Bernard Ponsonby, one of Scotland’s most respected political journalists, will moderate a live debate on offshore energy in Falkirk, as part of a UK-wide public engagement series organised by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK).
The event, “Our Industrial Future: You Decide”, will be held on Thursday 1 May at Forth Valley College. This comes at a critical time for Falkirk and the surrounding area, as Grangemouth, one of the UK’s most vital refining and manufacturing hubs, faces pivotal decisions on industrial investment and decarbonisation. The outcomes of these decisions will have a lasting impact on local employment, energy supply, and the speed of Scotland’s transition to net zero.
This event is part of OEUK’s UK-wide tour of live debates, with further sessions in Aberdeen and Newcastle. Each debate aims to bring together voices from both industry and the local community at a defining moment for the national economy.
Bernard Ponsonby, former political editor at STV, said:
“Falkirk is at the centre of Scotland’s energy and industrial story. This debate arrives at a defining moment for communities that have powered the country for decades.
“We need a serious, open conversation about what the energy transition means in practice – for jobs, investment and the communities who stand to gain or lose the most.”
OEUK chief executive David Whitehouse added:
“We’re hosting these events to open up the conversation about energy. Whether you work in the offshore energy sector or not, we are all impacted. These debates are a chance for everyone to have their say on what the UK’s energy future should look like.”
The debate is free to attend and open to all. Registration is now live via a ballot system, designed to ensure a diverse mix of voices and perspectives are represented.
