Buy a stake in our future

Unite is calling on the Scottish government to back a Holyrood motion calling for public investment in the oil and gas industry.

A motion from North East Scotland Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald is calling on the government to consider using its new borrowing powers to buy a stake in offshore infrastructure – like new pipelines or platforms.

His motion secured cross-party support and will be debated in the Scottish Parliament today (Thursday February 23).

Unite says public stakes from both the Scottish and UK governments could encourage investment from energy companies, and create returns for the public purse in the future.

‘Difficult time’

Unite Scottish secretary Pat Rafferty said, “There is no doubt that the oil and gas sector is going through a difficult time. Our members are the people who are worst affected by the crisis – with companies slashing jobs and trying to attack wages and conditions.

“But Scotland’s oil and gas sector is vital to the economy of the country, and with the right support it has a future. The Scottish government can’t do everything to help us out of these difficulties, but it should be leading by example.

“This motion calls on the Scottish government to start discussions with the UK government, industry and trade unions to create a plan for co-investment that will support jobs, increase confidence and create returns to the public purse.

“We hope every MSP will support the motion. Our members in the sector expect nothing less.”

Look forward

Lewis Macdonald MSP added, “The oil and gas industry has had a difficult two years, but it is now time that we started to look forward rather than back, to ensure that the North Sea can support jobs and investment for many more years to come.

“Public investment in the oil and gas industry infrastructure will encourage private companies to continue operating in the North Sea, while at the same time supporting jobs and business going forward.

“More importantly it will protect jobs now, and create even more jobs in the future. Members of offshore unions will be attending the debate at Holyrood, and I am delighted to have secured cross-party support on this issue.

“This debate is an opportunity to discuss an issue which remains of vital importance to the North East, and I hope to secure commitments from SNP ministers to explore the possibility of a more pro-active response to the downturn in the North Sea.”