Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Both the SNP and the oil and gas industry are urging the UK Chancellor to use the upcoming Autumn Statement to commit to the future of the industry - sending a signal of support and confidence to attract global investment.
Oil & Gas UK's recently published Economic Report 2016 demonstrates that urgent action is required if the industry is to maximise the potential of the up to 20 billion barrels of oil and gas in the North Sea.
Industry experts say the reduced cost of doing business in the North Sea and increased production efficiency has enhanced the potential of the industry as a global competitor. Chief Executive of Oil & Gas UK, Deirdre Michie, said the Autumn Statement is an opportunity to “send a clear message to investors that the North Sea is a great place to do business”.
Theresa May would not commit to supporting the oil and gas industry in the Autumn Statement when asked by Callum McCaig SNP MP, Westminster’s energy spokesperson, at last week’s Prime Minister’s Questions.
Stewart Stevenson MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast said:
“Now is the time for the UK government to listen to common sense and commit to the future of oil and gas – a vital industry to the UK economy - in their Autumn Statement.
“Exploration and development are integral to the growth of the sector and further incentives to invest, including tax breaks, would boost investor confidence and encourage them to bring their business to the North Sea.
“Thousands of jobs depend on oil and gas thriving in a competitive global marketplace, and the UK government needs to use this Autumn Statement to make substantial commitments and show that they understand the importance of this industry to the UK economy.”
“Exploration and development are integral to the growth of the sector and further incentives to invest, including tax breaks, would boost investor confidence and encourage them to bring their business to the North Sea.
“Thousands of jobs depend on oil and gas thriving in a competitive global marketplace, and the UK government needs to use this Autumn Statement to make substantial commitments and show that they understand the importance of this industry to the UK economy.”
