By Fatma Younis
The UK Government announced plans to ban new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea this week. Scottish First Minister John Swinney told MSPs on Thursday that his government opposes the ban, marking a shift from the previous administration's presumption against new licensing.
UK Government ban plan
The UK Government's proposal would halt all new exploration licences in the North Sea, a move aimed at accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels.
Swinney's opposition
Swinney stated that the Scottish Government is against the UK Government's attempts to ban new exploration, arguing that the decision should involve Scottish input.
Campaigners' criticism
Dr Rosie Hampton, principal policy adviser at anti-fossil fuel campaigners Uplift, described Swinney's response as "incoherent." She said new licensing would do nothing meaningful for Scotland's energy security, noting that industry-supported jobs have more than halved in the past decade and that even the oil and gas lobby accepts the ban on new exploration licences.
Call for transition plan
Hampton urged the Scottish Government to deliver a coherent transition plan focused on public investment in homegrown renewables, creating secure long-term jobs and cutting household bills. The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
