Deputy First Minister (DFM) John Swinney has called on the UK Government to take urgent action for the North Sea oil and gas industry.

In a letter written to the Chancellor George Osbourne, Mr Swinney said the "indecision and inconsistency" of Westminster's energy policy has placed Scottish investment and jobs "at risk".

The DFM also sets out urgent action that the UK Government must take, including:

• Immediate action to substantially reduce the overall tax burden in the industry

• The removal of fiscal barriers to exploration and enhanced oil recovery

• Improved access to decommissioning tax relief

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• Urgent consideration of non-fiscal support, such as government loan guarantees

In his letter, Mr Swinney said: "Scotland's oil and gas sector is one of our country's main industrial and economic success stories. However, the industry and its workforce are currently facing a range of challenges.

"We are using our devolved powers to provide support where possible, for example establishing the Energy Jobs Taskforce, and introducing a new £12 million Transition Training Fund to support workers transition into other roles in energy and other sectors.

"Today I repeat my calls for immediate action from the Chancellor in his March Budget to ensure the significant potential of the North Sea is realised. The Scottish Government has been engaging with the industry, unions, and the Oil and Gas Authority to address the challenges facing the Oil and Gas sector. There is consensus across stakeholders that the loss of highly skilled workers and critical infrastructure could be realised if urgent action is not taken.

"UK Government inaction at this time could threaten the prosperity of the oil and gas industry."

(LM/CD)