GREEN MSP Mark Ruskell will lead a debate in the Scottish Parliament next week on a 'Just Transition' for the Mossmorran gas plants.

The motion, due to be debated in Holyrood on Tuesday evening calls for the creation of a Just Transition board at the complex to support workers into new green industries, and ensure the complex reduces its carbon emissions. A similar board was recently announced for the petrochemicals complex in Grangemouth.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Mark Ruskell MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said, “I’m delighted to have been able to secure this debate in the Scottish Parliament.

"Discussions in the past have focused on the immediate impact of flaring, which has caused huge disruption to local communities, but there is a more long term question about the future of the plant if we are going to meet our climate change obligations.

"The announcement of a Future Industries Board for Grangemouth was a recognition that Scotland’s industrial sector will look very different as our reliance on North Sea Oil comes to an end. Mossmorran is a central part of that same North Sea network, and we must begin discussion now about if and how the plant’s operations will be de-carbonised.

"Fife knows too well the impacts that come when we fail to plan ahead and support communities as industries change and close. It’s vital that we don’t repeat the mistakes that came with the end of coal, and ensure a Just Transition that leaves no workers behind as we move to new, zero-carbon industries in the coming years.”

The text of motion, S5M-22764: A Just Transition for Mossmorran, due to be debated at 5pm, Tuesday September 29

is, 'That the Parliament notes the calls for the creation of a Just Transition board for the gas processing complex at Mossmorran in Fife; understands that the combined plants at the site are among the biggest industrial emitters of CO2 in Scotland; notes the view that reducing the emissions from the plant will be central to meeting Scotland’s target of net-zero emissions by 2045; welcomes the announcement that a Future Industries Board is to be created for the Grangemouth complex to support a Just Transition for workers and the local community there; understands that the future of the Mossmorran facility is similarly tied in with the North Sea Oil network, and notes the view that a detailed plan will be needed to support workers and the local community to transition to new green industries; recognises the work of the local Mossmorran Action Group and campaigners from Climate Camp Scotland and Friends of the Earth Scotland in highlighting the environmental and social impacts of the plants, and notes the calls on the Scottish Government to meet with all stakeholders to discuss the creation of a Just Transition board for Mossmorran'.