Tom Greatrex, MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West and Scottish Labour’s Shadow Energy Minister, commenting after BP boss Bob Dudley warned of the ‘big uncertainties’ relating to Scottish separation, said:

“The warning of uncertainty, instability and impact on activity from BP today is one that echoes concerns expressed by others in the energy sector – including SSE, Scottish Power and Infinis.

“Bob Dudley has made clear that the unanswered questions arising from the SNP’s desire to see Scotland leave the UK are a cause of significant concern to his business - and will be a concern to thousands of other businesses, large and small.

 “As Sir Ian Wood’s influential Interim Report on the future of the North Sea made it clear, we need greater collaboration and cooperation to get the most from this diminishing resource. In oil and gas, as in other sectors, it makes no sense for us to be talking about putting up barriers and making business more difficult.

“Businesses and investors benefit from the Union, in which risks are shared and opportunities are pooled. The SNP’s efforts to separate Scotland from the rest of the UK are a palpable threat to jobs and investment here in Scotland.

“I welcome Mr Dudley’s ongoing personal support for Scotland remaining part of the UK, and hope that other leading business people will join him in contributing their views on the important decision we in Scotland will take in September.”