‘Holyrood is turning its back on jobs’
As North Sea oil reserves decline, the Scottish government faces the daunting task of meeting our energy needs elsewhere. Scotland is sitting on a huge source of energy and a vibrant new industry, yet yesterday Holyrood decided to ignore this opportunity, flying in the face of scientific evidence in an act of political misjudgment.
Shale represents major economic benefits, and would provide Scotland with the resources it needs to move towards energy independence, as well as providing a welcome boost in jobs across the central belt. Over the decades, Scotland has built up an oil and gas workforce that is not only the envy of the world, but also has made Scotland the nation that it is today. Holyrood is turning
its back on a once in a generation opportunity to bring about a rare manufacturing and jobs renaissance in Scotland. Figures have shown that the shale industry has the potential to bring in £33 billion of investment into England alone over the next 20 years. In Scotland, the shale industry would’ve benefited local communities by an estimated £1bn.
It is a great disappointment that many communities will now lose out on this huge investment due to political short-sightedness. Further, this sends a negative mes- sage to young professionals who are looking to start their career in Scotland.
The shale industry is backed by both the UK government and the British Geological Survey. Whilst a small but loud minority have made themselves heard, the science is clear, the technology can be applied safely and responsibly across Scotland. Not only that, but Scotland leads the world in terms of exploration safety in the natural gas industry. This announcement sends a worrying message across the world about Scotland’s place in the world. A ban based on the whims of an anti-business, anti- science world view will be of significant concern to not only potential investors in Scottish businesses, but also Scotland’s position as a world leader in scientific research and academia.
Regardless of the ban, shale is happening south of the Border. In the years to come it will be English towns and communities which will reap the benefits that a thriving shale industry will bring in terms of jobs and investment. l Tom Pickering is operations director for Ineos Shale