Liberal Democrats take a close look at Oil & Gas Businesses

1.00.00pm GMT Mon 15th Feb 2010

MP's Robert Smith, Malcolm Bruce and Simon Hughes with Alastair Murries of Sub Atlantic in Blackburn looking at an ROV which is about to be exported.

On Friday 12th February Simon Hughes the Liberal Democrat Energy and Climate Change spokesman visited a range of oil and gas businesses across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire with local MP Sir Robert Smith and Malcolm Bruce, MP for Gordon . This included a visit to Sub Atlantic in Blackburn to let the MP's see the specialist sub-sea equipment exported to clients across the globe from the NE.

Following the visit Mr Hughes MP stated he was determined the manifesto will be supportive of the industry and the role it will play in helping to meet the UK's energy needs for the next 10 to 20years.

He went on to say "I do not believe the success of the industry has been acknowledged widely enough in the rest of the UK, in particular the contribution it will continue to make exporting skilled services abroad and redeploying expertise offshore in support of the growing renewable industry.

"As a key component of our energy supply now and for years to come we must make sure the industry is not allowed to wind down prematurely."

Local MP Sir Robert Smith added "What we saw in Blackburn is a prime example of how the skills learnt in the North Sea oil and gas industry are now a major export earner for the UK economy. Simon was able to see first hand just how important this industry is both locally and nationally. I welcome his commitment to back this success story."

Sir Robert Smith and Simon Hughes with apprentices from Opito

The final visit of the day was to OPITO the Oil and Gas sector's own training organisation where the MPs met with two apprentices to hear their first hand experiences

Sir Robert commented, "The commitment by the industry to ensuring the next generation have the skills needed to get the best from our oil and gas out in the North Sea will make a real difference to the local economy. We were impressed by what we heard. This industry has a vital role to play in the economy of the North East."