Industry minister Sarah Jones pledged a ‘well-managed, orderly and prosperous transition’ away from oil and gas.
The Conservative Party has criticized the Scottish government's plan to stop issuing new oil and gas field licenses, accusing it of betraying workers and leading to a "dole baby dole" scenario. Shadow Scotland Secretary Andrew Bowie argues that this move, part of a transition to renewable energy, is a betrayal of those in the sector. Industry Minister Sarah Jones defended the plan, stating it ensures a well-managed transition aligned with climate goals. She noted that new licenses would not aid energy security or reduce bills. The government is consulting on ending new licenses but may extend existing ones and introduce a new tax regime post-2030. Critics argue that Scotland risks losing its role in the oil industry, with no other country taking such drastic action during global instability.
