OGUK have responded to the Scottish Governments proposal to halt the backing of oversea oil and gas activity by COP26.

In a statement on their website, OGUK chief executive Deirdre Michie OBE said: “We are requesting an urgent meeting with Scottish Ministers so that we can highlight the effect this policy may have on members, particularly our SME members, who are still reeling from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the downturn with its volatile commodity prices.

“We welcome the Scottish Government’s offer of consultation, as it’s important that any such policy shift is implemented thoughtfully, in partnership with industry and with appropriate preparation time so that those companies ideally placed to support the energy transition are not undermined.

“In order to ensure our shared Net-Zero objectives become a reality, we will need to deliver a fair and managed transition at pace; one which deals with the realities of a competitive market while at the same time offering exciting new prospects for the future of our industry.”