Treasury and Brexit ministers will visit Aberdeen on Thursday to meet oil and gas bosses.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Robert Jenrick and Brexit minister Robin Walker are visiting Aberdeen to host the Oil and Gas Fiscal Forum, government officials have confirmed.
Discussions at the forum, which is normally held in London, will centre on taxation and the impact of Brexit – including issues around customs charges highlighted in yesterday’s (FRI) Press and Journal.
Gordon MP Colin Clark, Scottish Conservative, said the visit to Europe’s oil and gas capital showed how seriously the UK Government was in its commitment to supporting the industry through lower taxes to maximise its lifespan.
“The fact the annual Treasury forum for the oil and gas industry is being held in Aberdeen rather than London this year is another clear signal of the UK Government’s commitment to this area,” he said.
“We saw in the budget the chancellor was willing to go further to support the sector with the introduction of the transferable tax history – a policy shift that could help unlock £40billion in new investment in the North Sea.
“This follows an unprecedented level of action from this Conservative government to provide the industry with tax breaks worth £2.3 billion, investment in the Aberdeen City Region Deal and the creation of the city-based UK Oil and Gas Authority.
“I look forward to this event, which again shows the Treasury is listening to the industry and working collaboratively to ensure maximum economic recovery from the UK Continental Shelf.”
Lib Dem Shetland and Orkney MP Alistair Carmichael said the ministers must also act to show their commitment.
“The offshore oil and gas industry remains one of Scotland’s most important industries,” he said.
“The Oil and Gas Authority, set up by a Lib Dem energy minister in the coalition government, is now demonstrating the benefits of partnership working.
“We now see that same approach being taken in technological development through the Oil Industry Technology Centre in Aberdeen.
“Governments in London and Edinburgh must work with the industry to support the work it is doing for itself.”
