THE Scottish Government has responded after Eric Trump slammed the "horrible mistreatment" of Aberdeen's oil and gas industry.
The president-elect’s son, who runs the daily operations of the Trump business, told GB News: “I can say that of a lot of industries over here who have been totally mistreated: The greatest oil and gas in the world is in Aberdeen.
“Arguably the greatest in the world and the way they've been treated is horrible. All while buying oil from Russia, buying oil from Iran. It makes no sense to me.”
Speaking exclusively to The National, acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin (below) responded to Trump’s comments, saying: “Decisions on offshore oil and gas licensing, as well as the associated fiscal regime, are reserved to the UK Government.
“The Scottish Government is clear that the UK Government must approach licensing on a rigorously evidence-led, case by case, basis – with robust climate compatibility and energy security being key considerations.
“We recognise the huge economic importance of the oil and gas sector and supply chain, which is playing a key role in diversifying to clean energy as part of a just transition.”
Rishi Sunak's government introduced a windfall tax on oil and gas profits in 2022, which the new Labour administration has increased and extended to 2030.
The move prompted US oil firm Apache to announce it will cease operations in the North Sea.
