Douglas Lumsden has challenged Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to visit Aberdeen and meet oil and gas workers facing growing uncertainty as a result of Labour's energy policies.
The call comes after EnerMech and Xodus Group became the latest companies in the North Sea sector to announce job losses, adding to mounting concerns about the future of an industry that supports tens of thousands of jobs across the North East.
In a letter to Mr Miliband, Douglas warned that Labour's continued opposition to new oil and gas exploration licences is causing significant damage to businesses, workers and communities throughout Aberdeen and the wider region.
More than 18 months have passed since the Energy Secretary last visited Aberdeen. Douglas has now formally invited him to return to the city to meet those directly affected by Labour's decisions and see first-hand the consequences for the local economy.
Douglas said: "In recent months, Harbour Energy, BP, Apache, Verlume, Well-Safe Solutions, Hunting, Altrad, Kaefer, Bilfinger, Wood Group, Chevron and Weatherford have all signalled their intention to downsize amid the growing uncertainty caused by your policies, which are pushing our great oil and gas industry into extinction.
"Your decision in the King's Speech not to reverse the ban on licences for new oil and gas field exploration could be the final nail in the coffin for many businesses, and with it, Aberdeen's economy."
Labour recently voted against backing the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas developments, while the SNP and Reform abstained. At the same time, the UK Government announced changes allowing imports of diesel and jet fuel produced from Russian oil in third countries such as India and Turkey.
Douglas criticised what he described as a contradictory approach to energy policy.
He said: "Banning licences doesn't reduce demand, it only increases our reliance on imports, threatens jobs, and pushes up prices even further.
"It's therefore ludicrous why you would lift your ban on UK imports of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian oil, yet ban extraction from our own waters?
"At a time when our energy security is in a state of national emergency from the conflict in the Middle East, I cannot fathom why you would want to prioritise foreign jobs and imports over UK jobs and production."
Douglas, who spent 25 years working in the oil and gas industry before entering politics, said Aberdeen's workers and communities deserve to have their concerns heard directly by ministers.
He added: "I believe it has been more than 18 months since you last visited Aberdeen, which is why I extend a formal invitation to you to come to the city to see the devastation that is being caused for yourself.
"You will be able to speak directly with workers, companies, and community representatives to see the realities and struggles of life in Aberdeen at the moment.
"The people of this great city deserve to be seen, heard, and understood."
Douglas has repeatedly warned that Labour's plans risk accelerating job losses, weakening the UK's energy security and increasing reliance on imported energy. He says Aberdeen's workforce possesses world-leading skills and expertise that should be supported, not sacrificed, and has called on the UK Government to reverse course before further damage is done to one of Scotland's most important industries.
You can read Douglas' letter to Ed Miliband below.
