Governments urged to give ‘full-throated support’ to North Sea oil and gas
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Scottish ministers have been told that a presumption against new oil and gas developments in the North Sea “must go” – with business leaders in the north east saying the sector needs “full-throated support” from both Holyrood and Westminster.
Two years after the Scottish Government announced a presumption against such developments, Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) has instead urged ministers to adopt a policy in favour of energy security, alongside a transition to net zero.
Chamber chief executive Russell Borthwick made a plea to First Minister John Swinney to switch to a stance of support for domestic oil and gas production – arguing this is preferable to having to import fossil fuels from other nations. He made the call after US President-elect Donald Trump criticised the UK’s move away from oil and gas production, urging ministers to instead “open up” the North Sea and get rid of “windmills”.
Mr Borthwick said: “Donald Trump’s support for the North Sea is welcome, but it should not fall to the President-elect of America to make the case for jobs and investment here. “We need full-throated support for our oil and gas sector from both our governments, but particularly here in Scotland where it is such a crucial part of our economy.”.
He insisted: “The presumption against oil and gas must go and be replaced with a policy position which will deliver energy security and transition in tandem. “If the alternative is importing oil and gas at a greater carbon cost, then we must favour domestic production.”.
