Scottish Labour’s Ian Murray has launched a scathing attack on the SNP’s approach to North Sea oil and gas, warning that their policies could devastate Aberdeen’s economy and cost thousands of jobs.
The Shadow Scottish Secretary accused the SNP of "economic vandalism" for pushing an accelerated transition away from fossil fuels without a clear plan to protect workers and communities reliant on the industry.
Economic Warnings for Aberdeen
Murray highlighted Aberdeen’s dependence on the North Sea energy sector, where around 100,000 jobs are directly or indirectly linked to oil and gas production. He argued that the SNP’s "ideological opposition" to fossil fuels risks leaving these workers behind.
"The people of Aberdeen deserve better than reckless policies that could pull the rug from under their livelihoods," Murray stated during a visit to the city.
Labour’s Alternative Vision
The Labour frontbencher outlined his party’s alternative approach, which includes:
- Gradual transition with worker protections
- Investment in renewable energy projects
- Retraining programmes for oil and gas workers
- Support for carbon capture technology
Murray emphasised that Labour’s plan would maintain energy security while creating new green jobs in Scotland.
Political Battle Lines
The intervention comes as political parties position themselves on energy policy ahead of the next general election. The SNP has faced criticism from both Labour and the Scottish Conservatives over its handling of the energy transition.
With Aberdeen at the heart of the debate, the city looks set to become a key battleground in Scotland’s energy policy discussions.
