An urgent revision of oil and gas policy is necessary to ensure Britain's energy security and national security, business leaders have informed Members of Parliament. The Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce has urged MPs to approve new North Sea licenses, cautioning against repeating past mistakes made with coal mining communities.
During a session of the House of Commons energy security and net zero select committee in Aberdeen, concerns were raised about the economic crisis impacting the city, which leaders attribute to "policy and not geology." They also warned of potential increases in violence, drug use, and child poverty stemming from job losses.
"The way that we are actually considering defence right now, I guess we should really be looking at our energy security as a matter of national security and actually having the businesses, the people, the resources and the equipment here to keep the lights on, to keep our hospitals and schools running, to keep our supply chains moving to where they need to be as we transition," stated Russell Borthwick, chief executive of the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce. He emphasized that while the region supports the transition to renewables, the current approach requires adjustment.
Borthwick also highlighted that staff are being drawn to work in other countries, which could lead to a shortage of skilled workers when the UK needs to accelerate clean energy projects like grid expansion, offshore wind, and carbon capture. He drew parallels to the jeopardy faced by former coalmining communities, but stressed that Aberdeen's current situation is a result of policy decisions.
Torcuil Crichton, Labour MP for the Western Isles, questioned whether the North Sea supply chain's challenges extend beyond jobs to national security. He also raised concerns about a potential mental health and financial crisis in Aberdeen due to job losses.
Donna Hutchison, chief executive of Aberdeen Cyrenians, confirmed that the crisis is already impacting households, not just jobs. She noted that past industrial transitions have led to increased poverty, ill-health, and long-term inequality, with early warning signs of rising demand for support.
Hutchison predicted foreseeable, albeit unintended, increases in child poverty, gender-based violence, and substance-related harm, citing evidence from other post-industrial areas.
The committee also heard from Richard Hardy, national secretary for Scotland and Ireland at the Prospect trade union, who expressed concern over the Scottish Government's stance on new nuclear energy development. Hardy suggested that easing restrictions on nuclear power could significantly boost the energy supply chain.
Douglas Lumsden, the Conservative MP for Aberdeen South, stated in his maiden speech to the House of Commons that the people of Aberdeen have had enough of the "wilful destruction of the oil and gas industry." Lumsden, who viewed his recent by-election victory as a referendum on the industry, asserted that voters sent a clear message to both the Westminster and Holyrood governments to act to save the North Sea oil and gas sector.