In response to the UK Government’s decision to approve hundreds of new oil and gas licences Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland said:
“This short-sighted and selfish decision by the UK Government flies in the face of climate science and common sense and, if these fields come on stream in the future, they will deal another devastating blow to the millions of people in low-income countries whose lives and homes are already being destroyed by a crisis they did least to cause.
“The UN has made clear that we must end our global addiction to fossil fuels, so this decision sends a wrecking ball through the UK’s climate commitments. There is no energy security on an unliveable planet.
“Humza Yousaf must now limit the damage to Scotland’s climate credentials by using the Scottish Government’s Energy Strategy to unequivocally oppose all new oil and gas licences issued by the UK Government – whether for exploration or development of new reserves. He must also use devolved powers to support a fair and much faster transition away from climate wrecking fossil fuels, funded by making polluters pay for their damage.”
/ENDS
For more information and interviews, please contact: Rebecca Lozza, Oxfam Media and Communications Adviser, Scotland and Wales: rlozza1@oxfam.org.uk / 07917738450
Notes to Editors
- Read Oxfam Scotland’s response to the publication of the Scottish Government’s draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition plan here: https://oxfamapps.org/scotland/2023/01/10/energy-strategy-reaction/