Half of MSPs oppose oil and gas licence ban

More than half of all MSPs have backed a campaign criticising the UK Government’s ban on new oil and gas licences.

In the latest sign that the Scottish Government is preparing to ditch its presumption against new licenses, 27 SNP MSPs – including cabinet secretary Angus Robertson – have backed the call.

Over half of the party’s Westminster group have also signed it, including leader Stephen Flynn.

The petition, started by the Unite trade union, recognises the threat of climate change but warns it “cannot be the workers who lose out in the transition”.

The No Ban Without A Plan campaign has now received the support of 65 MSPs, as well as six Scottish MPs.

No Green or Lib Dem MSPs have supported it, but seven Labour MSPs have.

The UK Labour Government moved to ban the granting of any new licenses shortly after the election, though existing licences are being honoured.

However, the government also announced in August it would not challenge judicial reviews being brought against the development of the Roseback and Jackdaw oil fields.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The majority of MSPs are clear that Labour needs to reverse its irresponsible policy banning all new oil and gas licences irrespective of the impact on jobs.

“It is madness to do this without a viable plan including concrete equivalent jobs for North Sea workers and real assurances on energy security. We must not let go of one lifeline until we’ve got hold of another.”

The Scottish Government will shortly publish its long-awaited energy strategy, the draft of which included a proposal to impose a presumption against new offshore exploration.

While it is not in the government’s power to block licences, it would be a hugely symbolic move.

But the policy – first floated in January 2023 – has come under significant pressure recently, including internally within the party.

And there have been suggestions recently that it will be dropped from the final energy strategy, with deputy first minister Kate Forbes saying last year that the SNP was “not against new licences per se”.

Unite’s campaign has been backed by 30 Conservative MSPs, 27 SNP MSPs, seven Labour MSPs and Alba’s Ash Regan.

Brian Leishman is the only Labour MP to back it. He challenged the UK Government yesterday on its failure to support a transition at Grangemouth oil refinery, which is in his constituency.