Published • loading... • Updated
Swinney ‘irresponsible’ to ask PM to reconsider block on Chinese factory plan
Swinney says the £1.5 billion proposal could create up to 1,500 jobs and boost Scotland’s renewable supply chain.
- On Wednesday, First Minister John Swinney urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reconsider the UK government's decision blocking a £1.5bn wind turbine factory proposed by Ming Yang at Ardersier in the Highlands, raising the issue in their first meeting and formally writing to Burnham.
- In March, the UK government blocked the factory after ministers raised concerns about potential links to the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese laws requiring companies to work with security services, also stating turbines would not be suitable for UK offshore wind projects.
- Ming Yang's proposed investment would have generated up to 1,500 direct jobs and 8,000 supply chain positions at Ardersier, a former oil and gas fabrication yard that once employed about 4,500 people before closing in 2001.
- Energy Security Minister Michael Shanks branded Swinney's demand 'irresponsible,' telling BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast it was 'surprising' the First Minister pursued the matter after receiving a 'security briefing at the highest level.'
- Swinney insisted he was taking an 'intensely responsible approach' by asking for further examination to ensure 'no stone left unturned,' though a UK government source told The Scotsman there are currently no plans to reverse the ban.
Insights by Ground AI
10 Articles
10 Articles
Evening Standard+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Swinney ‘irresponsible’ to ask PM to reconsider block on Chinese factory plan
Scotland’s First Minister was “irresponsible” to ask Andy Burnham to reconsider controversial plans for a Chinese firm to build a wind turbine factory in the Highlands, a UK Government minister has said.
·London, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources10
Leaning Left7Leaning Right0Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution78% Left
Bias Distribution
- 78% of the sources lean Left
78% Left
L 78%
C 22%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
