Today Mark joined with Mike Crockart MP for Edinburgh West to deliver the city’s bid to be the base of the new Green Investment Bank to the UK Business Secretary.

The two Edinburgh MPs have been pushing the capital’s case since the announcement of the bank last year. Today they met at the entrance of the Department which will make the decision on the bank’s location to hand over the City’s case.

Mark said:

“The Green Investment Bank would provide a much needed boost to Scotland and Edinburgh. It brings with it not only the promise of investment but also the prospect for job creation. This is what Scotland needs to give our economy a boost.

“Leith in my constituency has just been named as a low carbon and renewable enterprise zone – it is recognition of the knowledge and skills we have in the industry and certainly adds weight to Edinburgh's case.
 
“Today is a unique opportunity for Edinburgh and I know that the case we have put forward reflects the City’s passion to play host to the first Green Investment Bank.”

Mike Crockart added:

“I’m delighted to be here today to hand over Edinburgh’s bid for the UK’s Green Investment Bank. This is the culmination of many months of work by the Edinburgh group and I know that our case is compelling.

“I have worked with leaders from the world of business to make certain that they are a part of Edinburgh’s case. Their input has been invaluable and I would like to thank them for their efforts.
 
“Of all the Cities in the running, Edinburgh is the only one which has the necessary skills and experience in both the financial and renewable sectors. We know that our capital is the natural home of the bank – I very much hope that the Business Secretary agrees.”

The final decision on the bid is to be announced at the end of February and the case presented today is based on the city’s strengths in financial services, low carbon industry and academic research as well as its strong transport links.

It was drawn up by the campaign for Edinburgh which has included the city’s business leaders, and cross-party representation of Edinburgh’s MPs, MSPs and councillors.

You can find the case which was presented today on the website of Scottish Financial Enterprise at http://www.sfe.org.uk/information-and-policy/green-investment-bank/