GMB Scotland calls for leadership as North Sea oil slows

GMB Scotland calls for industrial strategy as North Sea oil flows slow

GMB Scotland has responded to figures suggesting North Sea oil flowing through Grangemouth has declined by 40% in six years.

After Ineos revealed the reduction in oil flowing through the Forties Pipeline System, Gary Cook, GMB Scotland’s senior organiser for manufacturing, said: “It is both alarming and predictable after the failure of governments on both sides of the border to give clear direction on the future of our offshore industries.

“That failure of leadership has meant a complete absence of industrial strategies capable of harnessing our skills and expertise in oil and gas to deliver renewable energy and create supply lines protecting and creating thousands of skilled jobs.

“Instead, we have warm words from politicians and more promises of green jobs tomorrow while losing skilled jobs today.

“There is absolutely nothing just about a transition if it is built on lost jobs and hollowed-out communities.

“We will need oil and gas for decades and must act with vision and urgency to protect those supplies while building the industries and supply lines needed to deliver Net Zero and the thousands of skilled, union jobs that must come with it.”

Earlier, Gary Smith, GMB General Secretary, had welcomed Rosebank oilfield, 80 miles west of Shetland, being granted development and production consent.

He said: “The UK must be honest about where we are going to get the gas we need up to 2050 and beyond.

“Sourcing this securely from domestic supplies is so much better than doubling down on our dependence on imported gas, especially in an increasingly volatile world.

“Taking responsibility for more of our own gas supply will support good union jobs, both directly and in the wider supply chain.

“Crucially, it will also unlock investment for the carbon capture and clean power developments we need to confront the climate crisis.”

“If the UK is to achieve better energy independence and be in the global race for climate jobs, we need a plan, not bans.”