KEIR Starmer is under pressure to name Aberdeen as the headquarters of Labour’s Great British Energy project.
More than 750 business leaders have called for the flagship scheme to be based in the city – saying it is best placed to house GB Energy because Aberdeen is a central hub for the energy sector.
While Labour have promised GB Energy will be based in Scotland, they have refused to be drawn on a more precise location.
Signatories to the letter to the Prime Minister include billionaire oil tycoon Ian Wood (above), top investment banker Martin Gilbert and Douglas Craig, the head of the multinational procurement firm Craig Group.
The letter, signed by 750 business leaders, was co-ordinated by the Aberdeen and Grampain Chamber of Commerce.
READ MORE: Broadcaster Iain Dale left red-faced after dig at Spain's anthem
Russell Borthwick, the chamber’s chief executive, said: “Headquartering GB Energy in Aberdeen will send a clear message that the city region will remain a globally recognised energy hub and the engine room for a green transition.
“The business community of Aberdeen and Grampian is calling on Labour to recognise our strengths, to put their faith in us, and to locate Great British Energy in Aberdeen.”
And he took a swipe at Labour’s plans to tax the energy sector, adding: “The Labour Party has stated that you wish to fund GB Energy by levying taxes on this sector.
“We believe that there should be some benefit in return.”
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray (below) was evasive when asked about the plans on Friday, the Press and Journal reports.
He said: "I’ve only been in this job a week, with all the bids that I’ve had there is probably going to have to be 72 GB Energies to satisfy the whole of Scotland.
“We made the commitment it would be based in Scotland.
“It will be headquartered here for a number of very good practical reasons but also because this is where the energy is being produced, and therefore it should be here.
“It will be announced soon. But I can guarantee a scoop, it will definitely be in Scotland.”
READ MORE: Ministers bow to salmon industry pressure on toxic pesticide
But Aberdeen could face a strong challenge in a rival bid for the Highlands to host GB Energy.
A group including Inverness Chamber of Commerce chief executive Colin Marr, Highland Council CEO Derek Brown last week wrote to Energy Secretary Ed Milliband (below) calling for it to be based in their patch.
While previously touted as a publicly-owned energy company, Labour have since clarified it will not produce energy itself.
The project will instead be used to put public money into green energy companies, with the aim of boosting private investment.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel