SNP minister Mairi McAllan has thrown her support behind increased drilling in the North Sea, provided it aligns with climate targets and is necessary for energy security. Speaking on BBC's Question Time, McAllan initially expressed caution but later conceded that new oil and gas projects could go ahead if they meet the criteria.
Her comments come weeks after First Minister John Swinney signaled a shift in the SNP's stance on new offshore fossil fuel licenses, which had been effectively halted since 2023. The debate took place in Aberdeen, where audience members—many affected by job losses—pressed panellists on their positions.
McAllan emphasized that each proposal must be assessed for climate compatibility and energy security. She criticized the UK government's energy profits levy, arguing it stifles investment needed for the transition. When pressed by host Fiona Bruce, she stated, "If it can be demonstrated that it's both climate-compatible and required for energy security, then yes, it should go ahead."
Other party leaders staked out differing positions:
- Scottish Labour's Anas Sarwar called for an end to "ideological opposition" to nuclear energy and urged the UK government to honor existing licenses for Rosebank and Jackdaw fields.
- Reform UK's Malcolm Offord dismissed importing oil from Norway as "daft" and proposed domestic-only extraction agreements.
- Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay advocated for maximum drilling, accusing the SNP of hiding their true position.
- Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton supported exploration if it reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels.
- Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay rejected any new drilling, calling it incompatible with climate goals and energy security.
During the broadcast, a heated exchange erupted between Sarwar and Offord over past claims about working together to oust the SNP. Offord repeated that Sarwar had approached him about collaboration, which Sarwar denied, retorting, "I hope they get absolutely humped in this election." Mackay dismissed the spat as a "boring psychodrama."
The backdrop to the debate includes recent oil price spikes following US President Trump's threats against Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting global energy vulnerabilities. Control of North Sea licensing rests with the UK government, which under Labour has adopted a cautious approach but has approved tiebacks to existing fields.