More collaboration between politicians and Scotland’s construction industry is vital to reach net zero according to Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) Monica Lennon.
Addressing the flagship annual event of the country's largest trade association representing the construction sector, SELECT, Lennon who is Labour MSP for Central Scotland, Convener of the Scottish Government's Cross-Party Group on Construction and also sits as a member of its Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, told guests: "Net zero offers huge challenges, but it is a journey we cannot avoid.
"We need to create an open dialogue between politicians, the construction industry and society as a whole to ensure we have the right skills to reach our objective.
“We don’t necessarily have all the answers and we need space to figure it out, but by working collaboratively we can overcome the challenges of reaching net zero to fight the global climate emergency, since the price of not doing so will be much higher.
"In all of this, organisations like SELECT have massive role to play.”
The politician - who worked for over a decade as a chartered town planner - also highlighted SELECT's ongoing drive for protection of title, saying she had been shocked to learn that anyone can call themselves an 'electrician' without any training or proven skills. She added: "I fully support SELECT's regulation campaign and have urged colleagues in the Parliament to continue to do so."
She added: “I fully support SELECT’s regulation campaign and have urged colleagues in the Parliament to continue to do so.”
In an acknowledgement of the Scottish construction industry, Ms Lennon went on to praise its work in building communities across Scotland, stating: “The work the construction industry does, year in year out, in building communities for our constituents is hugely appreciated, but we do not say thank you enough.
Net zero offers huge challenges, but it is a journey we cannot avoid.
“Whether in creating new homes, driving innovation, providing opportunities for our young people to enjoy highly skilled, well-paid work, and stressing the importance of a safe working environment, it is the construction sector that lights a path for everyone.”
SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson, who introduced the event on Friday 29 September, added: “We were pleased that Monica was able to join us as we discuss how best we can make a lasting contribution to the development of all our communities across Scotland.
“We very much appreciate, and echo, her call for greater collaboration across all sections of Scottish society, government, the civil service, business, and the trade unions to enhance the quality of our contribution to the great challenges of the future.
SELECT President, Alistair Grant, also spoke at the event alongside Director of Employment and Skills, Fiona Harper, who presented a 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award to the association's lead negotiator in wage discussions with industry trade union Unite, Alick Smith.
SELECT President, Alistair Grant, also spoke at the event alongside Director of Employment and Skills, Fiona Harper, who presented a 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award to the association's lead negotiator in wage discussions with industry trade union Unite, Alick Smith.
