MSPs add their voices to SELECT campaign for regulation

In the latest episode of our Sparks’ Remarks podcast, senior politicians reveal why they’re support SELECT’s calls for protection of title

Senior MSPs have voiced their support for regulation of the electrical industry in the latest episode of the SELECT podcast, Sparks’ Remarks.

In a special edition of the show, political figures revealed why protection of title for electricians is so important – and why they want fellow MSPs to also back the campaign which SELECT has been leading for years.

Jamie Halcro Johnston, Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, told podcast host Kim McAllister: “I’ve been aware of the need for this legislation for a very long time and have put forward a bill to ensure that anybody who calls themselves an electrician is on a register and has the appropriate training.

“The problem is the volume of bills currently going through Parliament, so we have to get all parties fully involved and get the support on board to really take things forward.”

Monica Lennon,Labour MSP for Central Scotland, added: “We need skilled people to stay in the industry and to feel valued and by having this protection in law, it creates equality with so many other professions.

“I would pay credit to Jamie for trying to lead this as it’s difficult to get cross-party working; it’s a good example of Parliament listening and people wanting to make change happen.”

Brian Whittle, Conservative MSP for South Scotland, also told the podcast: “I’m extremely surprised that the industry isn’t regulated and struggle to find a good reason why it hasn’t been done long ago.

“My weight is fully behind the campaign and it’s now about galvanising other MSPs. We can’t leave the door open for cowboys to come along and do botch jobs.”

The hard-hitting episode, Regulation: If it’s good enough for street sweepers, why not electricians?, also hears how the issue is dealt with in Europe courtesy of Julie Beaufils, Secretary General of EuropeOn.

She told the podcast: “The regulation situation is varied across Europe.

“In France, we have no strict protection of the title but qualifications are supervised by a specific authority, whereas the Germans have regulated the trade and are very proud of it.”

SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson, also appears in the episode, saying: “There are currently around 132 protected titles in the UK, including farriers and street sweepers, and we want legislation in Scotland to protect the title of electrician too.”