Environmental campaigners staged a Halloween-themed protest outside the Scottish First Minister's official residence in Edinburgh on Saturday, opposing recent approvals for new fossil fuel projects.
Climate groups gathered at Bute House to demonstrate against the Scottish Government's decision to allow a new gas-fired power station at Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, as well as the UK Government's announcement that the Jackdaw gas field near Aberdeen would be permitted to proceed. Protesters wore Halloween-themed masks and carried placards with messages including “fossil fuel ghouls” and “this decision will haunt you,” with some sitting on the residence's steps.
Protesters criticise approvals
The decision on the Peterhead plant has been described as a “catastrophic failure” by environmental campaigners, who said burning fossil fuels is the key driver of extreme weather such as recent storms, record heat and flooding.
Kate Whitaker, Friends of the Earth Scotland head of movement building, said: “Fossil fuels are scary because of the harm they are already causing to millions of people. When politicians make disastrous decisions to approve new oil or gas, people get even more terrified about our collective future.
“We are outside the First Minister's residence but he is not getting any treats this year. His Government has chosen to put more people in more danger from extreme weather and is tricking people by trying to claim that new gas burning is somehow compatible with a safe energy future.
Calls for climate solutions
“Giving the go ahead for a new fossil fuelled power plant at Peterhead is a catastrophic failure from the Scottish Government to protect people from both climate breakdown and the increasing burden of household energy bills.
“Politicians could instead help allay our fears by focusing on climate solutions that improve people's lives such as warmer homes, reliable bus services and creating green jobs.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We remain unwavering in our commitment to tackle climate change, delivering positive climate action to achieve net zero by 2045. The full grounds for the ministers' decision are set out in the decision letter.
“Potential impacts on communities, nature and cultural heritage, including the cumulative effects of developments, were important considerations in the decision-making process. It would not be appropriate to comment further.”
