Welcome for bid to end North Sea oil exploration

Climate campaigners have welcomed the UK Government consultation on ending exploration for new oil and gas.  

The end of exploration for new fossil fuel extraction in the UK is a crucial step towards transitioning our energy system to run on renewables. Both the UK and Scottish Governments must now deliver investment to create jobs and support oil workers.

Exploration licences to search for new oil and gas is separate to granting permits for extracting oil and gas. The Rosebank and Jackdaw fields are seeking development permits to extract oil and are thus unaffected by this consultation.
 
Friends of the Earth Scotland just transition campaigner Rosie Hampton commented,  
“Labour promised voters that they would end exploration for new oil and gas and this is a welcome first step towards delivering on that promise to people. 
 
“Climate science has long been clear that we must stop drilling for fossil fuels if we are to limit the devastation that climate breakdown will bring. People who have endured the extreme weather in LA, Valencia and here with Storm Éowyn are feeling the harm caused by fossil fuel pollution. 
 
“Politicians at Westminster and Holyrood must redouble their efforts to deliver on just transition for people who work in oil and gas and not fall for the greenwashing claims of carbon capture or fossil fuels from hydrogen.  
 
“This is the government’s opportunity to demonstrate they’re serious about delivering on a just transition for workers. We want to see investments in permanent, local jobs created in publicly owned wind manufacturing, funding for upgrading our ports, and a dedicated training fund for offshore oil and gas workers. 
 
“The UK Government must go further and rule out all new oil and gas drilling, this means saying a clear no to opening new fields like Rosebank, Cambo and Jackdaw.”