Labour and the SNP have been urged to end their “irrational war” on North Sea oil and gas now, after offshore energy firm Petrofac filed for administration, putting 2,000 Scottish jobs at risk.
Scottish Conservative shadow energy secretary Douglas Lumsden MSP said the opposition of both the UK and Scottish governments towards new North Sea projects was “decimating” the sector and wreaking havoc on livelihoods and our energy security.
Scottish Conservative shadow energy secretary Douglas Lumsden MSP said: “This news will come as a devastating blow for the highly skilled Scottish workers at Petrofac who have been abandoned by both their governments.
“Labour and the SNP’s irrational war on oil and gas sector is an act of national self-harm – driving up bills, costing jobs and jeopardising our energy security.
“Business are folding because both governments are decimating the industry.
“We all want to cut emissions, but not at any cost. Renewables alone can’t meet our energy needs – we desperately need North Sea oil and gas to keep the lights on for decades to come.
“But Keir Starmer and John Swinney – who also inexplicably opposes nuclear power – would rather leave us dependent on importing the same fossil fuels from foreign regimes instead. It’s madness.
“North Sea oil and gas drives £14 billion into our economy and supports 83,000 jobs, but unless Labour and the SNP stop treating these workers as the enemy, thousands more will be lost.
“While Labour and the SNP sit on their hands as redundancy notices hit doormats, the Scottish Conservatives will fight for the jobs of workers in this crucial industry.”
Notes:
Douglas Lumsden MSP has requested a topical question on this issue tomorrow afternoon.