BUSINESSES across Britain have backed the Labour government’s ban on new oil and gas licensing in the North Sea, according to new research today.

The study, carried out by Public First on behalf of fair transition think tank Uplift, found that 70 per cent of British business leaders and 65 per cent in Scotland backed the policy, 54 per cent believed it would benefit their business, and 77 per cent believed phasing out fossils fuels was in the public interest.

In Scotland, the heart of Britain’s fossil fuel industry, 82 supported wider UK government efforts to end use of fossil fuels for energy. 

And despite 47 per cent believing the pace of change to be too slow, a majority believe it will be achieved by the government’s 2050 target.

Fifty-two per cent of business leaders in Scotland expressed confidence that new jobs would be created to replace the tens of thousands lost as North Sea oil and gas production dwindles.

But echoing the views of trade unions, they argue it is governments’ responsibility to support workers through that shift. 

Tessa Khan, executive director at Uplift, said: “Business leaders north and south of the border support the shift from oil and gas to renewables, recognising that it is good for the economy and their businesses, good for the climate and in the public interest.”

Future Economy Scotland’s Miriam Brett said: “North Sea oil and gas is now in steady decline, with jobs supported by the industry more than halving over the past decade — despite hundreds of new oil and gas licences being issued over this period. 

“In other words, Scotland’s industrial transition is already underway.

“The challenge now is to ensure it delivers for energy workers, businesses and impacted communities.”