North-east Scottish Conservative MPs have again backed calls for
a sector deal for oil and gas after industry leaders outlined the
proposals at a Scottish Affairs Committee session today.
, MP for Aberdeen South, and
, MP for Banff and Buchan,
both sit on the committee that hosted former BP boss and a
director at Opportunity North East, Trevor Garlick, Subsea UK CEO
Neil Gordon and Oil and Gas Authority Director of HR and supply
chain Stuart Payne.
MPs were today told that UK Government backing for a sector deal
for the North Sea industry would ensure its ‘Vision 2035’ aim of
generating £290bn in extra revenue over the next 15-20 years.
The committee heard that the proposals would realise an
additional 3-4 million barrels of oil equivalent from the North
Sea, while also maximising the export potential of the supply
chain.
, Scottish Conservative MP for
Banff and Buchan, said:
“The case for a sector deal for oil and gas is undeniable and I
think we need a decision to be made at the earliest opportunity.
“If not, there is a potential risk that we lose the momentum that
has built up in the north-east of Scotland during what remains a
fragile recovery.
“That enthusiasm has built up, not just because of a sustained
higher price of oil, but also from having the Oil and Gas
Technology Centre and the Oil and Gas Authority based in
Aberdeen.
“It is important that we follow through on all the
recommendations from the 2014 Wood Report – and the sector deal
will do exactly that.”
, Scottish Conservative MP for
Aberdeen South, said:
“Industry leaders made absolutely clear once again today just how
important this sector deal can be for the north-east of Scotland
and the wider UK economy.
“There are massive opportunities to expand the export potential
of our supply chain and break into new markets around the world.
“The subsea industry, for example, very much based in Westhill in
Aberdeenshire, already has a global reach but this government can
always do more to help promote UK plc.
“The sector deal can help our companies to target these markets
and win the work we need to allow this industry, and the many
thousands of jobs that depend on it, to thrive for many years to
come.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
See link below for video of Scottish Affairs Committee session
today
https://parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/b768890a-5094-4e62-9c5a-f61120e556fb
