THE former leader of Aberdeen Labour has hit out at his old party for their plans to increase the Energy Profits Levy (EPL) – the windfall tax on oil and gas companies.
Barney Crockett – who left the party over their stance on oil and gas last year – says Labour’s proposals to raise the levy from 75% to 78% would spell “economic gloom” for the region.
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Industry leaders have warned that tens of thousands of jobs are at risk, while Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Russell Borthwick said the plan “feels like a betrayal”.
Mr Crockett said: “If you’re going to have the investment that’s required then you’re going to have to work with these companies and not work to destroy them which is basically Labour’s perspective at the moment.
“They’re trying to destroy the oil and gas industry at a time when they need it to be a partner in energy transformation. That will be catastrophic for this area.”
