The UK Petroleum Industry
Association (UKPIA) has today launched an energy manifesto ahead
of the December general election, calling on the next Government
to take the actions needed to strengthen the UK’s economically
vital downstream oil sector whilst supporting the industry’s
evolution to contribute to ‘Net Zero’ carbon emissions goals by
2050.
UKPIA’s energy manifesto, Action Not
Words, highlights three key areas that need to be addressed
in the next parliamentary term to ensure the continued success of
the downstream oil sector – an industry that currently supports
300,000 jobs and £21.2 billion to GDP – whilst laying the policy
framework that will enable companies to pursue the development of
low-carbon energy solutions.
The three policy asks are:
-
To agree a future relationship with the EU that ensures
access to the European market and maintains
competitiveness.
-
To support policies to allow the development of all
low-carbon fuels and technologies to contribute to ‘Net
Zero’.
-
To demonstrate Government leadership in the development
of industrial clusters.
UKPIA Director-General Stephen Marcos Jones said, “This
election is one of the most important for generations, with the
next Parliament faced with big decisions on our relationship with
the EU and how we address climate change. When facing those
challenges it is essential that the government does so without
unwittingly undermining industries like oil refining and fuels
marketing that do so much for the UK economy, and can play a
major role in meeting decarbonisation targets in future.
“I would encourage every candidate in this election to read
this manifesto for change in our downstream oil sector,
and realise that
by working together – Parliament, Government and industry – we
can take the bold decisions necessary to build a low-carbon
21st century energy
industry for all.”
