Cooper welcomes Green Light for Gas and Wind Power

Mark Cooper, the Labour Candidate for the Northern Isles at the Westminster General Election, has welcomed the Chancellor’s proposal to give tax relief to allow the further exploration of the gas fields to the west of Shetland.

Commenting on it, he said “I welcome this proposal and it shows that the commitment of the Chancellor to help secure Britain’s energy future, I hope the proposal is passed when it is debated.”

Mr Cooper then reaffirmed his commitment to renewable energy in Shetland speaking out in favour of the Viking Wind Project.


He said, “I thought long and hard about the project and have come to the decision that this project helps to secure Shetland’s long term future.”

He added, “I recognise that the opponents of the scheme have valid concerns and would call on both sides to work together to address these concerns because we all have the common goal of wanting what it is best for Shetland and working together can achieve this.”

When Mr Cooper became the Labour candidate for the isles in the UK general election he commented that he would be focusing on young people, renewable energy and sustainability and he believes this project helps all of these categories.

Commenting on this Mr Cooper said, “The Viking wind project has the potential to provide employment, a future for young people and the sustainability of key services for the whole community. The potential returns for the Shetland Charitable Trust allow them to invest in helping vulnerable groups and others, which can only be welcomed in this tough economic climate.”

“It will also cement Shetland’s place as a UK leader in the field of renewable energy. The Viking project, coupled with the wave power research announced by Vattenfall and Pelamis Wave Power, could make Shetland a UK leader in the renewable energy field.”

“Also, while there is still oil left, Shetland has to find a viable and sustainable source of energy and employment to replace the oil when it runs out and I firmly believe that wind power is the answer because it is making the most of Shetland’s natural resources.”