SNP welcomes survey predicting bright future for North Sea industry
Wednesday, 29 May 2019 14:34
A new energy survey has demonstrated a bright future for the
offshore sector in Scotland – with 90% of firms based in the North
East saying they are optimistic about the long-term future of the
industry. However, the study, by Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of
Commerce, warns that a further period of economic uncertainty is
“guaranteed” due to the ongoing Brexit process. The UK
Treasury has siphoned off billions in oil and gas revenues over the
past 50 years – amounting to...Request free trial
A new energy survey has demonstrated a bright future for the
offshore sector in Scotland – with 90% of firms based in the North
East saying they are optimistic about the long-term future of the
industry.
However, the study, by Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of
Commerce, warns that a further period of economic uncertainty is
“guaranteed” due to the ongoing Brexit process.
The UK Treasury has siphoned off billions in oil and gas
revenues over the past 50 years – amounting to around £600,000 per
head of population in the North East of Scotland, with precious
little of that reinvested by successive Westminster
governments.
Proposals passed at the SNP recent spring conference
recommended that future income generated should be
treated as a windfall and invested in a fund
for future generations.
SNP MSP said:
“This is yet more good news for the North East, confirming
the huge potential of the sector for many years to come.
“Going forward, it’s vital that companies use world class
engineering expertise to advance the energy technologies of the
future – particularly renewables and low carbon industries, as we
seek to tackle the climate emergency while ensuring our natural
resources continue to bring economic benefit, in the most
sustainable way possible.
"That’s the best way to futureproof the North East, to make
sure it remains a great place to live, study, work and do
business.
“Over the past decades successive UK governments have sold
Scotland’s oil industry short, squandering billions in North Sea
revenues, and reinvesting precious little back into our
economy.
“It’s high time that we took control of energy powers
here in Scotland – allowing us to reap the benefits, to grow our
economy, realise our potential, and invest in a bright future for
the next generation.”
ENDS
Notes:
https://www.agcc.co.uk/uploaded_files/30th-oil-and-gas-survey.pdf
|
