The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
UK’s broad shoulders saved Scotland after North Sea oil collapse
Theresa May said the fall in oil prices shows how crucial the union is
Theresa May has said Scotland was only able to “weather the storm” of the collapse in North Sea oil revenues because “of the UK’s broad shoulders”.
The Prime Minister said Scotland’s public services emerged “unscathed” from the crisis because of the support provided by being in the UK.
She also accused the SNP of presiding over a nation where many are “only just” getting by while “those at the top seem to flourish with ease”.
She made the comments in a Facebook statement pitched at wooing Scottish voters ahead of the Conservative Party conference this weekend.
Mrs May said: “It has become even clearer in recent months that the union which really matters to Scotland’s future is its union with England, Wales and Northern Ireland, our centuries-long ties of people, trade, history, culture and values.
“The fall in oil prices demonstrates just how crucial that relationship is financially: Scotland was able to weather that downturn because of the UK’s broad shoulders.
“Tax revenues from the North Sea collapsed but funding for Scottish public services remained unscathed.
“That is how our union works: we share each other’s successes when times are good, and shoulder each other’s burdens when times are tough.”
Scotland’s share of North Sea oil revenue fell by 97% in the past financial year, reigniting the debate over whether an independent Scotland could afford to finance itself.
Mrs May stressed the Conservatives “hold dearly the precious bond” of the UK and will “fully engage with” the Scottish Government as they draw up the UK’s Brexit negotiating position.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said Brexit offers “an exciting chance to forge a new role in the world”, with Scotland playing a key part.
Mrs May said the focus of the conference would be on “getting a better deal for the UK abroad” in exiting the EU.
She said: “As I told the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, when I met her at Bute House – my first visit outside London as Prime Minister, on only my second full day in the job – we will engage fully with and are willing to listen to options from the Scottish Government as we formulate our negotiating position for leaving the EU.
“There should be no doubt – we will get a deal that works for us all.”
The fall in oil prices demonstrates just how crucial that relationship is financially: Scotland was able to weather that downturn because of the UK’s broad shoulders. THERESA MAY