Shell Calls On Scotland to Remain in the UK

UK-based Royal Dutch Shell called on Scotland to remain in the United Kingdom, adding that the independence would decrease certainties for investors.

“We’d like to see Scotland remain part of the United Kingdom. One of the many things we value about the U.K. is the continuity and stability it offers,” Ben van Beurden, Shell’s chief executive officer, said on Wednesday.

According to a recent report, Scotland could face high hurdles to efficiently tap the resources in the UK Continental Shelf. The analysis also suggests that oil and gas production can be increased by one third, reversing the 40% decline occurred in the last 3 years.

Scotland will vote on whether to separate from the UK in September. The division of energy assets would be discussed just in case the majority voted for independence. According to preliminary data, 90% of the reserves in the North Sea would be in Scottish waters.