The SNP has urged MPs to support their amendment to the Offshore
Petroleum Licensing Bill, which is due to receive its second
reading tonight.
The SNP’s amendment, if passed, would ensure the Bill could not
proceed until it provides a guarantee that an evidence-based
assessment will be carried out on all new licences on a
case-by-case basis.
The Bill, in its current form, fails to outline a clear
transition away from fossil fuels as per the agreed resolution at
COP28, nor does it fully acknowledge the climate emergency or the
demand for a reduction in domestic demand.
Commenting, the SNP's Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson,
said:
"Oil and gas will absolutely be required for many years to come
but new licenses must only be granted by the UK government after
a robust, evidence-based assessment.
“Only by following the evidence can we deliver cheaper energy
bills, energy security and job security.
"Right now, the Tories’ Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill will do
none of these things - and it certainly doesn’t help the fight
against climate change.
"The Bill must outline in no uncertain terms how the UK will
transition away from fossil fuels as per the agreed resolution at
COP 28, and fully acknowledge the climate emergency that the
planet is facing.
"Scotland is an energy rich country with the potential to be a
powerhouse in the green and renewable sector. However, with
Westminster continuing to undermine our progress, our long-term
energy security is in jeopardy.
"Scotland has the energy, we just need the power."
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
That this House, while
acknowledging the role of the exploitation of fossil fuels in
ensuring a just transition, and noting that the independent
Committee on Climate Change is clear that in reaching net zero by
2050 oil and gas will still be required, declines to give a
Second Reading to the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill because
the Bill does not provide an evidence-based assessment of all
licences on a case-by-case basis based on an ability to
simultaneously deliver cheaper energy bills, energy security, job
security, net zero commitments and concurrent investment in
renewable energy projects, fails to outline a transition away
from fossil fuels as per the agreed resolution at COP28, does not
acknowledge the climate emergency and does not seek to address
the necessity for a reduction in domestic demand.
