Aberdeen has a bright future post-Brexit, ministers tell industry leaders

27 Apr 2018 10:37 AM

Robin Walker and Robert Jenrick visited Aberdeen yesterday to meet local businesses and leaders from the oil and gas, and fishing industries.

Businesses in Aberdeen were reassured by ministers that they have the full support and backing of the Government as the UK prepares to leave the EU.

The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Robert Jenrick, and Brexit Minister, Robin Walker, visited the ‘Granite City’ to meet local businesses and leaders from the oil and gas, and fishing industries. They listened to local concerns and underlined the UK government’s determination to get the best Brexit deal for people living and working in Aberdeen.

The ministers were in town to host the Oil and Gas forum with senior representatives from energy companies, such as BP and Shell, as well as supply chain companies and the Oil & Gas Authority.

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Robert Jenrick said:

“For the first time in many years the Government is holding its oil and gas summit here in Aberdeen, to listen to the sector and the wider business community.

“We are supporting the oil and gas industry making it more competitive and innovative, and securing a strong future for it and for Aberdeen.

“We want to see Aberdeen’s economy continue to thrive and are pleased to be meeting businesses and entrepreneurs across the city and county.”

Brexit Minister, Robin Walker, said:

“Aberdeen’s vibrant, diverse industries - from oil and gas to fishing - are renowned the world over. As we leave the EU, we’re committed to enabling these great Scottish businesses to go from strength to strength.

“That’s why I was pleased to talk to Scottish industries about our ongoing negotiations with the EU. The implementation period we agreed in March will provide the certainty they’ve rightly been asking for, as well as give us the opportunity to go out into the world and negotiate new trade deals for the first time in 40 years.

“Our future outside the EU is a bright one for Scottish business as part of a global UK.”

Discussions at the oil and gas forum focussed on the opportunities and challenges posed to the sector by Brexit, as well as how government support and the multi-billion package of generous tax cuts has provided greater stability for the industry – protecting jobs and driving innovation.

The Exchequer Secretary saw this innovation first hand on a subsequent visit to the ASET International Oil & Gas Training Academy, where engineers tasked with fixing oil rigs and emergency responders are trained for a career in the North Sea.

The ministers also attended a business event with the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce. There, they met with up to 80 local entrepreneurs to hear their priorities for Brexit and answer their questions.

Brexit Minister, Robin Walker, also met the Scottish Seafood Association to discuss our desire to build a new economic partnership with the EU that secures the freest and most frictionless trade possible in fish products between the UK and the EU, alongside the opportunities coming to the wider UK fishing community. From December 2020 we will be negotiating fishing opportunities as an independent coastal state, deciding who can access our waters and on what terms for the first time in 40 years.

Notes to editors:

Since 2014, the UK government has supported the Oil and Gas industry with: