Major polluters sponsored a champagne reception for senior Scottish Greens during their party conference, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The event, held in October 2023, was funded by Solar Energy Scotland, a lobbying trade body representing members such as oil giant BP’s solar arm, EDF Energy, Tata Steel, RWE, and investment firm Blackrock. These companies have been linked to environmentally damaging projects and significant CO2 emissions.
The exclusive reception was promoted as an opportunity to engage with MSPs, councillors, and observers, but was not disclosed in any official records. Former Scottish Greens co-chair Ellie Gomersall expressed unease over the party offering access to ministers in exchange for financial support. She emphasised the importance of maintaining transparency and integrity within the party’s practices.
Critics within the Greens, including former election candidate Niall Christie, voiced concerns over the potential influence of corporate sponsors on party decisions. The revelation comes amid accusations that the Greens allowed lobbyists access to their representatives for a fee, prompting calls for an investigation into possible breaches of ethics.
Despite facing scrutiny, the Scottish Greens defended their support for solar energy and downplayed the significance of the sponsorship. A party spokesman emphasised that discussions at the reception did not involve government affairs and that the event was open to conference attendees. However, questions remain over the party’s awareness of the sponsors’ environmental impact.
When approached for comment, senior Greens leaders Patrick Harvie, Lorna Slater, and Ross Greer did not respond to requests. The lack of transparency surrounding the sponsorship has raised concerns about the party’s commitment to environmental principles and democratic values. Calls for accountability and integrity in political fundraising have intensified in light of these revelations, underscoring the importance of ethical conduct in public office.