Both candidates for the Scottish Labour leadership have called for decisions on the Rosebank oil and Jackdaw gas fields to be made “as soon as possible”, warning that jobs and the North Sea supply chain are at stake.
Michael Marra said producing oil and gas domestically could be cleaner than relying on imports and described continued drilling as “vital” for the North-east and public finances.
He said: “I want to see that decision as soon as possible, but I know that it's a challenging decision for the UK government.”
“We need to move faster to make sure we can secure proper investment in the North Sea,” he added.
Joe Fagan also urged the UK Government to approve the projects, warning that offshore supply chains risked being “destroyed” without progress.
He said: “What's important for me is that they make that decision as soon as possible.”
Fagan added: “I would put pressure on the UK government to make a decision quicker and to make the right decision for the Scottish and UK economy”.
UK ministers are expected to decide the future of both projects following the conclusion of recent consultations.