Half of MSPs support Unite’s ‘No Ban Without a Plan’ oil and gas campaign

Out of 129 Members of Scottish Parliament (MSPs) – 65 from across Labour, the Conservatives, the Scottish National Party and Alba – have signed a pledge to call on the UK Government to ensure that oil and gas workers do not become the “coal miners of this generation.”

Unite warned that there must be adequate investment so that workers are not made to pay the price for the transition to greener energy.

The Government was also asked to ensure that entire communities are not left to face unemployment, and that these types of transitions have workers at their heart.

Unite said it has a plan to create 35,000 commensurate new energy transition jobs in Scotland by 2030.

Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite said: “The majority of MSPs are clear that Labour needs to reverse its irresponsible policy banning all new oil and gas licenses irrespective of the impact on jobs.

“It is madness to do this without a viable plan including concrete equivalent jobs for North Sea workers and real assurances on energy security.

“We must not let go of one lifeline until we’ve got hold of another. Unite won’t sit back and let workers be abandoned – there must be a workers’ transition to net zero.”

Unite voiced its disappointed that no Green or Liberal Democrat MSPs supported the campaign, particularly as the Liberal Democrats represent parts of Scotland, including Orkney and Shetland, which are heavily dependent on the oil and gas industry.

Unite secured the support of a number of Scottish MPs, and said it will continue to seek the support of more MPs and MSPs to place further pressure on both the UK and Scottish Governments to take action.

Derek Thomson, Scottish secretary at Unite, said: “Oil and gas is essential to the economic success of Scotland.

“It is outrageous that any Government could countenance running down this sector until alternative options are in place.

“The UK Government needs to sit up and listen. Oil and gas workers don’t need promises of jam tomorrow, they need alternative well paid skilled jobs now.”