Burnham urged to exploit North Sea oil to prevent job losses
11 reported
The director of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), Shevaun Haviland, has urged Andy Burnham to exploit the UK’s remaining North Sea oil and gas resources to avoid mass job losses in Scotland and the north-east. The decision on extraction at the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields may fall to a Burnham administration. Haviland stated that importing liquid gas is more expensive and less environmentally friendly than using domestic assets. She spoke as the BCC, representing 50,000 businesses employing 7.5 million people, prepares for a conference in London on Thursday. Haviland also called on Burnham to address a “cost-of-doing-business crisis,” citing research showing business costs have risen 70% in a decade. She warned that taxing business further would be “a road to ruin” and emphasized the need for economic growth.
What’s reported
Shevaun Haviland, director of the British Chambers of Commerce, urged Andy Burnham to exploit remaining North Sea oil and gas to avoid mass job losses in Scotland and the north-east.
The decision on extraction at Jackdaw and Rosebank fields may fall to a Burnham administration.
Haviland said importing liquid gas is more expensive and less environmentally friendly than using domestic assets.
The BCC represents 50,000 businesses employing 7.5 million people.
The BCC has published research suggesting the cost of doing business has risen by 70% in a decade.
Haviland said taxing business further would be “a road to ruin” and a “downward spiral.”
Politicians including Labour chancellor Rachel Reeves and Green leader Zack Polanski will address the BCC conference.
The energy secretary, Ed Miliband, is seen as sceptical about giving the go-ahead for Jackdaw and Rosebank.
Haviland said 25% of BCC members were struggling to pay energy bills before the Iran crisis.
Shadow chancellor Mel Stride will warn Burnham to rule out raising business taxes immediately.
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey will argue for rejoining the single market and customs union to kickstart economic growth.
Key figures
Shevaun Haviland, director of the British Chambers of Commerce
Andy Burnham, outgoing Manchester mayor and likely prime minister
Rachel Reeves, Labour chancellor
Zack Polanski, Green leader
Ed Miliband, energy secretary
Mel Stride, shadow chancellor
Ed Davey, Lib Dem leader
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI director general
Sources: The Guardian
