MORE than half of all MSPs have rallied behind Unite’s “No ban without a plan” campaign to deliver a secure future for oil and gas workers.

An estimated 150,000 jobs are reliant on the industry, but as the Labour government blocks new oil and gas licences in a bid to meet international climate obligations, concerns have grown about workers’ futures.

The fears have been heightened by the impending closure of Scotland’s only oil refinery at Grangemouth at the cost of more than 2,500 jobs across the supply chain.

Now 65 of the 129 members of the Scottish Parliament — across Labour, SNP, and Tory parties — have signed up to Unite’s pledge demanding a plan and investment to ensure “oil and gas workers do not become the coalminers of this generation.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, calling for a “workers’ transition to net zero,” said: “The majority of MSPs are clear that Labour needs to reverse its irresponsible policy banning all new oil and gas licences irrespective of the impact on jobs.

“It is madness to do this without a viable plan including concrete equivalent jobs for North Sea workers and real assurances on energy security.”

Liberal Democrat MSPs joined Greens in not signing up.

Unite Scottish Secretary Derek Thomson said: “Oil and gas is essential to the economic success of Scotland.

“It is outrageous that any government could countenance running down this sector until alternative options are in place.

“The UK government needs to sit up and listen.

“Oil and gas workers don’t need promises of jam tomorrow, they need alternative well-paid skilled jobs now.”

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero was contacted for comment.