North Sea Oil and Gas Workers: Transitional Support

Highlights the importance of language used when discussing the North sea oil and gas industry, suggesting that a positive outlook is necessary to attract investment for new technologies. Highlights that a profitable oil and gas industry is necessary for investment in new technologies and workforce development for renewables. Complimented the Minister’s commitment to the industry and expressed interest in Treasury consultation on post-EPL fiscal framework, asking for speed-up of the process.

Asked whether Kirsty Blackman accepted that the basic rate of tax applied by the previous Government was the lowest globally, highlighting concerns about singling out the oil and gas industry for a windfall tax. Argues that the North sea transition deal is not fit for purpose, calls for radical shift with proper funding and support for renewable manufacturing in UK ports. Questions whether negative language about the declining basin affects investors' perception. The trade unions have called for £335 million annually to invest in skills and training, ensuring workers are not unpaid during their training days.

It is an honour to serve under chairmanship for this vital debate on energy transition and job security in offshore oil and gas, thanking Kirsty Blackman for securing it.

Welcomes debate on transitional support for oil and gas workers, highlighting missed opportunities for British North sea ports to move into the renewable energy industry. Emphasises that new oil and gas fields are not the solution for providing long-term security for North sea workers and suggests investing in clean energy supply chains as a better alternative.

The MP highlights the critical importance of managing a just transition in the oil and gas sector, emphasizing that it matters now with job losses and investment drying up. She stresses that north-east Scotland’s energy capability is crucial for the UK's transition to renewables and warns against policies that penalize domestic oil and gas production.

Noted the importance of fabrication skills in his constituency and expressed worry over the ageing workforce, suggesting that young people may be deterred from entering engineering due to past redundancies. Discussed the historical impact of North Sea oil on employment opportunities in remote areas, highlighting the current challenges faced by communities due to changes in the industry.

Expresses support for the need to support workers from the North sea oil and gas industry, highlighting that the sector employs people not just along the east and north-east coast but also from Northern Ireland. Acknowledges the significant number of workers who have spent their entire working lives in the North sea oil fields.

Asked the Minister to consider accelerating the timeline for consultations to provide early notice before next year’s budget. Thanked Members for their comments and emphasised the importance of focusing on jobs rather than political disputes. Emphasized the urgency highlighted by Paul de Leeuw from Robert Gordon University.

Acknowledged the contribution of Barry Gardiner and mentioned ongoing pilot projects in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire for skills development. He also discussed engagement with trade unions.

The hon. Member discussed the critical need for transitioning from oil and gas dominance in the North Sea to renewable energy, emphasizing the importance of homegrown energy security, reducing dependency on foreign imports, and ensuring a just transition for workers.

Emphasized the importance of a 'just transition' for North Sea industries and communities, urging the government to invest in apprenticeships and infrastructure projects such as the Acorn project. Asks Andrew Bowie if he and his party still believe in net zero, to which Andrew confirms they do but criticises arbitrary targets as nonsensical.

My hon. Friend agrees on the connection between universities, colleges, and education in facilitating the energy transition. They highlighted fabrication work in Arbroath and Dundee.