With the Scottish election now just days away, Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has underlined the importance of strong and consistent cross-party support for the industries that underpin jobs, investment and energy security across the country.
Scotland’s offshore energy sector remains a cornerstone of the Scottish economy, supporting 128,400 jobs and contributing £24?billion in economic value each year. Over 110,000 of those jobs are in oil and gas – sustaining supply chains, ports, manufacturers, engineering firms and regional communities across Scotland.
How the next Scottish Government supports and champions its existing industrial strengths has a direct impact on how Westminster views the importance of the sector.
In its Scotland manifesto launched earlier this year, OEUK’s top ask on behalf of industry was for the next government to champion an all-energy approach to Scotland’s industrial future – an approach that backs domestic oil and gas production alongside the build out of Scotland’s world-class renewables.
This means advocating for policies that do not divide Scotland’s workforce and industries into 'clean' and 'dirty' but instead recognise and champion Scotland’s globally respected energy sector as a building block for future industrial and energy success.
OEUK Chief Executive Officer David Whitehouse said:
'Scots are rightly proud of their industrial heritage, from shipbuilding on the Clyde to world-class food and drink exports like whisky. These sectors thrive because Scotland chose to back them and build the conditions for success. Our North Sea expertise is recognised around the world and deserves the same confidence and respect.
'As voters prepare to go to the polls, the future of Scotland’s economy and industrial base must be front of mind. The next Scottish Government faces a clear choice: seize the opportunity to build on our strengths or allow decline to ripple through our economy. A modern, resilient Scotland powered by homegrown energy demands pragmatism, not polarisation.
'Scottish support for Scottish industry matters. Through partnership between government and industry, offshore energy can drive economic growth – combining responsible domestic oil and gas production with investment in our world-class renewable resources, securing jobs today and building our future industries.
'OEUK stands ready to work constructively with the next Scottish Government, whichever party or parties form it, to shape policies that keep Scotland at the forefront of global energy – supporting strong communities, quality jobs and a prosperous future for generations to come.'
Source: OEUK
