Letters

Paul Wilson states: “Healthy politics requires open debate, especially the one on renewable power and the desirability of net zero” (Perspective, 16 January). First Minister John Swinney has never addressed the fourfold increase to £130 billion over the debt to decarbonise Scottish homes. There has also been no response from the Economic Secretary to the paper, issued by the Office for Budget Responsibility, saying net zero project costs will triple UK National debt. The Scottish share of such a sum will be about £900bn, resulting in a yearly interest bill of £36bn plus, if the capital is repaid over 20 years – an annual cost of a further £45 billion.

To date, nothing but silence from Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes over the impact on Scottish taxpayers from such projects. It’s time for the SNP to remember the words of Kenny Macaskill, that independence is irrelevant until we fix the climate (including clearing every penny of the debts).

Ian Moir Castle Douglas, Dumfries &

Galloway