It would surely be no skin off the government's chin to talk up the North Sea, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell.

And it would be ridiculous to suggest in any way that the North Sea sector is irrelevant.

There was much fuel for thought in a list of suggested “actions needed to kick-start the UK North Sea” published last Thursday by a major player in the territory.

The intervention was made against the backdrop of elevated crude oil prices arising from the Middle East conflict.

It came from David Latin, chairman of Serica Energy.

Some of his suggestions were, not surprisingly, around the energy profits levy or “windfall tax”, the issue of new field developments and the UK Government’s decision not to award new exploration licences.

Mr Latin made very pertinent points on these hot topics.

What really hit home, however, was his seemingly heartfelt plea on the UK Government’s attitude towards the North Sea.

And he certainly made a most persuasive argument in this regard, in what was the final element of his “four-point plan”.

Highlighting what he would like to see on this front, Mr Latin declared: “Finally, talk about the UK North Sea sector as a national asset; a longstanding source of economic value, world-class skills and immense pride amongst the people and communities involved. Too often in reports and ministerial statements, the sector is referred to in terms which imply irrelevance despite it being the single largest source of energy in the UK, or being less desirable than other sectors even though it supports some 200,000 jobs, many of which are highly skilled.

“The people working in the sector, or dependent on it across the country, deserve better. Moreover, a sector talked up rather than down will deliver more, benefiting the country as a whole.”

His warning against the complete mischaracterisation of the sector should be heeded. It would be ridiculous to suggest in any........

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