Chief Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander is the latest political heavyweight to be named as a speaker at trade body Oil and Gas UK (OGUK)’s first annual conference.
Mr Alexander, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, will deliver his speech during the second day of the event at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on June 11 and 12.
The conference will also feature First Minister Alex Salmond and industry experts including former Wood Group chairman Sir Ian Wood.
Mr Alexander said: “The North Sea oil and gas industry is a key part of the British economy.
“This conference is an opportunity to reflect on its successes and the contribution it makes not just in Aberdeen, but across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
“The (UK) Government is determined to support the industry as it seeks to overcome new challenges in exploration and maximise economic production. That is why we announced a package of measures in the Budget designed to encourage investment, and why we have just started talks with the industry to review how the UK’s tax system works for oil and gas.
“This industry, like the rest of the Scottish economy, is better off as part of a strong, stable and growing UK economy.”
The conference – the first in OGUK’s seven-year history – is taking a lead from Sir Ian’s report, published earlier this year, by taking the general theme of maximising economic recovery.
OGUK chief executive Malcolm Webb said: “I’m delighted to announce that Danny Alexander will be joining our line-up of illustrious speakers.
“It is a real sign of this government’s continuing support for the industry’s ongoing success.
“It remains vital both the UK and Scottish governments continue to work together in order to maximise the economic activity of the oil and gas industry for the benefit of all involved.”
