Moray MP Douglas Ross says the annual GERS report showing the state of Scotland’s finances “clearly confirms” the importance of the North Sea Oil and Gas sector to the local and national economy.
Douglas’ reaction came as the Government Expenditure and Revenue Report showed that a boost in the revenues earned from the sector helped to improve Scotland’s finances.
Douglas says that shows the “overwhelming” case for continuing to support the industry – which employs many people who live in Moray – for years to come.
He says it is “astonishing” that other political parties – including the SNP-Green government and Keir Starmer’s Labour Party can “turn their backs” on the highly skilled workforce and fail to recognise the ongoing key role it has to play in supporting Scotland’s economy.
The Moray MP says he will continue to be proud to stand up for workers in his constituency and across the North East in light of a “hostile” attitude from other parties.
He added that the GERS report – which showed Scotland’s notional deficit to be standing at £19 billion – confirmed that the SNP have “squandered” record funding they have received from the UK Government.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “This annual report clearly confirms the importance of our north sea oil and gas industry to the state of Scotland’s finances.
“The improving picture this year has been driven by increased revenues from the sector. That begs the question as to why other political parties have taken the astonishing decision to turn their back on the industry and the highly skilled workforce.
“Infact, they have been openly hostile to the industry. The latest GERS figures should prompt a re-think among SNP and Labour politicians who must recognise why the taps cannot be turned off too quickly.
“Our oil and gas sector employs many people across Moray and they cannot simply be abandoned. The case is overwhelming in light of these figures to continue to stand up for the industry, which I will continue to do so.
“The report also makes it clear that Scotland has enjoyed record levels of funding from the UK Government. What a pity that the SNP have squandered this, rather than improving lives for people across Moray.”