The SNP has said that Labour is “abandoning” Scotland's oil and
gas industry and threatening the just transition after figures
published by an industry body showed that its windfall tax plans
will cost the economy £13 billion and put up to 35,000 jobs at
risk.
The analysis from Offshore Energies UK, a trade body for the
UK's offshore energies industry, shows that the planned increase
and extension of the energy and profits levy will risk
losing £12 billion in tax receipts and an overall loss in
economic value of around £13 billion.
The alarming figures come out days after the SNP reaffirmed
its commitment to a just transition for Scotland, passing a
Resolution at its National Conference saying that our secure
renewable energy future is being jeopardised by “reckless and
irresponsible decisions by Labour at Westminster.”
The Resolution passed by delegates on the first day of the
party's Conference hailed Scotland's renewable energy sector
as one of our biggest export and employment opportunities. In
particular, the resolution highlights the substantial investment
and revenue that has flowed from our energy sector.
SNP MSP said:
“The North East has the potential to be the global net zero
capital, but the Labour Party's reckless plans put this
opportunity at risk.
“Having already dumped their £28 billion investment pledge, its
windfall tax plans put up to 35,000 jobs at risk.
“Make no mistake about it, Labour is abandoning the oil and gas
sector in Scotland – putting tens of thousands of jobs at risk
and threatening our just transition.
“A just transition – for workers, for communities and for our
economy – is vital, but under Labour this is under threat.
“The SNP will not rest until Scotland's future is once again in
Scotland's hands – and the only way to protect the future of our
energy resources is ultimately with independence.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors: https://oeuk.org.uk/oeuk-releases-data-showing-impact-of-governments-oil-and-gas-tax-changes-on-sectors-contribution-to-uk-economic-growth/
