A leading Scottish trade unionist has launched a fierce criticism of the UK government’s energy strategy, accusing it of “running down” North Sea oil and gas jobs and delivering on renewable promises “everywhere but here.”
GMB Scotland Secretary Louise Gilmour told the Herald that Scots are being “gaslit” over the promise of a just transition, warning that the policy of rushing to end oil and gas production is “self-harming” and risks crucial skills needed for net zero.
Gilmour’s comments follow a warning from the Westminster Scottish Affairs Committee that North Sea job losses are outpacing growth in the renewables sector.
The union’s stance is echoed by the wider energy industry:
- Industry Bodies (Scottish Renewables and OEUK) have jointly called for the Energy Profits Levy (EPL) to be replaced and for increased funding for renewable auctions.
- Centrica CEO Chris O’Shea expressed concern about devastating community impacts, drawing parallels to the 1980s miners’ strike closures.
- RWE CFO Michael Muller described the £900m budget for the latest Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction (AR7) as “incomprehensible and disappointing,” arguing it is too low to support eligible projects.
Gilmour urged the Chancellor to reduce the EPL and implement an ambitious industrial strategy. In response, a UK government spokesperson rejected the claims, stating they are addressing the inherited decline of the North Sea and promising that their “clean energy jobs plan” could deliver over 40,000 new jobs in Scotland by 2030.
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