Calls for post-pandemic role for Just Transition Commission

The Just Transition Commission should continue beyond 2021 to help the post-coronavirus economy become more environmentally sustainable, Scottish Labour has said.

The commission advises the Scottish Government on how to develop a net-zero economy in an inclusive way, with its work is due to end in 2021.

Scottish Labour environment spokeswoman Claudia Beamish said its “experience, expertise and representation would be absolutely invaluable” in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a letter to environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham, Ms Beamish called for the organisation’s remit to last “as long as is required to see Scotland shift to and sustain net-zero emissions by 2045 in an equitable and fair way”.

“It is clearly apparent that consideration of Covid-19 requires urgent attention and will significantly add to the commission’s workload,” she added.

“These interwoven challenges re-emphasise to us all the importance of equity, as the pandemic throws a light on the injustices that tend to arise in times of change or difficulty.

“I urge the Scottish Government to draw on the resource of the Just Transition Commission in tackling Covid-19 and to extend the lifespan of the commission beyond its final report submission in 2021.”