Scottish oil and gas workers are facing a "cliff edge" from both Reform UK and Labour, according to Stephen Flynn, the SNP Westminster leader. Flynn described the positions adopted by Nigel Farage and Sir Keir Starmer as "extreme" and claimed they pose a threat to the North Sea industry.
Flynn made these comments to PA Media as the SNP conference began in Aberdeen. The MP, who represents Aberdeen South, blamed Westminster for declining numbers of fossil fuel jobs in Scotland.
Job losses outpace green transition
A Future Economy Scotland report revealed that Scotland has lost three oil and gas jobs for every single job created in the clean energy sector. Flynn argued that there is "no just transition" happening under UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
The SNP leader claimed the UK Government is pushing workers off a "cliff edge" by "not offering opportunity in the North Sea basin". He said people in the north east are "frustrated and angry" that "politicians at Whitehall are not listening".
Attack on Reform's energy promises
Flynn launched a particularly sharp attack on Nigel Farage and Reform UK's energy policies. "I'll tell you who is offering a cliff edge as well, it's Nigel Farage and Reform because what they are seeking to do is tell the public fibs," he said.
"They're saying that oil and gas will last forever, for 200 years," Flynn continued. "There's nobody, nobody in this city who works in the industry who recognises that as a reality and that you can 'drill baby drill' for eternity."
Flynn warned that Reform's plan to scrap offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, and renewable projects would create a future crisis. "So in 10, 15, 20 years' time, maybe even sooner, our city will have a cliff edge forced upon it from which people will fall because there will be no jobs for them to go into," he said.
Middle ground solution proposed
The SNP leader positioned his party as offering a balanced approach between what he called the extreme positions of Labour and Reform. "We need a transition that works for the workforce. The Labour Party are in the extreme. Reform are in the extreme," Flynn stated.
"In the extreme, there is a middle way that protects the workforce, creates opportunity, and that's what I'm focused on," he added.
Political ambitions at Holyrood
Flynn also defended his ambition to become a Member of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood. He confirmed he would quit Westminster only if he successfully becomes an MSP, noting that voters in both constituencies are "predominantly the same people".
"It's for them to cast their judgment on me and the work that I've been doing on their behalf, I like to think I've been doing OK on their behalf, but not enough," Flynn said. "Now I want to take myself to Holyrood and try and do better for them, to make sure that we have a government which is delivering even more for them going forward."
When asked about potential ministerial roles or future leadership ambitions, Flynn remained diplomatic. He said ministerial appointments would be "a decision for the First Minister" and did not rule out leadership aspirations, though he noted: "What comes in the future and how my thoughts are dominated on this issue is the fact I've got two young kids."
The UK Government and Reform UK have been approached for comment.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
