Two leading Scottish Labour leadership contenders, Joe Fagan and Michael Marra, have voiced support for new North Sea drilling approvals. The candidates, who have secured enough nominations to stand in the contest to replace Anas Sarwar, expressed their views following a hustings event in Stirling.
Marra described the decision on drilling licenses as "finely balanced" but argued that oil and gas could be produced more cleanly within the UK than through imports. He emphasized the potential economic benefits for the north-east of Scotland and for public finances, stating, "We need to move faster to make sure we can secure proper investment in the North Sea." He added that a decision on the licenses was needed "as soon as possible," acknowledging it as a challenging decision for the UK government.
Fagan also aligns with this position. Both candidates were asked about their stances on drilling licenses by the Press Association on the eve of voting in the leadership contest. Monica Lennon, another individual who sought to stand, did not secure sufficient support from fellow Labour MSPs.
The debate over new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea has been a significant issue, with environmental groups often protesting against such developments. [IMAGE10] Protests have occurred previously, with demonstrators holding banners against projects like the Rosebank field. The decision on whether to grant new drilling licenses rests with the UK government. {{IMAGE10}}
The leadership contest follows Anas Sarwar's announcement that he will be joining the UK government via the House of Lords. Voting in the contest is scheduled to begin on Monday.