STEPHEN Flynn has accused Labour of creating a “cliff edge” for oil and gas workers amid confusion over new drilling.
Reports suggested on Thursday morning that Energy Secretary Ed Miliband had ordered an immediate ban on new oil and gas licences in the North Sea.
The Telegraph had asked the party about a number of outstanding drilling applications from the 33rd offshore oil and gas licensing round last year to which a spokesperson for Miliband responded: “We will not issue new licences to explore new fields, and will not revoke existing oil and gas licences. We will manage existing fields for the entirety of their lifespan.”
When it was reported that this was an immediate ban on new drilling, the UK Government denied these reports but maintained that Labour’s manifesto commitment was to put an end to new oil and gas licences.
The SNP’s Westminster leader Flynn (below) said that Labour need to clear up the confusion and clarify their position.
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The Aberdeen South MP told The National: “The Labour Party promised workers that there would be no cliff edge, but I fear this is precisely that and it’s ultimately our net-zero future, our economy and our workforce in the north-east who will pay the heaviest price.
“We need an evidence-based approach when it comes to offshore licensing and we need to ensure we retain jobs in our energy sector to deliver the just transition, but this cliff-edge approach risks all of that and I’ll be seeking an early meeting with Ed Miliband in this regard.”
The reports came about after hundreds of businesses joined a campaign last month against Labour’s policy of refusing to grant new oil and gas licences in the North Sea.
Trade union Unite launched a “no ban without a plan” movement.
An open letter was signed by businesses from north-east Scotland, Falkirk and Bo’ness after Keir Starmer’s party said it would not hand out new licences but would continue with any already in operation.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, told The National: “It is quite frankly irresponsible for Labour to keep ploughing ahead with the guillotine ban of new oil and gas licences when there is no clear plan for jobs.
“We simply cannot let go of one rope before we have hold of another. Until we have clear plans and more importantly investment, we should not be turning off the taps.
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“In a less stable world, we cannot rely on imports nor offshore our carbon responsibilities.”
In a debate earlier this year, Miliband made his opposition to oil and gas clear by saying: “Oil and gas licensing will not reduce energy costs for households and businesses … will not enhance energy security, and offers no plan for the future of the UK’s offshore energy communities.
"It will ensure the UK remains at the mercy of petrostates and dictators who control fossil-fuel markets and is entirely incompatible with the UK’s international climate change commitments.”
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero described reports of an immediate ban on new drilling as a “complete fabrication” but added: “As previously stated, we will not issue new licences to explore new fields. We will also not revoke existing oil and gas licences and will manage existing fields for the entirety of their lifespan.
"We are working with the North Sea Transition Authority to ensure a fair and balanced transition in the North Sea.”
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