The UK Government last week announced its Energy Security Strategy, setting out how Great Britain will accelerate the deployment of wind, new nuclear, solar and hydrogen, whilst supporting the production of domestic oil and gas.
The ambitious plans include more investment in offshore wind and into a new round of oil and gaslicences in the North Sea.
This will be welcome news to many in Banff and Buchan who are either directly employed or depend on the success of the energy industry in the northeast.
The UK Government recognises that it would be foolish and irresponsible to abandon domestic hydrocarbon production.
As well as the obvious risk to jobs, the economy and energy security, any attempt to cut back on UK oil and gas production too far and too soon, also puts our net zero objectives at risk.
Companies such as BP and Shell are already investing heavily in making the energy transition happen and – as we have done historically in this country – we can show the rest of the world how it is done.
Part of the North Sea Transition Deal is the ongoing development and planning of the Acorn CCS and Hydrogen Project at St Fergus with continued support and engagement by the UK Government.
Contrary to local SNP reports, the so-called ‘Scottish Cluster’ has not been abandoned by the UK .
Last month, I was honoured to be invited to open the DWP Wellbeing Fair in Fraserburgh which brought dozens of service providers together with service users.
It was great to see such a healthy turnout and to see the many ways that people can access support.
This includes, among others, veterans who all too often find it particularly hard to get support which is why I was pleased to hear the Veteran’s Minister commit to supporting them when I asked him about it in the House.
It is fantastic to see yet another new seasonal air route opening up to Manchester from Aberdeen along with the new double-daily Gatwick flight.
Of course, this is great news for tourists and business travellers from the region but I also look forward to more people travelling here for the business and tourism opportunities that this region has to offer.
Finally, I join residents of Banff and Buchan in horror at the images coming out of Ukraine, of apparent mass slaughter of civilians by invading Russian forces.
I am proud that the UK is leading the way in providing military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and on building the case against Putin for war crimes.
The UK is also taking in thousands of fleeing Ukrainians through the Family Visa and Homes for Ukraine scheme.
It is gratifying to see so many local residents offering to open up their homes and I have been glad to provide help where I can with individual cases.
I stand ready to assist with other constituents in Banff and Buchan who have sponsored Ukrainians or have family coming from Ukraine and urge them to get in touch with my office.
