Dutch govt "unpleasantly surprised" by Shell move to UK

The Dutch government said on November 15 it had "unpleasantly surprised" by Shell's decision to move its head office from the Netherlands to the UK.

"We are unpleasantly surprised by this. The cabinet deeply regrets this intention," the Netherlands' minister for economic affairs and climate, Stef Blok, said on social media. "We are in talks with Shell on the implications of this move for jobs, key investment decisions and sustainability ... Shell has assured us that the personnel consequences of this decision will be limited to the relocation of a number of executive/board positions from the Netherlands to the UK."

The UK government has meanwhile welcomed Shell's announcement, with secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy describing it as a "vote of confidence in the British economy, as we work to strengthen competitiveness, attract investment and create jobs." 

Shell has asked shareholders to vote on the proposal to move its head office. The proposal comes as the oil major faces pressure in the Netherlands to beef up its targets on reducing emissions following a court ruling earlier this year.