The SNP and Labour stand accused of showing “callous disregard” for North-East Scotland with their “illogical hostility” to the North Sea oil and gas industry.
Shadow net zero, energy and transport secretary Douglas Lumsden will warn that 100,000 jobs in the region are at risk if all new projects are blocked – which is the position of both Humza Yousaf and Keir Starmer.
The Scottish Conservatives will tomorrow (Wednesday) lead a debate in Holyrood on the future of the oil and gas sector, in which they will argue they are the only party standing up for communities across the North East, as well as the energy security of the whole country.
Scottish Conservative shadow secretary for net zero, energy and transport Douglas Lumsden MSP said: “There is palpable fear in the North East at the devastation Labour and the SNP’s policy of turning off the taps in the North Sea would wreak in the area.
“Blocking all future oil and gas licences shows callous disregard for an industry that supports 100,000 skilled jobs.
“The Scottish Conservatives are the only party that will defend this crucial sector of the economy and safeguard livelihoods by supporting the UK Government’s granting of new North Sea licences.
“The hostility towards oil and gas of the SNP and Labour is also illogical, since stopping production now would only increase our reliance on costly foreign imports of fossil fuels with a higher carbon footprint.
“Keir Starmer has already U-turned on countless policies – and it’s time he ditched this reckless one too.
“Meanwhile, Humza Yousaf’s recent claim that he and the SNP are friends of the North East is an insult to people’s intelligence.
“It’s patently absurd, given his party opposed both Cambo and Rosebank and remain in coalition with the anti-growth Greens, who despise the industry.”