SNP divided over new North Sea drilling as Swinney avoids taking a position
The SNP is divided over whether Scotland should support new North Sea oil and gas drilling, with senior figures calling for greater use of domestic energy while First Minister John Swinney avoids taking a clear position. The dispute matters because the party conference is due to debate energy policy as Scotland weighs domestic supply, jobs and emissions.
Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn urged delegates to make full use of the North East’s energy resources, and Aberdeen Central MSP Jack Middleton said domestic oil and gas should be prioritised over imports. A trade union group has proposed an amendment seeking higher UK profit levies on fossil fuel producers and polluting industries. Swinney said decisions on fields such as Rosebank and Jackdaw should compare the emissions from domestic production with those from imported oil and gas; Conservative leader Russell Findlay criticised him for not giving a direct answer.
- SNP figures disagree over new North Sea drilling.
- Stephen Flynn and Jack Middleton back greater use of domestic resources.
- John Swinney says emissions should inform decisions on new fields.
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The SNP is Scotland’s main pro-independence party and forms the Scottish Government. Its members are debating how to balance energy supply, employment and climate targets as North Sea oil and gas fields decline.
The North Sea has long supported jobs and energy production in Scotland, particularly around Aberdeen. Supporters of new drilling say it could help meet demand and sustain skilled work; opponents point to the emissions from producing and burning fossil fuels and argue that Scotland should expand cleaner energy.
The debate also reflects a wider question about whether importing oil and gas would cause more or less pollution than producing it at home. The Rosebank and Jackdaw fields are proposed projects in the North Sea, while a trade union group’s call for higher taxes on fossil fuel companies adds a question about how the industry should contribute.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of new North Sea drilling argue that using domestic reserves could strengthen energy security, reduce reliance on imports and sustain jobs and expertise in Scotland’s energy sector. They also say production should be judged against the emissions associated with importing equivalent supplies, while a levy on fossil fuel profits could help fund public priorities.
The case against
Opponents argue that approving new fields risks locking in fossil fuel production and emissions when climate goals require a shift towards cleaner energy. They may favour directing investment and workers’ skills towards renewables and argue that domestic production does not by itself resolve the climate impact of continued oil and gas use.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “SNP split on future of the North Sea… as Swinney sits on fence”.