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Piper Alpha tribute plan unveiled Piper Alpha tribute plan unveiled
(41 minutes later)
One of the survivors of the Piper Alpha disaster has unveiled plans for a lasting way of paying tribute to each one of the victims.One of the survivors of the Piper Alpha disaster has unveiled plans for a lasting way of paying tribute to each one of the victims.
Ed Punchard's plan for 167 scholarships to honour those who died on the North Sea platform came a few days before the 20th anniversary.Ed Punchard's plan for 167 scholarships to honour those who died on the North Sea platform came a few days before the 20th anniversary.
He was launching it in the Commons as Piper Alpha was debated by MPs. He launched it in the Commons as Piper Alpha was debated by MPs.
Lib Dem MP Malcolm Bruce claimed some oil companies were delaying maintenance to capitalise on high oil prices. The debate heard claims that some oil companies were delaying maintenance to capitalise on high oil prices.
The Gordon MP was among politicians who said concerns had been raised that some operators were concentrating on reaping the benefits of high oil prices, rather than maintaining their platforms. Lib Dem MP Malcolm Bruce was among politicians who said concerns had been raised.
We need to empower a new generation of young people who will be involved in the oil and gas industry in the future Ed PunchardPiper Alpha survivorWe need to empower a new generation of young people who will be involved in the oil and gas industry in the future Ed PunchardPiper Alpha survivor
The Gordon MP said: "I am concerned over reported delays in the maintenance of oil platforms.
"It would be dangerous if delays were occurring because producers were seeking to maximise production at current high oil prices, as has been suggested."
Department of Work and Pensions minister Anne McGuire urged the industry to "raise its game" on safety standards, to ensure the UK's standards were the highest in the world.Department of Work and Pensions minister Anne McGuire urged the industry to "raise its game" on safety standards, to ensure the UK's standards were the highest in the world.
MPs held a minute's silence at the end of the Commons debate.MPs held a minute's silence at the end of the Commons debate.
Meanwhile, Mr Punchard said: "It is extremely important to remember the 167 individuals who were lost."
Industry fundingIndustry funding
He said the victims of the North Sea platform disaster, on 6 July, 1988, should be remembered in a way that is about the future and not the past. Meanwhile, Mr Punchard said it was "extremely important" to remember the 167 individuals who died.
He said the victims of the North Sea platform disaster, on 6 July, 1988, should be remembered in a way which was about the future rather than the past.
Mr Punchard explained: "I believe that we need to empower a new generation of young people who will be involved in the oil and gas industry in the future, so that they will be fully aware of the dangers inherent in the industry and the need for the highest levels of safety at every level."Mr Punchard explained: "I believe that we need to empower a new generation of young people who will be involved in the oil and gas industry in the future, so that they will be fully aware of the dangers inherent in the industry and the need for the highest levels of safety at every level."
He called on the oil and gas industry to fund a 20th anniversary Piper Alpha memorial scholarship scheme, allowing graduate students to apply for one of 167 places, each one in the name of one of the victims.He called on the oil and gas industry to fund a 20th anniversary Piper Alpha memorial scholarship scheme, allowing graduate students to apply for one of 167 places, each one in the name of one of the victims.
Aberdeen North Labour MP Frank Doran said it was important to remember the scale of the loss in Piper Alpha, and the consequences for survivors and relatives.Aberdeen North Labour MP Frank Doran said it was important to remember the scale of the loss in Piper Alpha, and the consequences for survivors and relatives.