The SNP has said bumper profits from north sea oil and gas must
be reinvested in Scotland - not hoarded, yet again, by the
Westminster government.
It comes as BP and Shell are expected to announce major profits
this week - with BP expected to report its second-highest
first-quarter profit in more than a decade.
The SNP is calling for money raised from the north sea to be used
to cut energy bills in Scotland and for funds to be reinvested in
the north east of Scotland, including by the UK government
matching the Scottish Government's £500million just transition
fund and by finally delivering the long-overdue £1billion carbon
capture investment Scotland was promised during the independence
referendum in 2014.
Commenting, SNP Westminster Leader said:
"With energy companies expected to announce bumper profits, it's
essential the money raised from north sea oil and gas is
reinvested in Scotland - not hoarded, yet again, by
Westminster.
"Scotland is energy rich, yet families are being forced to pay
extortionate fuel bills while Westminster reaps the financial
benefits.
"It beggars belief that the Tories refuse to match the Scottish
Government's £500million just transition fund, and still haven't
delivered the carbon capture investment that was promised in the
2014 independence referendum.
"And the Labour Party is just as bad - shocking Scottish voters
by admitting it plans to use Scotland's energy wealth to fund a
council tax freeze in England.
"The time for excuses is over. Westminster must reinvest
Scotland’s energy wealth back into Scotland’s communities."
