Douglas Lumsden MSP has challenged Keir Starmer and John Swinney to face up to the damage they are causing to the oil and gas industry by addressing workers at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen next week.
The Scottish Conservative shadow energy secretary’s call comes as Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) warned almost 1,000 direct and indirect jobs are set to be lost every month between now and 2030 unless there is a change in policy direction.
Starting next Tuesday, the four-day exhibition and conference at P&J Live will involve more than 30,000 professionals and nearly 400 exhibitors from across the world, providing a platform that will help shape the future of the offshore energy industry.
So far, neither Starmer or Swinney have signalled their intention to attend the event, with only Michael Shanks and Kate Forbes confirmed to answer questions from concerned industry leaders.
Mr Lumsden, who will be part of an OEUK panel next Wednesday, will join other Conservative politicians including shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho MP, and shadow Scottish secretary Andrew Bowie MP, at events throughout the week.
A total of 30 countries will be represented across the four days, including Australia, China, Italy, Canada, Norway, and the United States, with industry leaders from businesses including BP, Subsea 7 and Ithaca Energy also in attendance.
Scottish Conservative shadow energy secretary and North East MSP Douglas Lumsden said: “At a time when tens of thousands of jobs and our energy security hangs in the balance, there is no excuse for Keir Starmer and John Swinney to be missing Offshore Europe.
“Next week is an opportunity for them to face up to the damage their hostility is causing, by hearing directly from the workers whose livelihoods are at risk from Labour and the SNP’s anti-oil and gas policy decisions.
“The oil and gas sector drives billions into our economy and supports over 80,000 jobs, but both of Scotland’s governments are selling it down the river.
“Workers should have a voice at the table and deserve to be listened to at such a worrying time for our valuable North Sea industry.
“Instead of hiding away from the devastation they are causing, Starmer and Swinney must explain why they oppose new oil and gas licences and want to rely on costly foreign imports rather than our own oil and gas at home.”
