Groups representing the offshore and Scottish renewables industries have joined forces to urge the Chancellor to replace the oil and gas windfall tax.

In a joint letter to Rachel Reeves and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband , Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) and Scottish Renewables argue that the Energy Profits Levy needs urgent replacement.

The tax on the profits of oil and gas producers was raised to 38% last year.

Both trade bodies also appealed to the UK Government for increased funding for offshore wind.

This marks the first time both groups have made such a joint intervention.

Chief executives David Whitehouse of OEUK and Claire Mack of Scottish Renewables warned of a jobs gap if action is not taken.

Their letter states: "Our energy future stands at a critical juncture.

"Unless we slow

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