A DECLARATION signed by a group of senior former ministers demonstrates a growing desire for a homegrown energy transition, the leading representative body for the UK offshore energy sector has said today.
The cross-party statement underlining the critical role of private investment by offshore energy companies including oil and gas producers has been signed by SNP, Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat politicians. In the statement the group said energy policy can “transcend party politics”.
It follows an energy-focused debate in Aberdeen earlier this week where Scottish party leaders gave support for the sector but continued to disagree on key areas of tax and oil and gas licensing.
The group said in the declaration that a fair transition happens with communities, not to them, and that delivered properly it can support jobs, communities and the economy in Scotland and across the UK.
Former Labour energy minister Brian Wilson, SNP cabinet minister Fergus Ewing, UK Conservative ministers Amber Rudd and Charles Hendry, and Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichal signed the declaration.
Offshore Energies UK chief executive David Whitehouse said:
“This is an important cross-party statement which adds further momentum to our calls for a homegrown energy transition. UK offshore energy companies are set to invest £450 billion in UK energy projects by 2040 but this requires confidence in the political and fiscal landscape.
“For this critical private investment to be realised across UK wind, hydrogen, carbon capture as well as the oil and gas the country will need during this time, we need a competitive investment environment and partnership working.
“Without it, we risk watching other countries race ahead while also losing out on the benefits a homegrown transition can bring. If we want to boost energy jobs, grow the UK economy, cut emissions and unleash our potential, we must get the investment here in the UK.”
