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Swinney opposes UK plan to ban new North Sea licences
First Minister John Swinney says the Scottish Government opposes the UK Government’s proposed ban on new North Sea oil and gas licences, marking a formal shift from Nicola Sturgeon’s previous presumption against them. The position matters because the legislation could prevent new exploration and has become a point of dispute over Scotland’s energy policy and economy.
Swinney said new licence applications should be assessed against climate targets, while noting that oil and gas will remain in use for years. His spokesman said the SNP will try to remove the ban from the Energy Independence Bill and vote against the Bill if the provisions remain at its final vote. The comments followed questions from Reform UK and the Scottish Conservatives, including whether Swinney supports the Rosebank development.
In short
- Swinney opposes Labour’s proposed ban on new North Sea licences.
- The SNP will seek to remove the ban from the Bill.
- It may vote against the Bill if the ban remains.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of the proposed ban argue that stopping new exploration is a necessary step towards meeting climate targets and shifting investment towards cleaner energy. They say existing fields can supply some demand during the transition, while new licences risk locking in further emissions and delaying that shift.
The case against
Opponents argue that oil and gas will remain in use for years, so banning new licences could weaken energy security and increase reliance on imports. They say applications should be judged against climate targets and other evidence, allowing projects that meet those tests to support jobs and the economy during the transition.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Finally, Swinney breaks with Sturgeon… and backs drilling in the North Sea”.