A new inquiry into the North Sea oil and gas industry was welcomed by politicians and sector leaders last night.
Sir Robert Smith, Liberal Democrat MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, said: “I welcome the government’s focus on getting the most out of the oil and gas industry. It is important not to miss out on any opportunity to maximise its economic benefit, both to the north-east and UK as a whole.”
The SNP seized on remarks made by UK Energy Secretary Ed Davey about the offshore industry’s importance.
Maureen Watt, a Nationalist MSP for the north-east, said: “I’m pleased that after years of Westminster denial of the industry’s importance, the UK Government has had a conversion to recognising the value of the oil and gas sector.
“These comments cause real problems for the anti-independence camp, because they reveal the UK Government saying one thing in London and the opposite in Scotland.”
Tom Greatrex, Labour’s shadow energy minister, said: “The UK continental shelf is likely to be a significant contributor to our energy resource and industry for some time to come, but there remain significant challenges for government, industry and regulators to address. In an international industry with a maturing workforce and ageing infrastructure, it is important to keep a relentless focus on safety and sustainability.”
James Edens, vice-president and managing director of CNR International, said: “While investment in developing the UK’s oil and gas is currently very healthy at record levels, it is important that we address the challenges of sustaining activity to maximise recovery over the long term.”
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