I am grateful to all constituents who have clicked the link to share the Believe in Scotland “End the Scottish Energy Bill Rip-Off” petition with me and happy to confirm I agree with them that this is worth supporting.

I completely agree with the aims of the petition: I sincerely believe a review of energy standing charges is necessary, I have previously written to the UK Government and Ofgem about the unfair higher charges in the Highlands and Islands, and I completely back a fairer system with a social tariff that recognises the huge contribution that Scotland, and particularly my region, makes to clean energy generation.

Unfortunately, I’ve received around 1,200 of these emails in the last month from all eight constituencies I represent within the Highlands and Islands parliamentary region. While I will give my response to all, this will take time, and I and my team prioritise casework.

Many campaign emails have been coming in about current legislation, too, including Natural Environment, Greyhound Racing, Ecocide, Prostitution, Restraint and Seclusion, and Assisted Dying. Keeping on top of these pro-forma emails is becoming more and more difficult for MSP offices, but I have been trying to provide replies, wherever possible, ahead of votes taking place.

Last year, I received around 6,200 campaign emails in total. Last month, I received over 2,000.

If I sign this particular petition, an automatic email from everyone who has already emailed me will again be sent to say “thank you”. I do not want to risk missing casework by triggering this influx of emails. Last year, a similar number of emails arrived from America regarding Gaza, and Outlook stopped working for a few hours.

On 23rd January, I made clear to the petition organiser that this is the only reason I haven’t signed, and that I fully agree with the aims. I have not had a reply to this.

I have signed my colleague Kevin Stewart’s motion, available at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-20343, confirming my support for the campaign itself.

I hope that this reassures anyone who is concerned that I haven’t signed the petition; you will receive a full response in due course.