We must move away from fossil fuels, so it is right for the Scottish Government to plan for a future without oil. What is equally vital is we avoid the catastrophic destruction of communities that came with the end of our coal industry in the 80s.
Thousands of skilled workers left on the slagheap, mining towns left hollowed out. Scots need no history lessons there. That is why it is critical the Scottish Government listens to its “just transition” body, set up to help protect jobs and find ways to retrain oil workers.
Yet it has emerged the SNP-Green administration failed to meaningfully consult the Just Transition Commission ahead of launching its energy strategy. That is despite the document dramatically paving the way for a clean break from oil and gas with a “presumption” against new drilling.
