Scottish First Minister John Swinney is facing increased pressure to endorse new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, following public support for two major developments from within his own party. Aberdeen Central MSP Jack Middleton, a former key adviser to Swinney, has backed the Jackdaw and Rosebank projects, adding to the scrutiny on the Scottish National Party (SNP).
This situation arises weeks after the SNP experienced a significant defeat in the Aberdeen South by-election, which the Conservative party had framed as a local referendum on oil and gas policy. Middleton was joined in his support for the developments by Kirsty Blackman, the SNP MP for Aberdeen North and chief whip for the party in the House of Commons. Despite this backing, the SNP government has not yet clarified its position on the licences for these two fields, and the SNP's Westminster group has also remained non-committal.
Scottish Conservative energy spokesman Liam Kerr criticized Swinney's administration, stating, "The Scottish Conservatives have backed these new projects for years but John Swinney still refuses to back new drilling in the North Sea." He suggested that Middleton's stance reflects a recognition of the party's "reckless stance" which contributed to their electoral losses in Aberdeen.
Historically, the SNP government, under Nicola Sturgeon, maintained a "presumption against" new oil and gas drilling. The current policy, however, assesses new projects "on a case-by-case basis for their climate compatibility."
Middleton and Blackman are among approximately 2,000 individuals who have signed an open letter from the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce urging approval for the Jackdaw and Rosebank projects. In a social media video, Middleton articulated his belief in supporting Scottish jobs, enhancing national energy security, and fostering the renewable energy sector. He argued that the UK's reliance on imported fuels from the Middle East and countries aligned with Russia poses a risk, and that utilizing domestic North Sea resources would decrease the UK's carbon footprint compared to shipping liquefied natural gas globally.
Middleton also highlighted the potential economic benefits, stating that Jackdaw and Rosebank could generate billions in tax revenue for the UK government. He proposed that this revenue be ring-fenced and invested in Scotland's renewable energy industry. While his comments specifically pertained to the two fields, he indicated they were nearing a final consultation phase.
Stephen Flynn, MSP for Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine and a potential successor to Swinney, has also been advocating for the SNP to firmly support the North Sea industry. Following the Conservative victory in Flynn's former seat of Aberdeen South, he acknowledged it was a "tough night in Aberdeen that some will need to reflect on quite heavily."
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government stated that while decisions on offshore oil and gas projects fall under the UK government's purview, ministers agree on the importance of energy security and investment in Scotland's energy sector. The government also concurs that individual North Sea projects must be evaluated for climate compatibility, as required by law.
Russell Borthwick, chief executive of the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the significance of these projects for jobs, businesses, and families across northeast Scotland and the wider UK supply chain. He argued that the UK requires large-scale projects like Jackdaw and Rosebank for energy security, economic growth, and a just transition for workers. Borthwick concluded that it is counterproductive to increase reliance on imported fuels while turning away domestic investment, jobs, and tax revenue, advocating for a pragmatic approach that backs domestic production.