When questioned on whether a new oil development – the massive Cambo field off the west coast of Shetland – should be approved, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said it should not proceed “as it would be giving off completely the wrong signal” at the forthcoming COP26 summit in Glasgow.
Reducing energy policy to virtue-signalling soundbites confirms what I’ve thought for a long time – Sir Keir just isn’t up to the job.
While I agree that climate change needs to be addressed, we can’t just wave a magic wand and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to zero overnight. The transition needs to be carefully managed, not least to protect our economy, particularly here in the north-east where thousands of jobs are at stake. I’d like to ask Sir Keir and the Greens what zero-carbon jobs they have lined up for oil workers when the industry winds down but I very much doubt they have an answer.
Regardless of what compromise will be reached at the COP26 summit – flying in thousands of delegates to Glasgow is itself a hypocritical exercise in my opinion – we’ll require oil and gas for decades to come so why not use our own reserves rather than importing supplies from abroad?
Particularly when you remember that the UK is responsible for just 1.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions
Jonathan Mitchell
No bribe needed for my jab
So people have to be bribed to do the right thing.
What am I talking about? How come lorry firms have to offer 1k to attract new drivers (poke in the eye to those drivers that have stood by firm).
We now have a bribe being offered (pizza, taxis for free etc} to get the jab.
Previously those taking the jab wanted nothing. This is done as second nature. How glad I am wired up the way I am.
Michael north, Summerhill
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