Energy Minister hits back at First Minister’s criticism of Ming Yang decision

The spat comes after the UK government, in late March, rejected plans to use offshore wind turbines from Ming Yang Smart Energy in British waters, nixing a plan to let the Chinese company build a wind turbine manufacturing facility in Scotland.

In a recent statement, the First Minister said he was “deeply disappointed that the UK Labour government had blocked Ming Yang’s investment in our renewables industry.” The First Minister claimed the decision put up to 1,500 Scottish jobs at risk. “At the very moment we should be building clean energy, they are sabotaging Scotland’s industrial future,” he claimed.

Responding, the Energy Minister said, “The first responsibility of any government is national security. John Swinney has sought to play politics with that security in recent days. To set the record straight, I have offered to arrange a security briefing so that he can fully understand the reasons behind the decision.”

In a letter to Mr Swinney, Mr Shanks said, “I am aware that you have raised concerns about the UK government’s response to offshore wind developers seeking our view on the use of Ming Yang as their turbine supplier in British waters. After careful consideration, the government has concluded that there are national security risks associated with this.

“I am aware my officials met with your officials in the Scottish government on more than one occasion regarding Ming Yang, including most recently before the announcement was made… These discussions included the national security decisions relating to the proposed investment.

“However, to ensure that you are fully informed, I am happy to meet with you, including giving you a briefing under Privy Council terms on specific national security concerns involved.”