Chamber calls for oil and gas tribunals to be located in Aberdeen
A leading North-east business organisation is calling on the UK government to hold oil and gas tribunal hearings in the city.
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce states that locating the legal hearings in Aberdeen would demonstrate the Government’s commitment to the continued success of the oil and gas sector there.
The recently created Oil & Gas Authority is headquartered in Aberdeen, and oil and gas companies will have the right to appeal the body’s decisions in tribunals.
The Chamber cites the proximity of oil and gas operators and staff, the local legal expertise and associated cost savings in travel costs as reasons for holding the hearings in Aberdeen.
James Bream, research & policy director at the Chamber, said: “We have been supportive of the creation of the Oil & Gas Authority and its location in Aberdeen recognises the city’s role at the centre of activity in the UK Continental Shelf.
“As the oil and gas capital of Europe, both the private and public sector have a role in anchoring the region’s worldwide status, and locating the tribunal team in the city would help support these objectives.”
Media enquiries to Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
Joanna Fraser, Communications Team Leader
Tel: +44 (0)1224 343926
Mob: +44 (0) 7891 547 965
Email: joanna.fraser@agcc.co.uk
Twitter: @chambertalk