Dear Mr Harvie,
I read your comments on the current crisis in Scotland’s oil and gas industry with a mixture of disbelief and anger. Your party’s view on the current crisis in one of our nation’s key industries simply beggars belief and demonstrates total contempt for the people both employed by it, along with the innumerable families and businesses that are sustained by oil and gas in some shape or form. However, perhaps it is the case that nothing contained in statements spouted by ill-informed politicians (see the MSP for Aberdeen West, Mr Dennis Robertson’s recent inexplicable outburst) about the industry should surprise the electorate.
On reflection, as leader of the Green Party, do you not feel that it would have been more constructive to offer a proposed solution which was actually viable and realistic instead of continuing to pursue a blinkered agenda which demonstrates a complete lack of understanding as to what Scotland actually needs at this moment in time? In stating that “sustainable forestry” would be a suitable alternative form of employment for oil and gas workers, you have no doubt succeeded in alienating a significant portion of the electorate (it may surprise you to know that some of these voters may even be based in your own constituency).
What you seem to fail to comprehend is that the skills and knowledge developed in the North Sea over the past 40 plus years have elevated Scotland (and Aberdeen in particular) to the status of an international centre of excellence in both the energy and engineering fields. It is no coincidence that our engineers and technicians are in demand worldwide and, rather than looking to initiate a “managed decline” of the industry, we should look to build on that reputation and ensure that our nation retains its position as a key player and remains relevant in this sector even after the UK Continental Shelf ceases to operate as a producer – this is surely vital for our economy going forward. You may also appreciate the fact that much of this expertise will be crucial in developing the wind and wave renewable sectors when oil reserves are eventually depleted.
I can’t help but feel that perhaps your comments are an attempt by the Green Party to gain media exposure through sensationalist outbursts and, in turn, increase its relevance in the context of Scotland’s political system. I would be curious to know what time you (as leader of your party) have spent in Aberdeen, the oil capital of Europe, meeting with members of the public and business leaders in an attempt to at least understand our industry rather than continually pillory it. However, it should come as no surprise that the political establishment (your party included) has repeatedly failed to acknowledge the key role our industry plays in Scotland’s economy. Nevertheless, you have succeeded in uniting the other political parties in universal condemnation of your party’s stance on the matter – for that you must be applauded.
To conclude, here are some points you may wish to consider:
• Hundreds of thousands of Scottish jobs are supported by the oil and gas industry.
• The sector supports approximately 2,000 supply chain companies and exports to over 100 countries worldwide.
• Approximately 65,000 positions have been lost in the industry over the past year.
• The Wood Report estimates between 15 billion and 16.5 billion barrels of oil remain in the North Sea.
• Technology to improve recovery from wells is continually improving and should, hopefully, prolong the life of the UK Continental Shelf.
• Decommissioning work is valued at an estimated £30bn and will continue to provide employment and business in Scotland even after the demise of oil and gas.
The fact of the matter is that the oil and gas industry in Scotland and the United Kingdom as a whole continues to be relevant and my hope is that it remains so for the foreseeable future – this view will certainly be shared by its employees and their families along with the business community at large.
Renewable sources of energy must be developed, of that there is no doubt, but if the Green Party is looking to appeal to the electorate, try not to demean and belittle an industry that many of its members have served with distinction.
Yours sincerely,
Euan Strachan
Euan Strachan is a legal counsel who specialises in energy.
Recommended for you
