The government is currently putting an end to production of hydrocarbon energy in the UK, whilst at the same time failing to support bioethanol production. We all understand the environmental issues of oil and gas, but allowing alternatives to close down at the same time is leading us to a very bleak future.

I am a middle-aged chemical engineer who has benefited from a reasonably prosperous energy industry. My concern it with my children who just starting out on their careers. The direction of the current UK energy policies concerns me deeply. These policies are not just crippling our domestic energy sector but also risk depriving future generations of thriving career opportunities while pushing us towards a dangerous reliance on imported energy.

Hundreds of oil and gas production platforms are being decommissioned in the North Sea. In recent months, we have witnessed the closure of two UK oil refineries. On top of that, Vivergo in Hull, a major producer of bioethanol, is shutting down due to US tariffs and the lack of governmental support. These closures are not merely about losing energy suppliers; they represent the decimation of UK manufacturing capacity and indigenous energy resources.

Our indigenous manufacturing and energy production sectors are taking a hit that will ripple across various aspects of our lives. Despite the burgeoning energy needs, strategic negligence from policymakers is steering us towards energy scarcity and higher dependence on imports, which will undoubtedly make energy more expensive and elusive. Such outcomes are not only economically unsound but also threaten the very fabric of our economic independence.

An actionable solution would involve revisiting these policies with a view to balance environmental considerations with economic and energy security. Keeping some level of domestic hydrocarbon fuel production active while heavily investing in alternative energy resources, like bioethanol, is imperative. These actions will not only safeguard jobs but also ensure the UK remains capable of meeting its energy demands autonomously.

The time to act is now. We need a cohesive and strategic approach where both traditional and alternative energy sectors are supported to ensure a robust and stable energy future for the generations to come. Let us urge the UK government to revise its energy policies to prevent economic detriment and ensure a secure energy future. Please sign the petition to bring this crucial issue to the forefront of policy discussions.