Unite, the UK’s leading union, which represents thousands of North Sea oil and gas workers has called on the government to “not let go of one rope before having hold of another” and urgently increase North Sea production.
The union made its call after the industry body Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) warned that the UK needs to urgently increase its domestic supply of natural gas in order to improve national energy security. OEUK also highlighted that pumping gas directly from the North Sea had a significantly lower environmental footprint then relying on importing Liquid Natural Gas (LNG).
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “North Sea workers are losing their jobs, at a time when the need for domestic oil and gas has never been greater.
“We all know that whatever happens the UK will still need for oil and gas for decades to come and the war in Iran is just the latest reminder that when we rely on overseas production our energy security is at the mercy of global events.”
"This government must not let go of one rope before having hold of another.”