Industry Body Comments on UK General Election
In a statement sent to Rigzone following UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement that a general election will take place in the country on July 4, the CEO of industry body Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), David Whitehouse, called on all parties to “choose a homegrown energy transition”.
“Offshore Energies UK is proud to represent over 400 organizations and their skilled people across our world class offshore energy industry and in every parliamentary constituency,” Whitehouse said in the statement.
“As the country prepares to decide on its future government on July 4, we call on all parties to choose a homegrown energy transition. A transition that safeguards jobs, energy security, and accelerates economic growth,” he added.
“Policy decisions made by the new government will be felt for decades to come. This general election campaign is an opportunity for all parties to support our world class industry and its people,” Whitehouse continued.
The statement included a link to OEUK’s industry manifesto, which states that the UK’s offshore energy sector has the potential to contribute to an energy transition which leaves no individual, community, or sector behind.
The manifesto also notes that the industry has the potential to secure over 200,000 high value jobs in the UK whilst growing the skilled and diverse workforce of the future; Deliver GBP 200 billion ($254.5 billion) of private investment over the next decade, spurring economic growth and fostering UK technology and innovation across the energy mix; and meet the UK’s net zero commitment by 2050 or sooner.
“The UK offshore energy sector is essential for the economic and environmental prosperity of our country,” the manifesto states.
“Our brilliant, skilled people work tirelessly to produce the energy from off the coast of Britain that powers not just our homes, transport and industry, but the everyday products we need to live well,” it adds.
“We are proud to make a huge contribution. Oil and gas production alone added over GBP 20 billion ($25.4 billion) to the UK economy in 2022/2023. The offshore energy industry provides over 200,000 good, skilled jobs across the length and breadth of the UK. We provide secure and reliable energy to millions,” it continues.
Sunak became UK Prime Minister on October 25, 2022, and was previously appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer from February 13, 2020, to July 5, 2022, the UK government website shows.
He was Chief Secretary to the Treasury from July 24, 2019, to February 13, 2020, and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government from January 9, 2018, to July 24, 2019, the site highlights.
“These uncertain times call for a clear plan and bold action to chart a course to a secure future,” Sunak said in a statement posted on his X page.
“You must choose in this election who has that plan and who is prepared to take that bold action to secure a better future for our country and our children,” he added.
“We must not put our hard earned economic stability at risk. We must restore pride and confidence in our country. With a clear plan and bold action we will deliver a secure future for you, your family and our United Kingdom,” Sunak went on to note in a follow up statement on his X page.
In a statement posted on its website on May 23, YouGov stated that “the latest YouGov/Times voting intention poll - with fieldwork all conducted prior to the prime minister’s calling of the general election - has the Conservatives on 21 percent (+1 from our previous poll on 15-16 May) while Labour are on 46 percent (-1)”.
“Elsewhere, Reform UK are on 12 percent (+1), the Lib Dems are on nine percent (no change) and the Greens are on seven percent (-1),” the statement adds.
To contact the author, email andreas.exarheas@rigzone.com
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