Oral Answers to Questions

Alison Griffiths Excerpts

Wednesday 10th June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Alexander]

Yes.

[Alison Griffiths (Bognor Regis and Littlehampton) (Con)]

4. What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on levels of employment in the oil and gas sector in Scotland.

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Douglas Alexander)]

I have ongoing discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the oil and gas sector’s future in Scotland, focusing on ensuring that our oil and gas workers have a future as part of our transition to clean energy. Indeed, the Chancellor and I met oil and gas sector leaders earlier this year.

[Alison Griffiths]

Many businesses in my Bognor Regis and Littlehampton constituency depend on contracts linked to the North sea energy sector. With this Labour Government driving disinvestment and deindustrialisation, skilled workers are fleeing the industry. Every Member in this House will have constituents whose employment relies on this wider supply chain. Does the Secretary of State understand the chilling effect that his Government’s policies are having on business confidence and investment in this vital industry?

[Mr Alexander]

It seems to have slipped the hon. Lady’s mind that the energy profits levy was introduced by the previous Conservative Government. It also seems to have slipped her mind that fully a third of the jobs in the North sea were lost during the Conservative Government’s time in office. They failed time and time again to come up with any credible plan. The status quo of that lost decade was 70,000 fewer jobs in the North sea.