Commenting following Labour's plans to ban new oil and gas developments in the North Sea, Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has called out Keir Starmer and Anas Sarwar for their 'dangerous approach to our energy needs'.
Halcro Johnston, who is also Scottish Conservative Shadow Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, recognised the importance of transitioning to green energy, but said ruling out future oil and gas development risked damaging consequences.
Mr Halcro Johnston said: “Keir Starmer and Anas Sarwar’s pledge to ban new oil and gas developments in the North Sea is yet another example of Labour’s dangerous approach to our energy needs.
“No one denies the importance of transitioning to green energy, but banning oil and gas development is not the solution given the current energy crisis and our future needs.
"These industries are vital as we struggle with energy supply and the need to avoid dependence on imports from rogue regimes like Putin’s Russia.
"Oil and gas will continue to play a part of our energy mix for years to come. By ending domestic production early, we risk making the United Kingdom more reliant on more polluting foreign imports, and at a cost of £1,100 to every person by 2030.
“We cannot ignore the thousands of skilled jobs supported by the oil and gas industry, including many in my Highlands and Islands Region.
"Labour’s reckless proposals would put jobs and livelihoods at risk in communities across the Highlands, and in Orkney and Shetland with our important Flotta and Sullom Voe facilities, and would dangerously impact our energy security.
“We've come to expect this anti-industry rhetoric from the Scottish Government, where the militant Green's tail now wags the yellow SNP dog.
"But Scottish Labour now appears willing to let down those Scottish workers and communities which depend on our oil and gas industry.
"The Scottish Conservatives value our oil and gas sector and - with new opportunities in exploration - the vital role it can continue to play in the years to come.
"With Labour, the SNP and the Liberal Democrats now turning their backs on oil and gas workers, the Conservatives will always stand up for the industry, for those whose livelihoods rely on it for their employment, and for the communities it supports".
