Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay today urged John Swinney to sign a joint letter to Rachel Reeves demanding that the Labour government put an end to the Energy Profits Levy in next week’s budget.
Findlay said the energy tax was putting jobs at risk and jeopardising investment in Scotland’s oil and gas industry.
At First Minister’s Questions, Findlay also said his party would support the Scottish government if John Swinney chose to drop the SNP’s presumption against new oil and gas developments.
Findlay said Labour and the SNP must change policy or risk the future of the industry.
He highlighted recent job losses at Grangemouth, Mossmorran, Harbour Energy, Apache, Hunting PLC and Petrofac.
He also cited a new report from the Fraser of Allander Institute which warned that the energy sector is “at a critical turning point, with a deteriorating investment environment putting jobs, tax revenues and regional economies at risk”.
Its analysis found an “accelerated decline” in the industry could cost the UK economy £13 billion and the North-East economy specifically around £1 billion.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “Scotland’s oil and gas industry is being destroyed before our eyes.
“The Labour and SNP governments are causing this to happen because it suits their net zero agenda.
“John Swinney’s government promised a transition plan for Mossmorran 18 months ago, but it’s nowhere to be seen.
“Instead of producing a Mossmorran transition plan, John Swinney fixates on Net Zero policies that will hit Scots in the pocket, such as fining householders £15,000 if they don’t get rid of their gas boilers.
“Scotland’s oil and gas infrastructure – sites like Grangemouth and Mossmorran – is being decimated because of government policies.
“The most damaging policy holding back investment and risking jobs is the Energy Profits Levy.
“John Swinney should join me in opposing it because it is threatening the very future of the industry.
“The energy tax must go and both the SNP and Labour governments must change direction.
“The SNP must stop opposing Rosebank, Cambo, Jackdaw and every single new development in the North Sea.
“John Swinney can change position right now. He must do so to protect North-East jobs and support Scotland’s economy.”