The Scottish government's 2023 energy strategy set out a presumption against new oil and gas drilling. The UK government's Energy Independence Bill would remove the North Sea Transition Authority's ability to grant fresh licences, in line with a Labour manifesto pledge. The bill does not affect the decision on whether to allow drilling at Rosebank off Shetland, the UK's largest known untapped field, which was approved in 2022 before being subject to legal challenges. Swinney has repeatedly refused to say whether he explicitly supports drilling at Rosebank.
Swinney told MSPs: 'The government has set out our view that because we are going to be using oil and gas for years to come there is a rational basis for considering oil and gas developments within our own jurisdiction if they offer lower carbon emissions than imported oil and gas.' He said the bill includes measures his government supports, 'but we do not support the provisions of that bill in relation to the position on the granting of new licences'. He said any particular application needs to be considered in relation to its impact on the government's carbon reduction target and the fact that oil and gas will be used for some years to come.
Under his predecessor Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish government proposed a presumption against new oil and gas developments. The Swinney administration appears to have moved away from that position, especially since the outbreak of war in the Middle East, though ministers continue to stress that developments should be compatible with Scotland's carbon reduction ambitions.
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay described Swinney's comments as a 'shocking U-turn'. 'It is a huge departure from only a few years ago when the Scottish government was committed to a presumption against oil and gas,' she said. 'When even the UK government is taking a stronger position, it shows how far the SNP has drifted. It is a shameful retreat and a slap in the face for future generations.'
Reform UK Scotland leader Malcolm Offord said: 'I welcome this breaking news from the first minister as it overrules the SNP's long-standing presumption against new oil and gas exploration.'
The UK government said the bill could produce about 60 million barrels of oil and support hundreds of jobs, vowing to sustain 'growth and investment across North Sea communities as the energy sector transitions'. The bill would also formally scrap gas standing charges and introduce grid connection reforms. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said it would help to 'build a clean energy future which people feel in their pockets, households and communities'.
The SNP will seek to remove the ban on new drilling from the bill. If unsuccessful, the party will oppose the legislation despite supporting other measures within it.