John Swinney ‘blindsided’ after UK Government blocks Chinese plan to open windfarm factory in Scotland

Ming Yang proposed to build a factory near Inverness but the Chinese firm’s proposal was rejected over national security fears.

A furious John Swinney has claimed he was “blindsided” by the UK Government’s decision to block a proposed windfarm factory in Scotland.

Chinese conglomerate Ming Yang had tabled a bid to open a manufacturing site at Ardersier, near Inverness, with the potential to create up to 1,500 jobs.

But Labour ministers yesterday claimed the project could not proceed over national security fears.

Keir Starmer had previously been expected to confirm the £1.5bn Chinese investment would go ahead during a visit to Beijing in January. But the Prime Minister backed off after receiving warnings it could make the UK overly reliant on Chinese renewables technology.

Speaking at the SNP’s campaign launch in Glasgow on Thursday, the First Minister said he had not been informed of the decision before it was announced.

“Was I blindsided by this? Yes, I was,” he said.

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“This has been kicking around in the UK Government, they’ve had it for 18 months, and I’ve heard on countless occasions there’s going to be a decision this week, no there’s not – and it’s gone like that for ages.

“I’ve been around and one of the advantages of being around long enough is that you know all the tricks in the book.

“Don’t tell me there was a coincidence that that announcement was made at the very end of the Scottish parliamentary session.

“That’s not a UK Government acting in good faith and they no longer are acting good faith.”

“The First Minister earlier said he was “bewildered” by the decision.

“I do understand the importance of national security questions, I take part in national security briefings on a privy council basis, so I understand the significance and the seriousness of the issues involved,” he added.

“But the Prime Minister has just been on a trade mission to China, he’s sat on the decision about Ming Yang for 18 months, during which time he’s gone to China and been involved in discussions about trade development, but announces a decision once the Scottish Parliament has risen for the election, which is rather jaw-dropping because it’s been sitting on their desk for 18 months.”

Swinney claimed the decision would “deprive Scotland of a £1.5 billion investment and the creation of 1,500 jobs”.

A UK Government spokesperson said: “Industry have sought our view on the use of these turbines in British waters and in our energy system.

“After careful consideration, Government’s view is that we cannot support the use of them in UK offshore wind projects.

“We will always act to protect our national security, and we are committed to strengthening and prioritising resilient and sustainable offshore wind supply chains.

“We welcome investment from China where it’s in our national interest – as demonstrated by significant inward investment during the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Beijing.

“We will continue to take a consistent, long-term and strategic approach to our relationship with China, co-operating where we can, whilst protecting our security and resilience.”

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