A TRADE union has called on MSPs to ‘stop playing fast and loose’ with employment in the energy sector, including at Hunterston B.

GMB has criticised the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Commission (JTC) as ‘a good intentions committee’ and warned MSPs against ‘playing fast and loose’ with the livelihoods of workers.

The call comes after a Scottish Government debate: ‘Securing a Just Transition to a Carbon-neutral Economy’ took place at the Scottish Parliament last Tuesday.

The debate occurred a week after a cross-party group of MSPs were lobbied for immediate closure of the Hunterston B nuclear power station which supports 800 jobs in North Ayrshire, with workers and their trade unions excluded from the briefing.

GMB Scotland Organiser Gary Cook said: “Our political elite are full of self-praise for their climate change ambitions but we ship US shale up the Forth, pipe Russian gas from Europe and soon will benefit from electricity generated by new nuclear from Hinkley Point C.

Ross Greer MSP said: “At Hunterston the lack of a long-term plan is shocking given it has taken multiple extensions to get to the current closure date of 2023.

“I’m sure if the GMB leadership got a grip of themselves they would be welcome round the table as well.”