The UK Government must approve the two major oil and gas developments in Scottish waters, according to a leading editorial.
Changing world since COP26
The COP26 conference in Glasgow was only five years ago, but the world has changed dramatically since then. Global warming has continued unabated, with temperatures soaring and wildfires breaking out with increased frequency and intensity.
However, the environmental idealism expressed by world leaders in Glasgow came before Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the re-election of Donald Trump. Both events upended a growing consensus that the UK could lead by example and unilaterally shut down its oil and gas industries in the quest for net zero.
Energy costs and jobs
There was a time when Britain enjoyed the lowest average energy bills in Europe. Those days are long gone. The unsustainable cost of fuel has hammered industries and made life a misery for households.
It's clear that what remains of North Sea oil and gas needs to be carefully managed to protect jobs and the UK's energy security. Scotland has already suffered thousands of job losses, not just in the north-east, but in Grangemouth as well.
Call for approval
The so-called Just Transition has proved to be little more than a slogan. There is now a real need to approve the long-mooted two major oil and gas developments in Scottish waters.
The final decision on whether to approve Rosebank and Jackdaw rests with the UK Government. Andy Burnham must now grasp the thistle and sign off both developments as soon as possible, with the expressed support of John Swinney. The rush to shut down the North Sea has already caused enough damage.
Gangland concerns
Scotland's gangland turf war has been spreading fear and alarm across the country, but it has been met by a formidable onslaught by Police Scotland, who have carried out good work in putting many of the main players behind bars.
In fact, Chief Constable Jo Farrell revealed earlier this year that the war was now effectively over. But, in crime as in normal life, events can often crop up that throw things into a tailspin.
There are fears that the demise of the Irish Kinahan crime clan could see a fresh outbreak of violence. Nature abhors a vacuum, and the crime world is no different. If the Kinahan crime clan is finally being brought to book, that will open up opportunities for other gangsters to step in.
In Scotland, the Lyons crime empire has long been linked to the Kinahans. The end of that alliance could pour fuel on the fire of Scotland's smouldering underworld. It's up to the police and the wider justice system – from the top down – to make sure we are prepared for whatever comes next.
