In response to the Prime Minister’s energy plan announced today which includes plans for new licensing of north sea oil and gas, Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said:
“Support for people struggling to cook their food and heat their homes this winter is welcome. But the government needs to ensure the people that can least afford it aren’t left to foot the bill in years to come.
“The Prime Minister’s parallel commitment to allow new licenses for North Sea oil and gas is deeply alarming given the spiralling climate crisis. This will do nothing to help people with their energy bills this winter, but it will pave the way for yet more fossil fuel use when we know this is already destroying the lives of millions of people around the world.
“The Government should instead be investing in our own abundant renewables which are cheap, secure, and clean forms of energy, whilst also ramping up schemes to boost energy efficiency, and accelerating a just transition for impacted workers.”
ENDS
Please contact Natalie Terry for further information: nterry1@oxfam.org.uk / +44 7906 139 293