RISHI Sunak has paid a visit to Scotland after the UK Government announced it would grant hundreds of new North Sea oil and gas licences.
The Prime Minister spoke with members of the media (below) during his visit to the Shell St Fergus plant in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.
The move angered many environmental campaigners and First Minister Humza Yousaf said that the announcement of new licences was a sign the UK Government “is not serious about climate change”.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack was also pictured with the PM during the visit.
However, Sunak said that the new licences were vital to help “bolster our energy security and capitalise on that independence to deliver more affordable, clean energy to British homes and businesses”.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: "It's great to be in Scotland to strengthen our energy security with more licenses for the North Sea, but also speed us on our way to net zero with carbon capture and storage."
The Scottish Greens meanwhile said that the announcement was an “utterly reckless decision that will leave a long and destructive legacy”.
MSP Mark Ruskell said: “It is probably the single most consequential decision Rishi Sunak will make as Prime Minister and he has chosen the worst possible option.
“It shows a total disregard for our environment and for future generations. If these licences go ahead it will be a big leap towards climate chaos.”
