Budget 2013: Budget is defining moment for UK energy, says expert

20 Mar 2013 | 02:38 pm |

Commenting on the announcements made by the Chancellor in his Budget today, Head of Energy and Natural Resources, Bob Ruddiman, said: "Today's announcement of a ‘shale gas field allowance’ and a generous tax regime for shale will ultimately define how the industry will develop."

"The Chancellor indicated there would be community participation in the shale revolution. History proves this is easier said than implemented.

"The Chancellor indicated that the contract for decommissioning will be available to view soon. This is a good example of industry and politics working together to provide an outcome that will benefit all stakeholders.

"The Conservative Party was clear about its support for the industry and have demonstrated their commitment.  The Treasury were slightly blind sided by this previously and now is the opportunity to take positive action.

"This is crucial for the industry and there will be disappointment in the market if there is the same kind of delays and confusion as we've previously seen with energy policy. Lessons have been learned from mistakes made by successive governments in respect of both the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors. 

"We hope to see a speedy and smooth running process leading to decisions being made and enabling shale gas to develop in the UK."

Latest press releases

Show me all press releases

Pinsent Masons appoints contractor-side infrastructure specialist as partner in Sydney

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has appointed Jonathan Stafford as a partner in its Sydney office, further strengthening its energy and infrastructure projects capability across Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

Pinsent Masons supports SGE on joint venture project for the development of small modular reactors

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised SGE on entering into a shareholders’ agreement with ZE PAK concerning the establishment of PAK BWRX. The company’s purpose will be to develop and operate six reactors using BWRX-300 technology, with a combined capacity of 1.8 GW.

Pinsent Masons achieves highest number of Legal 500 UK rankings

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has once again topped the Legal 500 UK rankings, securing both the highest number of overall rankings and the most Tier One rankings.

People who viewed this press release also viewed

Show me all press releases

Pinsent Masons appoints contractor-side infrastructure specialist as partner in Sydney

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has appointed Jonathan Stafford as a partner in its Sydney office, further strengthening its energy and infrastructure projects capability across Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

Pinsent Masons supports SGE on joint venture project for the development of small modular reactors

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised SGE on entering into a shareholders’ agreement with ZE PAK concerning the establishment of PAK BWRX. The company’s purpose will be to develop and operate six reactors using BWRX-300 technology, with a combined capacity of 1.8 GW.

Pinsent Masons achieves highest number of Legal 500 UK rankings

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has once again topped the Legal 500 UK rankings, securing both the highest number of overall rankings and the most Tier One rankings.

For all media enquiries, including arranging an interview with one of our spokespeople, please contact the press office on

+44 (0)20 7418 8199 or 

Location contacts

We are processing your request. \n Thank you for your patience. An error occurred. This could be due to inactivity on the page - please try again.