MORE than 69,000 new green jobs could be created as Scotland turns into a “clean energy superpower” under a Labour government, the party has claimed.

Labour controversially dropped plans for a £28 billion Green New Deal earlier this year, promising a Green Prosperity Plan instead which would invest £8.2bn, raised from windfall tax receipts on oil and gas profiteers, to form a new state-owned power company based in Scotland.

The party said boosting investment in green technologies such as  wind, hydrogen and controversial carbon capture could generate as many as 53,000 jobs in Scotland, with 16,000 more being created by a drive to insulate thousands of homes which still fall below energy efficiency standards.

Ahead of a windfarm visit to promote the plans, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: “Scotland has the ability to be a clean energy superpower, but that potential is being squandered by our two failing governments.

“Both have turned their backs on working people and given up on climate leadership – but Labour will back Scotland’s vast clean energy potential.

“Oil and gas workers will be at the heart of Labour’s plans, and the oil and gas industry will remain part of Scotland’s energy mix for decades to come.

“At this general election, lower bills, more jobs and energy security are on the ballot with Labour.”

Scottish Green co-leader Lorna Slater remained unconvinced, however, saying: “Labour has already dropped its flagship green transition plan before a single vote has been cast, and has refused to rip up a single Tory oil licence.

“They are betraying future generations and selling off our North Sea to fossil fuel giants.”