Mary Creagh MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, responding to the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) North Sea Helicopter report, said:

“This report is a wake-up call to the oil and gas industry about the need to improve the safety culture of helicopter operations in the North Sea. Avoiding flights in storm conditions, installing on-board safety equipment, and extending CAA regulation to heliports should all help significantly to avoid further tragedies in the North Sea.”

Margaret Curran MP, Labour’s Shadow Scottish Secretary said:

“Since 1992, 51 people have died as a result of helicopter accidents in the North Sea. This review of helicopter safety was long overdue, and we welcome its findings. The oil and gas industry is vital for Scotland and for the thousands of people who work in the North Sea. The CAA, the industry and trade unions now need to work together to implement the recommendations.”