NIGEL Farage today blasted “net stupid zero” for obliterating the UK’s oil industry, ahead of a showdown Scottish by-election on Thursday.

The Reform chief drew battle lines against the SNP as he warned Scotland is “literally de-industrialising before our eyes”.

In Aberdeen, Mr. Farage criticized the nationalists, led by First Minister John Swinney, for sacrificing an entire industry and thousands of jobs on the altar of green policies.

He claimed neighbouring Norway is “laughing” as it watches ministers import Scandinavian fossil fuels while dismantling local industry.

Against the shouts of protesters, at a posh fish and chips restaurant the Reform leader said: “We can con ourselves as much as we like.

“There will be more coal burned this year than ever before in the history of human kind. The same applies to oil and gas.

“Even the most adren proponent of net zero has to accept the world will still be using oil and gas up until 2050 and beyond. 

“And yet we’ve decided to sacrifice this industry as a consensus around Net Zero has emerged.”

Mr Farage added that the fight to save oil and gas is “almost the next Brexit”.

He said: “Believe me, the scales are falling from the eyes of the public when it comes to Net Zero.

“They realise we are putting upon ourselves a massive cost, let alone the opportunity cost of what we’re missing…

“When we closed down refineries.. and steelworks… all we’re doing is exporting the emissions of CO2 with the goods then being shipped back to us.

“The public are waking up to this.”

This comes ahead of a Holyrood by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse on Thursday, described by Reform Deputy Leader Richard Tice as an “absolute catfight” with the SNP and Labour.

Mr Farage acknowledged it would be an “earthquake” level shock if Reform’s candidate wins the seat.

But activists have reported being surprised at levels of support on the doorstep.

Mr Farage insisted the Reform “can replicate success in Scotland”.

He stated: “Scotland may not have had much in terms of resources but boasts some very energetic organizers, some great new talent, and real-world experience. I don’t see any reason we can’t achieve the same results.”

“I accept the SNP has a very solid baseline vote. The Conservative party in Scotland has withered… and the conditions for the Labour vote in many parts of Scotland are not dissimilar ro County Durham.

“I’m very optimistic we can make a big run at the Scottish parliament next year.”