Prime Minister David Cameron is to visit Aberdeen tomorrow to look at what more can be done to help the North Sea oil and gas industry.
The politician told MPs in the House of Commons the industry was facing significant problems as oil dips below $30.
His visit to the city comes after the Scottish Government held a cabinet meeting yesterday where it was announced the Energy Jobs Taskforce set up last year would continue for the foreseeable future.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also called for a cut in North Sea taxes.
The Prime Minister said he was “determined” to build a bridge to the future for “all those involved in the North Sea”.
Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions, Conservative Peter Aldous (Waveney) told Mr Cameron: “The North Sea oil and gas industry on which many people in my Waveney constituency are dependent for their livelihoods is facing very serious challenges at the current time.
“The Government has taken steps to address the situation but more is required if the industry is first to survive and then to thrive.
“Will you assure me that you recognise the seriousness of the situation and you’ll do all that you can to get the industry through these very difficult times?”
The PM replied: “You are absolutely right to raise this, I do recognise the seriousness of the situation.
“The oil price decline is the longest in 20 years and nearly the steepest and this causes real difficulties for the North Sea and we can see the effects in the east of England, across Scotland – particularly in Aberdeen – and in other parts of our country too.
“We discussed this at Cabinet yesterday. I’m determined we build a bridge to the future for all those involved in the North Sea.
“We’re going to help the sector export its world-class expertise. We’re going to help the economies diversify. We’ve announced £1.3 billion of support last year for the North Sea. We’re implementing the Wood review.
“I’ll be going to Aberdeen tomorrow where we’ll be saying more about what we can do to help this vital industry at this vital time.”
The Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell will also be in Aberdeen tomorrow as part of a drive to forge a new trading partnership between Aberdeen and the Mozambique town of Pemba.
He said: “Mozambique can learn a huge amount from Aberdeen’s oil and gas hub model, and its associated experience and expertise.
“At the same time, Scottish companies will be able to bid for new work and contracts out in Mozambique. Our oil and gas sector has huge expertise to share.
“This deal will also bring fantastic opportunities for British companies working in the Scottish oil and gas sector to win new contracts supporting Pemba’s growing offshore industry.”
The area is said to have “huge reserves of offshore natural gas”, and already has a formal memorandum of understanding with Aberdeen.
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