Keir Starmer pledges ‘decade of national renewal’ as he sets out GB Energy plan

Labour leader Keir Starmer has pledged a “decade of national renewal” as he sets out plans for a new publicly owned energy company headquartered in Scotland.

Starmer will join Anas Sarwar on the campaign trail today to set out details of GB Energy, which Labour plans to pay for with a windfall tax on oil and gas firms.

The party said its six steps for change in Scotland include delivering economic stability, cutting NHS waiting times, making work pay, creating jobs and opportunities for young people, and maximising Scotland’s influence.

Starmer said: “For too long Scotland has been failed by this out of touch and incompetent Tory government – but change is possible with Labour.

 “Labour will deliver a decade of national renewal and the steps set out today are our down payment on that promise.

 “From cutting bills to boosting pay to protecting the NHS, the Labour government I lead will be on your side and relentlessly focussed on the issues that matter to you.

 “Scotland can do more than send a message at this election – you can send a Labour government with Scotland’s voice at its heart.”

Labour said it would deliver investment to grow the economy, “turbocharge” green industries and create a new National Wealth Fund.

 The party said its Green Prosperity Plan will deliver 69,000 jobs in clean energy generation and upgrading the energy efficiency of homes.

 But the SNP described Labour’s energy plan as a “con trick” which would destroy 100,000 jobs and deter billions in investment.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn MP said: “The fact is Starmer's plans would take Scotland's energy wealth and spend it on nuclear projects in England. In contrast, the SNP wants every penny to be spent in Scotland - reducing household bills, creating Scottish jobs, and securing our green energy future.

“It's no wonder the Labour Party has given up campaigning in the North East and huge swathes of Scotland - because Starmer knows how deeply unpopular his damaging policies are.”