Banff and Buchan MP stresses importance of A90 and A96 dualling at the Scottish Conservative conference in Aberdeen
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
David Duguid MP has underlined the importance of oil and gas, the food and drink sector and the need to dual the A90 and A96 during a speech at the Scottish Conservative Party Conference in Aberdeen.
During the event at the TECA, The Banff and Buchan MP spoke of his continuing determination to help the fishing industry, which he said has benefited significantly from being out of the Common Fisheries Policy.
Mr Duguid said catches and landings have increased while Scotland “has never had a stronger voice in annual quota negotiations”, benefits communities including Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Macduff and Buckie.
He stated that this would be sacrificed under the SNP’s intention of re-joining the EU.
The MP, who is standing for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East at the next General Election following boundary changes, also reiterated the need to dual the A90 between Ellon and Peterhead, including a roundabout at Toll of Birness.
Mr Duguid questioned former First Minister Alex Salmond at the Scottish Affairs Committee last week following his promise to dual the road in 2007.
He also said he was angry at the false promises given by the SNP to dual the A96 which is now under review following their coalition with the greens.
Mr Duguid also spoke of the Scottish Government’s failures to improve broadband across Scotland through its R100 programme which had failed to connect a single property in Banff and Buchan.
Banff and Buchan Conservative MP David Duguid said: “Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland has been the centre of excellence for oil and gas for almost 50 years.
“I believe we will continue to lead the world. Not just in making the energy transition a success, but in showing the world how it’s done.
“Whether it’s the SNP’s ‘presumption against new oil and gas’ or Labour’s ‘just stop oil’ approach, it’s clear only the Conservatives have a sensible energy policy for our country’s future.”
He added: “There is huge growth in global demand for high quality food and drink in the North East, including the fish and seafood landed in Peterhead and Fraserburgh – such as mackerel and langoustines.
“Since leaving the EU and the Common Fisheries Policy, not only have we seen catches and landings increase but since the UK became an independent coastal state, the Scottish Government’s own officials have never had a stronger voice in annual quota negotiations.
“But again, the SNP would gladly sacrifice that by re-joining the CFP.”
Mr Duguid continued: “On roads, remember the SNP’s promises to fully dual the A96 -not delivered.
“Remember Alex Salmond in 2007 promising that the A90 would be dualled north of Ellon? It didn’t happen.
“Today’s SNP Scottish Government have effectively admitted that the A90 is just not a priority for them.
“The people, communities and businesses of north-east Scotland are not a priority for the SNP.”
