Scottish independence: BP boss hopes Scots vote No

ENERGY giant BP has said the future of North Sea oil and gas is best served by maintaining the integrity of the United Kingdom.
Bob Dudley believes the future of North Sea oil and gas is best served by maintaining the Union's integrity. Picture: GettyBob Dudley believes the future of North Sea oil and gas is best served by maintaining the Union's integrity. Picture: Getty
Bob Dudley believes the future of North Sea oil and gas is best served by maintaining the Union's integrity. Picture: Getty

The company has responded to comments by oil and gas expert Sir Ian Wood, who said nationalists are “painting an overly-optimistic picture which is galvanising voters into making a decision we could all live to regret”.

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Following statements made today by Sir Ian, BP Group chief executive Bob Dudley said: “BP has been in the UK North Sea for 50 years and we hope to operate here for many years to come.

“However, the province is now mature and I believe Sir Ian Wood correctly assesses its future potential.

“The opportunities today are smaller and more challenging to develop than in the past. We also face the challenges of extending the productive life of existing assets and managing the future costs of decommissioning. Much of this activity requires fiscal support to be economic, and future long-term investments require fiscal stability and certainty.

“Our business invests for decades into the future. It is important our plans are based on a realistic view of the North Sea’s future potential and the challenges the industry faces in continuing to operate here.

“As a major investor in Scotland - now and into the future - BP believes that the future prospects for the North Sea are best served by maintaining the existing capacity and integrity of the United Kingdom.”

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