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.