Why can’t you give a straight answer on oil, Mr Swinney? ‘Pathetic’ First Minister refuses to say SEVEN TIMES if he supports Rosebank oil field

Scottish First Minister John Swinney declined seven times to say whether he supports or opposes the Rosebank oilfield, prompting criticism from political opponents. The exchange matters because the project raises questions about jobs, energy security and climate policy, while its approval is subject to a legal assessment.

Swinney said the application must be considered through a quasi-judicial process, including a test comparing Rosebank’s emissions with those from importing energy supplies. Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay asked him five times for a yes-or-no answer; Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra and Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer also pressed him. The SNP’s recent conference passed a motion favouring domestic production over imports, while opponents say Rosebank’s climate impact must be assessed.