Conservative leadership favourite Liz Truss is visiting Aberdeen today, with just three weeks remaining until it is revealed whether she will be the next UK Prime Minister.
Ahead of her visit, a survey has shown that 86% of Scots believe that the UK and Scottish Governments, in conjunction with the energy sector, should be taking the lead in investing in energy transition.
The poll was conducted at the start of August by Survation, on behalf of newly-formed strategic advisory firm True North, among 1,002 Scottish adults.
Nearly 60% of respondents support future licenses for extracting oil and gas as we move to net zero, with 63% agreeing that the energy sector has a positive impact on the Scottish and UK economy, while just 11% believe that it has a negative impact.
Given ongoing energy security challenges, 85% of respondents believe that the UK should meet its demands for oil and gas produced in this country, rather than relying upon imports from overseas.
The findings were welcomed by Sir Ian Wood, chairman of ETZ, who said: “The poll evidences welcome recognition for the great contribution the oil and gas industry continues to make to both the Scottish and UK economies.
“The key task we are now embarked on is to harness the skills, infrastructure and financial capital of this world-class sector to accelerate the transition to new and green energies.
“By backing the North East Green Freeport the UK Government will be doing precisely this and supporting this region’s ambition to reposition itself as the net zero energy capital of Europe.”
Ryan Crighton, director of policy at Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, also commented: “These new figures confirm that investment in energy transition must be a joint venture between government and industry — working to the same end goal, enabling new innovation and breaking down barriers to doing business.
“We hope that the next Prime Minister shares our commitment to delivering a just transition, one that puts Aberdeen at the front of a global race towards a greener energy future.”
True North managing partner Fergus Mutch added: “Among the very top priorities for the next Prime Minister will be delivering energy security, investing at scale in renewables and ensuring that Scotland and the UK are world-leaders in the low-carbon revolution.
“The Scottish public has massive confidence in the North East energy sector, and the positive impact it makes upon the Scottish and UK economies.
“By awarding green freeport status to Aberdeen and Peterhead, the next Prime Minister can ensure their government seizes a huge opportunity.”
Meanwhile, plans by Tory leadership candidate Rishi Sunak to compel Scotland’s top civil servant to appear before a Westminster committee annually have been likened to “sinister show trials” by the SNP.
Sunak, who trails rival Truss in the polls, said the Permanent Secretary would appear before the Public Affairs and Constitutional Affairs Committee at Westminster every year, in the same way that his UK Government counterpart does under his proposals to increase scrutiny of the Scottish Government.
The announcement came ahead of the only hustings to be held north of the border in the race for No 10 on Tuesday, as the candidates appear in Perth.
Truss also unveiled her plans for Scotland in the run-up to the event, as she vowed to give MSPs parliamentary privilege, which would protect them from legal ramifications based on things said while in Parliament.
But the candidates have been accused of mounting “attacks” on devolution by SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford.
“As for Sunak and Truss’s bids to outdo each other on trying to mount further attacks on devolution, it just shows how out of touch they are,” he said.
“Their plans to demand Scottish civil servants are forced to be grilled by Westminster committees amount to little more than sinister show trials, but also speaks volumes about their lack of confidence in Tory MSPs to do the job of scrutinising Government.
“Whoever wins this leadership contest, Scotland loses, that’s why we need the full powers of independence to banish Westminster Governments Scotland doesn’t vote for and to deliver for the people who live here.”
Scottish Labour leader Jackie Baillie said, regardless of who wins the contest, “we are going to be stuck with more of the same”.
She added: “Bills are soaring and people are terrified of what lies ahead this winter – but Truss and Sunak don’t seem interested.
“While they are busy fighting among themselves and throwing red meat to their supporters, Labour are leading the way with plans to stop the price hikes and tackle this national emergency.”
Don't miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter - sign up here for free.
