Aberdeen Labour has been accused of “hiding behind party lines” instead of standing up for the community as anger grows over the UK Government’s decision to retain the windfall tax.
Industry leaders reacted furiously after Chancellor Rachel Reeves rejected pleas to reform the levy, warning it will cost the North-east thousands of jobs, although Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the Labour government had “listened” to workers.
When asked whether they supported the decision and were satisfied with backing for the offshore sector, only one of Aberdeen’s 11 Labour councillors responded, issuing a joint statement on behalf of the group.
Aberdeen Labour group leader M Tauqeer Malik said: “Even with the Energy Profits Levy remaining until 2030, Aberdeen’s energy sector continues to have a strong and positive outlook,” praising “world-class skills” but offering no direct view on the tax decision.
North East MSP Douglas Lumsden accused Labour councillors of “running scared”, saying.
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