AN 80,000-strong petition opposing plans for the development of an oilfield west of Shetland was delivered to Downing Street today as Boris Johnson faced heavy criticism during a trip to Scotland. 

Activists from Friends of the Earth Scotland and other environmental groups travelled to London to hand over a joint letter warning that the proposed Cambo oilfield could jeopardise Britain’s chances of hitting targets for the reduction of carbon-dioxide emissions. 

Addressed to the Prime Minister and Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, the letter points out that the plans contradict the International Energy Agency’s advice to avoid new fossil fuel developments. 

On Wednesday, Mr Johnson claimed that he was not aware of the proposal, despite his government’s Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) being charged with approving the plans.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said that the oilfield should not receive the go-ahead and called for a clear timetable to end fossil fuel extraction.

Friends of the Earth Scotland climate and energy campaigner Caroline Rance said: “With less than 100 days to go to COP, how does he not know what is going on in the North Sea and the fact that his government is poised to approve this huge oilfield? 

“If the OGA is going rogue and just nodding these massive projects through, then the Prime Minister has to personally get a grip on energy policy and put a stop to these developments.

“A managed phase-out away from oil and gas is necessary to create long-term protection for people who currently work in this industry, their communities and the climate.”

Meanwhile, the GMB union hit out at a lack of Scotland-based manufacturing for an offshore wind farm visited by Mr Johnson and Mr Kwarteng today. 

After their trip to the Esvagt Alba in Fraserburgh Harbour, they headed several miles to Moray East, a 100-turbine development currently under construction. 

The development sparked controversy when BiFab fabrication yards were overlooked for manufacturing contracts, with jobs going overseas.

GMB general secretary Gary Smith said: “Boris Johnson will see first-hand what political failure looks like — a massive offshore wind farm worth billions, subsidised by the bill payer, but manufactured and delivered almost exclusively in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

“If he wants a genuine green jobs revolution across the nations and regions of the UK, then he must stop the mass export of the jobs we need to deliver it.”

Mr Johnson’s government was approached for comment.