North East MP Seamus Logan hosted a parliamentary event last week focusing on an ambitious future for Scotland and the UK’s energy sector.
He was joined by representatives from Offshore Energies UK, OPITO and the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce alongside cross-party colleagues to discuss how UK Government policy needs to evolve for the long-term security of our energy industries.
At this event, the OEUK, OIPITO and the Chamber of Commerce presented their latest report, ‘Securing the UK’s energy future: A framework for growth’ with a call for the Labour Government to focus on three pillars – business, place and people – ahead of the Budget to attract investment, secure jobs and strengthen national resilience.
Commenting, Seamus Logan MP said:
“I was delighted to host this crucial event and generate an opportunity for MPs to engage with energy sector representatives ahead of the Autumn Budget. This budget will be crunch time for the Labour Government which must change course in relation to the oil and gas element of our energy mix. If they do not, thousands of jobs are at risk and the skills built up over decades will be lost.
“Much as Farage and the Reform UK party and Conservatives would have people believe otherwise, fossil fuels will not last forever and it is well documented that the North Sea basin is in decline. Any idea that this is not the case is dangerous to the North-east economy.
“In a worrying time for our fossil fuel workers, with job losses announced on what feels like a weekly basis and investment stalled due to the Energy Profits Levy, Westminster is failing to build opportunity or retain the skills, talent and expertise in the oil and gas sector needed to facilitate a Just Transition.
“There is a better way that rejects these binary choices, supports our world class industry in the North Sea while building another equally dynamic and first-rate industry in renewables alongside. This all-energy approach would support the UK Government’s net zero plans without creating an even bigger black hole in the public finances and, crucially, without triggering an early demise in our fossil fuel industry while importing oil and gas from abroad. It’s this kind of future focused support that could unblock the crisis in confidence felt by many in the energy sector, unlock investment, secure jobs and power Scotland towards a better energy future. The question remains – are Labour listening?”
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive at Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, added:
“This briefing comes at a pivotal moment for the UK energy sector. The decisions taken in the coming months will determine whether we secure the investment needed to power a just transition, or continue to see skilled jobs, tax revenues, and energy security eroded.
“The message from business is clear: we need stability, predictability, and a fiscal regime that encourages long-term investment in both oil and gas and renewables. The North Sea is the cornerstone of our energy system and the skills it supports are vital to achieving net zero.
“The Chamber is proud to stand alongside our partners in urging the Government to back this industry – because the energy transition cannot succeed without a strong, thriving domestic supply chain at its heart.”
