Almost 2 thirds of Scots back quicker transition away from oil and gas
A new survey has found a majority of the public back plans by the Scottish Greens, with the Party Co-Leader Lorna Slater accusing the Scottish Conservatives of "fear mongering" over the subject.
Almost two thirds of Scots back Scottish Green plans to begin the transition of jobs away from oil and gas and wind down extraction in the North Sea, according to a new poll.
The Scottish Greens have called the findings "a blow to Scottish Conservative attempts to scaremonger over the subject"
A survey of Scots reveal has shown 66% believe the UK Government should redirect oil and gas subsidies to renewables and low carbon industries. A plan supported by the Scottish Greens, but recently heavily criticised by the Tories.
The survey for environmental charity Uplift shows as much as 72% believe there should be financial backing for oil and gas workers to retrain so they can work in the renewables sector.
Responding, Scottish Greens co-leader and Just Transition spokesperson Lorna Slater said:
“This survey is a blow for the Scottish Tories, who are scaremongering about a just transition while their UK Government continues to back new licenses and exploration for ever more oil.
“The public clearly recognise the urgency required to tackle the climate emergency and they want a plan. That means providing alternative futures for communities that rely on the fossil fuel industry now, by investing in Scotland’s huge renewable energy potential, not waiting until we’ve extracted every last bit of oil.
“The simple fact is this is not optional. Our future depends on us acting now, and this poll shows the public provide a mandate for governments to do it.”
North East Tory MSP, Liam Kerr said:
“The climate emergency and our transition to net zero is one of the biggest challenges we are facing in the years ahead. However, we cannot simply abandon the 100,000 jobs that the oil and gas sector support in Scotland.
“We know that the Greens could well pull the plug on the sector as soon as next year without any sort of coherent plan to support these workers.
“The UK Government have committed £16 billion to support the sector into transitioning towards using cleaner and greener technologies. That will help us progress towards achieving a net zero society and support our economic recovery.
“The Scottish Conservatives will continue to stand up for vital jobs and livelihoods in our oil and gas sector, rather than threatening to scrap these critical roles as we continue to recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic.”