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Conservative politicians criticise activist's activity at Peterhead power station


By David Porter

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Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has criticised a blockade of Peterhead Power Station by activists from Extinction Rebellion and Glasgow Calls Out Polluters.

About 20 demonstrators from Extinction Rebellion Scotland and Glasgow Calls Out Polluters turned up outside the power station at around 6am this morning.

MP Mr Duguid said: “The UK Government is fully committed to reducing net carbon emissions and the Scottish Government have made similar commitments.

"In fact, the UK was the first major economy to put such commitments into law.

“The whole energy sector in Scotland is also committed to contributing to net zero – as demonstrated by the recent North Sea Transition Deal agreed between the UK Government and OGUK.

“I met with operators SSE recently to discuss their ambitious plans for a new low-carbon Power Station at Peterhead, which will tie in with Carbon Capture and Storage plans at St Fergus.

“Groups such as these, as well as the Scottish Greens, not content with Government ‘net zero’ targets, appear to be campaigning for absolute zero emissions which is not realistic, practical or in line with UK or Scottish Government policy.

“This act by protestors is short-sighted, ill-informed and does not do justice to the huge efforts already being made by Governments and industry.”

Scottish Conservative shadow cabinet secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, and north-east MSP, Liam Kerr said: “Peterhead Power Station is at the heart of a pioneering carbon capture and storage project which will propel the UK’s net zero ambitions.

“Around 1000 jobs would be supported by this in its construction phase while creating scores of more long-term skilled positions for the north-east.

“Climate change will be solved by practical actions not unlawful protests which harm and cause unrest in the area.

Around 20 activists from Extinction Rebellion Scotland and Glasgow Calls Out Polluters blocked the entrance to the power station, preventing vehicle access to the site, with four activists locked-on to a green-painted washing machine and two red gas canisters.

Glasgow Calls Out Polluters, Cathel Hutchison said: “By sponsoring COP26 in Glasgow, SSE want you to think they are leading the charge into a renewable future.

"SSE are not fit to be given a platform at COP26.

"That is why we support our friends at XR Scotland to call out SSE as the climate wreckers they truly are.

“The Government need to ramp up the pressure on companies like SSE to end fossil fuel extraction and deliver a just transition for the sake of the local workforce.”


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