Swinney’s silence on Rosebank reflects reliance on Green support
The article argues that Scottish First Minister John Swinney has avoided stating whether he supports the Rosebank oil field because he needs the Scottish Greens’ backing to keep his minority SNP government functioning. It criticises his leadership as focused on administrative changes rather than outcomes, and says voters deserve a clearer account of his position on Scottish jobs and energy.
Rosebank is an oil field off Shetland, and the article frames its development as a choice involving both employment and climate policy. Swinney said the application must be assessed through a quasi-judicial process, including comparison with imported oil and gas. The writer says the Greens, including Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay, have influence over government policy despite not holding ministerial posts; the article also traces their role in government to Nicola Sturgeon’s decision to bring them in.
In short
- Swinney has not stated his position on Rosebank.
- The article links his caution to dependence on Green support.
- Rosebank puts jobs and climate policy in focus.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Swinney’s caution can be defended as respect for a quasi-judicial assessment that should weigh the project’s merits, including its climate effects and comparison with imported fuels, before ministers reach a position. Given the SNP’s reliance on Green support, avoiding a premature commitment may also help keep the government functioning while it addresses energy policy and employment.
The case against
Voters can reasonably expect the First Minister to explain how he weighs the jobs and energy security associated with Rosebank against its climate costs, even while the application is assessed independently. Silence risks making a consequential policy choice appear driven by the need to retain Green backing, and may leave the public unclear about the government’s priorities.
Explained simply
Rosebank is an undeveloped oil and gas field west of Shetland. Its proposed development raises questions about jobs and energy supply, as well as the climate impact of producing more oil and gas.
John Swinney leads the SNP minority government in Scotland, which relies on support from other parties to pass measures. The Scottish Greens, including MSPs Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay, can influence its decisions without holding ministerial posts; their earlier involvement in government began under former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The field’s application is subject to a formal assessment process. The debate also reflects wider questions about how Scotland balances employment, energy needs and climate policy.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “STEPHEN DAISLEY: John Swinney is frozen in fear of the Greens… the SNP’s new slogan has become ‘It’s Scotland’s oil but Ross Greer’s call’”.