Scotland’s First Minister has said that taking sides on tackling climate change is going to “p*ss people off”.
Humza Yousaf, speaking at a live recording of the Holyrood Sources podcast, said it was important to “take a side” on what he described as the “biggest existential crisis our planet faces”, pointing to a rash of climate-related issues this summer.
He went on to contrast his stance with that of the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a summer where, every single week, we’ve seen with such visibility, the impact of the climate emergency right across the world,” he said.
“And we’ve got a Prime Minister literally saying he’s on the side of the motorist, sitting in Margaret Thatcher’s old Rolls-Royce and making it a wedge issue.
“Now you’ve got Keir Starmer saying they’re going to roll back on ultra low emission zones (Ulez).”
The First Minister added: “This is a time for politicians to take more action to tackle the climate emergency, not less action.
“So, yes, I will be choosing sides, because that’s what you have to do, and frankly that’s going to piss off some people.”
Geoff Aberdein, one of the hosts and a former chief of staff to ex-First Minister Alex Salmond, repeatedly challenged Mr Yousaf on the issue, urging him to embrace in the energy transition that harnesses the good of Scotland's world class energy sector to create high value jobs.
Elsewhere, Mr Yousaf said the SNP is going through one of the most challenging times it has ever faced amid the police investigation into the party’s finances. However, he said it could get worse before it gets better.
He said: ”To be frank, we don't know what the future holds either. It could be more challenging before it gets easier.”
The First Minister said the police probe had cut through with voters on the doorstep.
He also entered into the row over Baillie Gifford, one of the sponsors of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. More than 50 authors have called on the event to cut ties with the firm over its investment in fossil fuels.
Mr Yousaf said: "I know for a fact that we would not have an Edinburgh International Book Festival if it wasn't for sponsors like Baillie Gifford and others."
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