It is disappointing to see Scottish Government Minister, Patrick Harvie MSP doubling down on his extreme view against the oil and gas industry, suggesting that workers ‘start looking for new jobs.’
What he and so many others don’t appear to realise is that the oil and gas industry has a critical role to play in helping deliver the energy transition and meeting our net-zero objectives.
It is clear the Scottish Greens don’t support the industry, but Mr Harvie along with his party co-leader, Lorna Slater MSP are now ministers in the SNP-led Scottish Government.
Harvie’s recent declaration that, ‘only the hard right’, support oil and gas in the northeast shows his disdain, not just for the industry, but also everyone working in the industry.
Meanwhile, the UK Government is getting on with the job, working with the industry in support of their vital role in the energy transition.
The industry has the infrastructure, technology, resources and – most crucially – the people and the skills – particularly here in the North East, best placed to drive forward the energy transition.
This fact was particularly evident when, at a recent Oil and Gas (OGUK) Awards event, every single finalist declared the importance of delivering net-zero withing their submission.
There was also a specific award for, ‘Energy Transition.’
Those who call for an overnight end to hydrocarbon extraction, are ignoring the fact that simply turning off the supply does not turn off the demand.
We need hydrocarbons, not only to continue providing energy, heat and transport through the transition, but also for the production of plastics, detergents, and other everyday items and materials.
The UK has been a net importer of oil and gas since 2004
A number of oil and gas fields – including Cambo – are already factored into the Committee for Climate Change’s net-zero projections, and even with their addition to UK domestic production, we are still left with a gap in supply.
As we rapidly increase renewable and low carbon ways to provide our energy, heat and transport, that supply gap will decline.
But, while it does, surely it’s better to develop domestic supplies here at home – not only to protect the economy and jobs, but also reduce reliance on higher carbon-footprint imports from elsewhere?
The Covid-19 vaccine and booster programme across the UK has been a huge success but, as we approach the festive season, mustn’t allow ourselves to be complacent.
There have been suggestions that the new Omicron variant may result in a ‘milder’ form of illness – but the truth is, we really don’t yet.
What we do know is that it is sweeping across the country at an exponential rate, and we are already seeing hospitalisations and sadly deaths connected to this variant.
Symptoms may be different from other variants – stuffy nose, sore throat and muscular aches and pains – as well as the classic symptoms we all know.
The most important thing we can all do, is ensure we get our vaccines and boosters as soon as eligible.
We should also be self-testing at least twice a week and certainly before attending large events and meeting groups of people outside of our households.
For more information booster jabs, community/self-testing and latest Scottish Government restriction guidance, please see https://www.davidduguid.com/covid-advice
Finally, I’d like to wish you all a happy – and safe – festive season!