-burners, introduced less than two months ago, until the review announced in Parliament this week is completed.
Mr Halcro Johnston said:
“It was clear from the number of MSPs who spoke in my debate that there is real concern from across the chamber over the impact of this ban, as well as broad consensus of the need for action to be taken.
“MSPs from all parties – except the Scottish Greens – recognised the urgency of reviewing this policy, but also of the need for action given the damage the current uncertainty is causing both homeowners and the industry.
“The SNP’s Minister for Climate Action, Gillian Martin, was left in no doubt of the seriousness of the situation, as well as the need for urgent action.
“I was encouraged by the Minister’s response to the debate, as well as her helpful clarification that the Scottish Government’s review into the regulations is now underway, although it won’t report before Holyrood’s summer recess.
“Any ongoing delay in lifting the ban on woodstoves will only cause more uncertainty and further impact on an industry which is already reporting a drop in sales and the threat of redundancies.
“I have repeated my calls for a suspension of the new regulations where they relate to wood-burners until the review is concluded, and I understand that there may be some discussions being undertaken around action which could be taken in the interim.
“Pressure from the Scottish Conservatives, industry and the public have forced the Scottish Government to review the ban. But we must keep the pressure on until they drop it entirely”.
ENDS
Notes to editor
Jamie Halcro Johnston MSP’s Members’ Business Debate on the Importance of Wood-burning Stoves and Other Direct Emission Heating to Homes in Rural and Island Communities can be viewed here: https://www.scottishparliament.tv/meeting/members-business-s6m-12917-jamie-halcro-johnston-importance-of-wood-burning-stoves-and-other-direct-emission-heating-to-homes-in-rural-and-island-communities-may-29-2024
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