Farage fossil fuel free-for-all a disaster for people and planet
Nigel Farage’s plan to boost the profits of fossil fuel companies would destroy investment in the cheap, green renewable energy that Scotland needs, say the Scottish Greens.
The comments followed a press conference given by Farage, leader of Reform UK, in Aberdeen on Monday 2nd June.
Reform claimed that they would grant carte blanche to new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea, support fracking, and open new coal mines if in power. In 2024 nearly half of Reform’s donations were linked to climate denial and fossil fuel interests.
Whilst North Sea oil and gas licenses are reserved to the UK Government, powers over fracking licenses are devolved. The Scottish Parliament voted to ban fracking in Scotland in 2017, and the Scottish Government banned new coal mining in 2022.
Commenting further, Scottish Green spokesperson for Net Zero and Energy, Patrick Harvie said:
“Far from being an anti-establishment party, Reform has been courting donations from rich oil and gas moguls who profit from climate breakdown.
“So it’s no surprise that Farage and his cronies are desperate to do everything they can to shore up the astronomical profits of global corporate interests by promising a carte blanche to fossil fuel giants in the North Sea and across Scotland.
“Investing in clean, green renewable energy is our best defence against global oil and gas prices, ensuring proper energy security and lower bills.
“It’s also the best way to protect the long term job security of our world class energy workforce in Scotland - creating high paid, sustainable and secure jobs for decades to come. More than 47,000 people across Scotland are already employed directly or indirectly in the renewables industry in Scotland.
“Rather than being a party for the people, Reform are happy to stick to a broken energy system that is harmful for people and planet.
“Leaving fossil fuels in the ground and going green is the only way that we can ensure a liveable future for generations to come.”