---
title: "Aberdeen South MP rejects net zero targets while backing North Sea drilling"
publisher: "Stockmark.IT"
author: "Stockmark.IT Website"
published: "2026-09-09T06:12:16+00:00"
modified: "2026-09-09T06:12:16+00:00"
date: 2026-09-09
canonical: "https://stockmark.it/aberdeen-south-mp-distances-himself-from-reform-but-brands-net-zero-ta/"
category: "Business"
categories: ["Business", "Companies", "Energy"]
image: "https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/aberdeen-south-mp-rejects-net-zero-targets-while-backing.png?fit=1536%2C1024&quality=80&ssl=1"
format: "news"
language: "en-GB"
---

# Aberdeen South MP rejects net zero targets while backing North Sea drilling

**Published:** September 9, 2026
**Author:** Stockmark.IT Website
**Categories:** Business, Companies, Energy
**Featured image:** ![Aberdeen South MP rejects net zero targets while backing North Sea drilling](https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/aberdeen-south-mp-rejects-net-zero-targets-while-backing.png?fit=1536%2C1024&quality=80&ssl=1)

---

Douglas Lumsden, the newly elected MP for Aberdeen South, has stated that he will not align his position on renewable energy with that of the Reform party. Although both Lumsden and Reform advocate for the resumption of oil and gas licences, the MP has explicitly distanced himself from Reform’s broader agenda, which includes revoking all net zero legislation and cancelling green levies. His remarks were made on the sidelines of an event in Westminster on Wednesday, the day before Reform held a gathering for business leaders at the start of its annual conference.

Lumsden argued that the energy sector should not be viewed as a binary choice between fossil fuels and renewables. He emphasised the need for a diverse energy mix that includes oil, gas, and renewables, while also suggesting that nuclear power should form part of the solution. He contended that such a varied approach would allow the country to reach net zero more quickly. However, he criticised the current policy of shutting down the oil and gas industry, describing it as having a damaging impact on jobs and the wider energy sector. As an MP representing the north-east, he stated that it is common sense to produce as much domestic oil and gas as possible while the need for these resources persists.

The MP highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of domestic production, noting that imports carry a higher environmental footprint than home-grown resources. He called for the approval of specific projects, including Rosebank and Jackdaw, arguing that a robust pipeline of projects is essential to support the supply chain and the thousands of jobs in the north-east of Scotland that depend on the industry. Lumsden also pointed to the importance of the sector for national jobs and revenue going into the exchequer, asserting that it makes sense for the environment to maintain domestic production.

Despite his support for a diverse energy strategy, Lumsden expressed doubt about Scotland’s ability to meet its net zero target by 2045. He claimed there is no credible path to achieving this goal, citing a lack of a clear pathway from the Scottish National Party government. He accused the SNP of disregarding jobs in the oil and gas industry, referencing former first minister Nicola Sturgeon’s description of job promises from projects like Jackdaw and Rosebank as a con. Lumsden suggested that this stance contributed to the SNP’s defeat in the Aberdeen South by-election, in which he was elected in June.

Lumsden outlined his top three priorities for his new seat: persuading the Labour government to change its stance on North Sea licences, approving projects such as Rosebank and Jackdaw, and scrapping the Energy Profits Levy. He argued that addressing these issues would support jobs in the north-east and enable a faster transition to net zero. He stressed that the oil and gas industry must be involved in the transition, advocating for a managed approach rather than an abrupt cessation of activity.

---

**Original URL:** https://stockmark.it/aberdeen-south-mp-distances-himself-from-reform-but-brands-net-zero-ta/
*Created by [WP Markdown Endpoint](https://wpmarkdownendpoint.com/)*