SNP plans to move away from oil and gas production in the North Sea as quickly as possible have been heavily criticised by the prime minister.
Rishi Sunak claimed the Scottish Government “don’t want to support” the energy industry as he clashed with SNP Westminster chief Stephen Flynn on Wednesday.
At the first Prime Minister’s Questions of the year, Mr Sunak said the fossil fuels industry in the north-east will still be needed in the coming decades as the UK transitions to renewables.
SNP energy chief Michael Matheson presented his government’s latest plan to wind down oil and gas drilling in Holyrood on Tuesday.
However, the SNP’s plan to oppose future fossil fuels projects was branded a “breathtaking betrayal of one of Scotland’s biggest industries” by business leaders in the north-east.
© Scott Baxter / DCT MediaMr Sunak took aim at Ms Sturgeon’s party after Mr Flynn talked up the prospect of independence in their first clash of the New Year.
The prime minister said: “Scotland will play a fantastic part in helping us to transition to net zero.
“What we now know is that the Scottish Government don’t want to support the Scottish energy industry and the 200,000 jobs that it produces.
“I’m keen to work with the Scottish Government to support the North Sea because it’s something we’re all very proud of in the United Kingdom.”
Mr Flynn replied: “If he wants to talk about the fact Scotland is energy rich but fuel poor on Westminster’s watch, I’m happy to do so.”
Aberdeen South MP Mr Flynn’s previous support for the oil and gas industry in the north-east came was questioned by Scottish Tory chief Douglas Ross, the MP for Moray.
Before he succeeded Mr Blackford in the top job, allies of Mr Flynn said he would challenge Ms Sturgeon “crazy” opposition to fossil fuels.
© PRESS AND JOURNALMr Ross said: “These plans are naive and reckless and were previously described by an SNP leader in this House as crazy.”
In Holyrood on Tuesday, Mr Matheson said: “The oil and gas industry has played an important role in our economy and has been a part of our national identity for decades, however, our previous policy position of maximum economic recovery is no longer appropriate.
“This strategy explores the challenges of moving away from oil and gas and the ability of low carbon and net zero energy generation to, not just replace, but build on employment opportunities that people, particularly in the north-east, have come to rely on.”
© Supplied by Wulie Marr/DC ThomsoAberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce chief Russell Borthwick said: “This move towards a presumption against exploration for North Sea oil and gas has been met with complete disbelief in the north-east of Scotland.
“While the Scottish Government’s position is largely symbolic, as these matters are reserved to the Westminster parliament, this is still a breathtaking betrayal of one of Scotland’s biggest industries.”
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