As the new UK Government prepares to impose tax increases experts say could cost thousands of oil and gas jobs in Scotland, prime minister Keir Starmer’s plans could also put a spoke in the wheels of the country’s renewable energy revolution.

The speech in which King Charles will tomorrow set out the Government’s legislative plans is expected to confirm Labour’s manifesto promise to increase the North Sea windfall tax rate and curb allowances that were introduced alongside the levy.

While industry leaders warn the changes could lead to firms slashing spending in the North Sea, Labour will claim that other measures should help to stimulate a boom in renewable energy investment that will boost the economy while helping to curb emissions.

Before launching Labour’s manifesto, Mr Starmer unveiled plans to create a new organisation to lead the transition to a low carbon economy in the form of GB Energy, which he said would be based in Scotland. Labour held out the prospect that this could help create 50,000 clean energy jobs in Scotland.

But in advance of the King’s speech new Chancellor Rachel Reeves made a move to unlock green investment in England that may cause complications in Scotland.

Ms Reeves said she was scrapping planning restrictions that were imposed in England in 2015, which had resulted in a de facto ban on onshore windfarm developments in the country.

READ MORE: SNP manifesto Just Transition claim is absurd

Official said the move, which took immediate effect, should help the new Government to meet its target of doubling onshore wind energy by 2030.

The measures that were repealed were imposed by the administration led by David Cameron amid opposition to windfarm developments from people who were concerned about their impact on the areas they lived in.

Then housing........

© Herald Scotland