Work with, Not Against Industry to Tackle Climate Change and UK Energy Security – Says Andrew Bowie
With West Aberdeenshire & Kincardine being home to thousands of oil and gas workers, Andrew Bowie issued the warning after inviting the UK Minister for Climate to visit the North East and see for himself the work being undertaken by the industry as it transitions to reaching Net Zero.
Andrew said “It is right to prioritise climate change, and the future of our planet, however, the future of UK energy security is crucial. Recent events in the Ukraine, the impact on supply and the rising cost of energy proves this. We can tackle climate change and secure our future energy supplies at the same time, but we must work hand in hand with the Oil and Gas Industry to do this, not against them.”
Andrew and many others perceive to be an ‘anti oil and gas industry’ approach by the current SNP/Green Scottish Government, who have previously campaigned against further licensing, exploration and production of new North Sea oil and gas fields.
Commenting Andrew said: “The SNP and Greens would have the oil and gas industry closed overnight. They would put thousands of people out of work and risk Scotland’s future energy supply in the process.”
Both Nicola Sturgeon and Ian Blackford have claimed that 100% of electricity used in Scotland is from renewables, yet the Scottish Governments own statistics show that in 2020 the figure was actually closer to 56%. Andrew hit out at the SNPs ‘misleading and hypocritical’ position on energy.
“Well, we now all know that their (SNP) figures quoted around use of renewable energy were totally misleading, presumably the First Minister accepts this because earlier this month she said the move to renewable energy must be accelerated. I suspect she (Nicola Sturgeon) was a little embarrassed when she realised that just 12 months ago she claimed we were already at 100%.”
“Lets also not forget that in 2014, the SNP separatists built an independence campaign almost entirely around North Sea oil revenues, they’ve dropped the North East, and the industry like a stone since the price per barrel went down. They now, propped up by the Greens seem intent on burying the industry that once built the North East and Scotland’s economy.”
In the letter to UK Minister for Climate Graham Stuart MP, Andrew asks the UK Government to “reaffirm its commitment to the oil and gas industry” stating it is “an industry which we will continue to require for many years to come”. He goes on to say that reducing our use of fossil fuels must be done in a just an appropriate manner that protects jobs and the economy.
The UK Government have already invested heavily in the Oil and Gas Industries move to Net Zero and renewables with a £20million North Sea Transition fund. Andrew believes that the UK Government should continue to work with the industry to tackle both climate change and UK energy security.
“The UK Government understand that whilst being as ambitious as we can, things cannot be changed overnight. I speak regularly with industry representatives, and I know how hard everyone is working towards achieving Net Zero, it is vital that we (Government) listen to the experts and work with them to achieve our ambition.”
“I want the industry, all those businesses involved directly and within the supply chain, and the thousands of workers involved to know that the UK Government is fully behind them. I look forward to showing the Minister first hand what we in the North East of Scotland are doing.”
