Reform manifesto oil plans ‘only benefit party donors’

This press release was sent to media on 8/4/26

Climate campaigners have reacted to Reform UK’s claims it would give the green light to the ‘climate catastrophe’ of Rosebank oil field saying it was “doing the bidding of the party’s oil company donors.”

Reform UK have received millions of pounds in donations from fossil fuel companies and had previously pledged to introduce fracking if they win a UK General Election.  

Reform’s Scottish manifesto also pledged to fast track applications for open-cast coal mining in Scotland.

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s oil and gas campaigns manager Rosie Hampton commented,

“The Rosebank oil field would be a climate catastrophe, and by threatening to approve it, Reform are doing the bidding of its wealthy fossil fuel donors. 

“Greedy energy companies and market speculators have been driving up the price of oil and gas, just as they did after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and they will do the same the next time they see an opportunity.

“The only way to reduce energy bills for the long term, create decent unionised jobs and put wealth back into communities is to build an energy system powered by renewables and run in the public interest. North Sea oil and gas is running out, so the priority for the next Scottish Government must be supporting oil and gas workers and communities through this inevitable transition.

“Whoever wins the Scottish Parliament election, new MSPs will have to deliver climate solutions that improve people’s lives from better buses to warmer homes. These are achievable, popular goals that ensure that vital services are no longer being exploited by big businesses whilst the public suffer.”