The Conservative Party has declared a UK oil and gas emergency, warning that Scotland's industrial heartland faces collapse due to what they describe as the "reckless" Net Zero agenda pursued by both the Labour government and the SNP.
Industrial Heartland Under Threat
This week began with another devastating blow to Scottish industry as ExxonMobil confirmed the partial closure of its Fife Ethylene Plant at Mossmorran. The move puts hundreds of skilled jobs at risk, with redundancies expected by early next year. Families in Fife now face Christmas burdened by fear and uncertainty about their future.
The Conservative leadership, including Kemi Badenoch and Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay, has launched a scathing attack on the government's response. The UK Labour Government offered no explanation and no plan following the Mossmorran announcement, despite having known about the potential closure since April.
The Human Cost of Policy Decisions
According to industry body Offshore Energy UK, almost 1,000 jobs will be lost every month between now and 2030 unless policy changes direction. Many of these positions are highly skilled and well paid, representing a significant blow to communities across Scotland and the wider UK.
The Conservatives argue that workers aren't losing their jobs because ethylene is no longer needed, but because Labour and the SNP have decided these jobs shouldn't exist in Britain. The work and associated emissions will simply move to other countries with lower environmental standards, while Britain will lose the skilled workforce it trained.
Economic Consequences and Energy Security
The economic impact extends far beyond job losses. OEUK estimates that 160,000 jobs across the UK are at risk, along with £10 billion in exchequer revenue by 2034-35 - money that could have funded schools, hospitals and public services.
Energy security is another major concern. If current policies continue, Britain will rely on imports for 80% of our oil and gas by 2030, despite having abundant natural resources. The Conservative Party questions the logic of becoming dependent on foreign regimes for energy when domestic production could ensure security.
The Mossmorran plant has faced particular challenges from punitive carbon taxes and the Energy Profits Levy, which has remained in place longer than originally intended. Combined with constant political opposition to hydrocarbons, these factors have created an environment where disinvestment becomes inevitable.
The Conservative Party has outlined an alternative approach that includes overturning Labour's ban on new oil and gas licences, reforming the North Sea Transition Authority, and scrapping damaging taxes. They argue that while climate change is real, Britain cannot build a better future by bankrupting the country in the process.
