Political figures react to Sir Ian’s remarks
Key figures in the pro-union camp claimed Sir Ian Wood’s comments had “fatally undermined” the case for independence.
Key figures in the pro-union camp claimed Sir Ian Wood’s comments had “fatally undermined” the case for independence.
Following comments I made in an interview requested with Energy Voice, I find myself reluctantly drawn into the public debate on Scottish Independence, despite my lifelong resolve to avoid politics.
A leading light of the energy industry today revealed he fears for Scotland's future if it votes for independence and warned it would have just 15 years left before depleting North Sea oil reserves began to hit jobs and the economy.
One of Scotland’s most respected economists has delivered a damning verdict on Treasury oil forecasts, arguing tax revenues over the next four years could nearly double those predicted.
Infinis Energy, a renewable-power company backed by Guy Hands’s venture capital fund, said it is holding off on a decision on whether to build two wind farms until Scotland decides whether it will remain part of the UK.
North Sea oil and the key role it will play after Scotland's independence decision has boiled to the top of the debate agenda as the historic vote in September approaches.
An independent Scotland would be “unlikely to be able to provide the same level of support” to the oil and gas industry, a leading UK Government minister has claimed as a review of tax arrangements for the industry is launched.
Chief Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander has challenged SNP chiefs over what he branded as “fantastical” claims on future North Sea revenues.
Shadow chancellor Ed Balls has claimed it is “inevitable” that border controls will be put in place if Scotland becomes independent.
The Scottish Government is under pressure to publish a report on the offshore industry to help inform the independence debate.
Money matters relating to the North Sea oil and gas industry have been one of the key issues debated by economists and politicians during Thursday's Scottish Independence, organised by the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC).
North-east business leaders delivered a resounding verdict against Scottish independence after a debate in Aberdeen last night.
The UK Government is looking to ease off the tax regime for the oil and gas sector in the coming years to maximise investment and stimulate North Sea economic recovery, claims the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
As the North Sea enters the next phase of its life, we will make sure it continues to provide jobs and wealth throughout the UK. North Sea oil and gas can work alongside wind, solar, tidal and nuclear power to cut expensive foreign imports and help keep our lights on with British-produced energy. The broad shoulders of the United Kingdom is unlocking the power of Scotland to take its place as one of the world’s great energy hubs – generating energy and generating jobs.
Alex Salmond has told oil and gas leaders that the Scottish Government will part-fund a new offshore regulator in an independent Scotland.
Oil and gas representatives and government figures discussed the progress the sector has made towards putting the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) activity back on track at the first Oil & Gas UK conference.
The UK Government's penny-pinching is costing the oil and gas industry "vast potential for the future", claims the Scottish First Minister.
Scotland’s oil industry can look forward to “a strong and stable future in an independent Scotland”, First Minister Alex Salmond will say today.
The headline finding of today’s survey is that the Scottish independence referendum is impacting on the plans and investment proposals of 45% of firms in the oil and gas sector.
Industry body Oil and Gas UK (OGUK) stuck to its impartial line on independence in its response to the survey, while politicians on both sides of the debate claimed it supported their respective causes.
The Scottish independence referendum campaign is impacting on the plans of nearly half of the UK’s oil and gas industry, a study has found.
The Treasury has claimed that Scotland is already spending its entire share of North Sea oil revenues – and would need enough immigrants to fill Edinburgh to plug a workforce gap after independence.
Doubts over the outcome of the independence referendum are stalling investment in the north-east of Scotland by English firms keen to develop their oil and gas portfolios, according to a leading lawyer. Richard Cockburn, a partner in the energy and natural resources team at legal firm Bond Dickinson, is involved in helping companies from both areas expand and, where appropriate, work together. The firm has offices in Aberdeen, Newcastle and Teesside. He said more and more supply chain companies from the north-east of England are keen to become involved in the opportunities which the current buoyancy, combined with a skills shortage, has created. However, they are increasingly concerned about what will happen after September 18.
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing today said independence would elevate Scotland from the boot to the driver’s seat in the renewable industry.
A leading university academic last night outlined the difficulties the oil and gas industry would face should Scotland become independent. Professor Alex Kemp, of Aberdeen University, an expert on oil economics, told an audience of more than 200 people that it would require an “extensive transitional period” to address the issues.