The UK government has appointed the 20th Energy Minister in just 20 years – showing complete indifference towards jobs in a vital business sector for Scotland.
The SNP has criticised Theresa May for playing “musical chairs” and not giving due priority to the role of Energy Minister, now occupied by Claire Perry after the latest botched Cabinet reshuffle – putting the energy industry back to square one with no clues as to what the UK government will do next.
Commenting, Gillian Martin MSP said:
“When our oil and gas industry needs stability from Westminster all they’re getting is more turmoil. Over the past 20 years, there have 20 different government energy chiefs, showing successive Westminster governments just don’t care.
“For those in the energy industry that need support, this reshuffle looks more like another round of musical chairs.
“In the North Sea oil and gas sector, in renewables and throughout the energy supply chain, people are craving consistency – yet it is clear that the Tories cannot provide this from Westminster.
“If Theresa May and the Tories continue to insist on making a mess of energy policy, it becomes ever clearer why Scotland needs to have full powers over this vital industry. It’s simply too important for us not to.”
