Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament on 9 February 2016.
I agree with the Deputy First Minister’s broad analysis of Total’s reason for its investment and, indeed, its commitment to staying the course on the project, given gas prices. However, with regard to his representations to the chancellor prior to the budget, does the Deputy First Minister accept that there is going to be a deal of decommissioning in the east Shetland basin in particular and that it is very important that the tax relief that is provided for decommissioning goes to ensure that that work stays in the UK? We would rather have it in Scotland, but it should certainly stay in the UK and not go to Norway, as some already has.