SCOTTISH Labour has called on the SNP government to produce a “real plan” to deliver on climate targets to avoid further failure.

The party’s net zero spokesperson Sarah Boyak made the plea as Holyrood prepares to vote on stage three of the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill today.

The Bill will replace earlier targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75 per cent by 2030 after they were dropped by the then SNP-Green coalition in April, just weeks after independent experts at the statutory climate change committee slammed ministers’ inaction.

SNP Net Zero and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin launched the legislation last month to officially replace the targets, which she conceded had been “unrealistic.”

She told MSPs: “Scotland continues to be at the forefront of climate action.

“I truly believe the people of Scotland share a drive to achieve net zero ambitions and protect future generations.”

But as MSPs prepare to vote on the Bill’s third and final stage, Ms Boyack said: “This is a day of shame for the SNP government, whose inaction has left our climate targets in tatters.

“The SNP cannot make the same mistakes again — this Bill must be backed up with a real plan to meet our remaining targets and ensure our homes, transport and communities can deliver the just transition we urgently need.  

“Scottish Labour has strengthened this Bill to deliver the accountability and transparency needed to ensure the SNP cannot continue to abdicate its responsibilities.

“Labour will continue to work to provide climate leadership, lower Bills, and unlock Scotland’s full potential as a clean energy superpower.”