Sir Keir Starmer called for clarification of North Sea drilling plans amid 'deep concern' from industry

Scottish Tories accused Sir Keir Starmer of trying to make the UK dependent on oil and gas from abroad Photo: PA

Sir Keir Starmer was forced to explain his North Sea drilling policy to Scottish oilmen after Labor's announcement of a ban on new exploration caused «deep concern».

Reports surfaced over the weekend that the new oil and gas developments would be the party's winner in the next election, with an official announcement expected when its new energy policy is unveiled next month.

Dave Whitehouse, chief executive of Offshore Energies UK, said Sir Keir had previously promised him that he would engage «significantly» with the sector before any decision was made.

«I expect him to deliver on this commitment in the coming days before any announcement by Labor,” he said.

“We are deeply concerned about the announcement we have read about. The 200,000 workers in this industry, the 90,000 workers that we have here in Scotland, have fed Britain for the last 50 years. They have important skills we need to move forward.

«If these reports are true, this is not the way to treat people and communities in the UK and Scotland.»

In a report by The Sunday Times states that any new oil and gas developments will be blocked by the Labor government.

This policy raises doubts about planned developments such as the Rosebank oil field west of Shetland, which could potentially add up to £24bn to the UK economy.

A Labor Party source said no new licenses could be granted won't help cut bills and «drive a carriage and a horse» through climate targets.

2904 is losing pressure in the North Sea

Still, those who support new research are turning off the taps, just making the UK more dependent on foreign imports , which will be worse for the environment..

“Today, we are a country that imports more than 50% of our oil and gas,” added Mr. Whitehouse. “This means our energy security will be undermined and jobs across the country will be undermined if we don’t have further investment.”

It looks like the future of the North Sea will be a major issue in the next general election because the SNP also opposes the drilling of new oil and gas wells.

The Scottish Tories have tried to take advantage of claims that Labor is blocking new developments, although it says it will not try to close existing mines.

Labor leader visiting Kirkcaldy last week. Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Liam Kerr, the Scottish Conservative energy spokesman, wrote to Scottish Labor leader Anas Sarwar on Monday urging him to clarify whether his party plans to throw the oil and gas workers under the bus.

“Labor's approach to the North Sea was nothing short of a blow in the gut to the industry and the tens of thousands of Scots working in it,” said Mr Kerr.

“As if the ideological stance from the SNP and the Greens was not enough, Labor has come to further demonize the people who help keep the light going.

“Keir Starmer's plan will drop any notion of energy security and make us dependent on oil. and gas from abroad. This will increase emissions and increase the cost of energy for consumers.”

The Scottish Labor spokesperson said: “We are clear that achieving our climate goals will go hand in hand with protecting and creating jobs in our energy sector. sector.

‌“Workforce will not restrict oil and gas production as we build the UK into a clean energy superpower – existing licenses will continue to be in place and prudent use of existing wells is on our agenda. .”