ENVIRONMENTALISTS in Scotland have called on Labour to produce a green transition plan with workers at its heart.

Friends of the Earth Scotland (FoES) made the call as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is expected to outline the party’s position in a keynote speech in Edinburgh today.

The campaign group has called on the Labour leader to focus on the blueprint for a just energy transition that was drawn up by offshore oil and gas workers and backed by key trade unions.

The blueprint, backed by more than 1,000 oil and gas workers, includes public ownership of energy, investment in domestic manufacturing and renewables, and the ensuring of safety, job security and fair pay across the industry.

FoES head of campaigns Mary Church said: “The Labour leader needs to be clear about the steps his party will take to prioritise supporting affected workers and communities through the transition.

“With the right planning and investment there is potential for three jobs for every one job at risk from a managed phase-out of oil and gas, in line with global climate goals.

“But this will only happen with government leadership and investment.

“Oil and gas workers are ready to lead a rapid and fair transition away from fossil fuels, and have a blueprint to create an energy industry that protects workers, communities and the climate.

“All that is required is the political will to get behind their demands.

“With the greedy energy firms having demonstrably failed to deliver on climate action while raking in profits as people struggle to pay their bills, public ownership clearly must be at the heart of Labour’s just transition strategy.”

She added that public ownership will help keep people’s homes warm and bills affordable, while ensuring that the environment would be prioritised over profit.