Green MSP welcomes first funds for oil and gas Just Transition
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THE first contribution to towards a half billion pound fund for oil and gas workers keen to switch career to low-carbon alternatives has been welcomed.
The Scottish Government have delivered £20 million towards the £500 million Just Transition Fund for the North East and Moray.
North East Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman has welcomed the move, saying that the contribution was thanks to the influence of the Scottish Greens in government.
She said: “While the Scottish Conservatives seem to spend their time trying to frighten north-east communities with negativity, the Scottish Greens are committed to providing oil and gas workers with jobs in alternative industries, and we are providing funding for it.
“A recent survey revealed many workers want to make the switch, and it is they who should be leading a just transition, not their bosses in an industry the public doesn’t trust to lead the path to net zero.
“We’ve seen what happens to workers let down by those who refuse to plan for alternative jobs in sectors with a sustainable future, in the same way Margaret Thatcher left thousands on the scrapheap in the 1980s. That’s why in government we have secured Just Transition funding for the north-east and Moray so that the transition for workers starts now. And I am clear – it is workers and communities that must lead this Just Transition, not the fossil fuel bosses and their vested interests.”
