I recognise the Member’s commitment in this general area. I took interest in the debate that he held at the end of October, where the motion was supported by the Cabinet Secretary at the time.

I am aware of that legal opinion, and officials are considering its content. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to trespass on a policy area that is within the remit of the Cabinet Secretary, but I do understand that, at the end of last year, the Cabinet Secretary made a statement on energy policy generally, which talked about reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Again, in September of this year, ambitious targets were set for that, and that is a positive development.

Letters have been issued to senior planning officials recently, informing them of the intention to consult on strengthening planning policy, specifically in the context of fossil fuels.