Prime Minister's oil and gas licences show disregard for future generations
Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell has warned the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is showing "disregard for future generations" by approving new oil and gas licences.
The 27 sites, all located in areas of the North Sea where environmentally damaging production can begin more quickly, come amid further suggestions that the UK Government plans to introduce annual fossil fuel licence approvals.
That’s despite opposition from environmental campaigners, scientific community and the Scottish Greens who have urged him to think again.
Reacting to the decision, Mr Ruskell said: “It is an environmental disaster.
“Every one of these reckless new licences is a further step towards climate breakdown. The UK government is showing a total disregard for future generations.
“In the last few months alone we have seen record temperatures and wildfires across and terrible floods in communities across Scotland.
“There is no sustainable future in endless oil and gas drilling.
“We urgently need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and make an urgent and lasting investment in the green jobs and industries which are so vital to tackling the climate crisis."
He added: “These decisions will have an impact that endures long after the Tories have finally left Downing Street.
“This is a time for real and urgent climate action not doubling down on the policies that are already causing so much irreversible damage.”
The Scottish Greens recently launched its Save Our Future campaign calling on people to register their opposition to the Prime Minister’s plan.
