Swinney's Energy Power Push: SNP's First-Day Pledge for Holyrood Control
First Minister John Swinney has declared that an SNP government, if re-elected in May, will immediately demand the transfer of energy policy powers from Westminster to Holyrood. Speaking ahead of a visit to north-east Scotland, Swinney outlined plans to draft a Section 30 order on the first day after his potential re-election, aiming to bring Scotland's energy resources under Scottish control.
Section 30 and the Independence Link
Section 30 of the Scotland Act, previously used to enable the 2014 independence referendum, allows the UK Government to devolve powers. Swinney argued that granting this move would demonstrate that independence is the sole path to reducing household energy bills, given Scotland's vast energy wealth, particularly from North Sea oil and gas. However, Westminster is widely expected to reject such a request, citing the strategic value of Scotland's energy sector.
The First Minister stated: "Scotland is one of the most energy-rich nations globally, yet we endure some of Europe's highest bills. For decades, our energy wealth has flowed south to the Treasury instead of benefiting Scots. Westminster's control has led to soaring bills, job losses, and blocked investments—it's failing on every front."
Unfinalised Strategy and Political Criticism
The SNP's energy strategy remains in draft form, initially published under Nicola Sturgeon with a presumption against new oil and gas projects. A spokesman attributed the delay to global sector volatility and confusion caused by UK Government policies. Swinney emphasised that a referendum on independence would take time, so he seeks to start the journey with immediate energy devolution to address current crises.
"If Westminster won't act to lower bills, they should step aside for a government that will," Swinney added. "Scotland's energy should be in Scotland's hands. A UK refusal would only confirm that independence is the only way to harness our resources for our people."
Opposition Responses and Tory Campaign
Scottish Tory energy spokesman Douglas Lumsden dismissed the pledge as a cover for "two decades of failure," criticising Swinney for blocking North Sea projects like Rosebank and Jackdaw, opposing nuclear power, and promoting disruptive infrastructure. Scottish Labour finance spokesman Michael Marra accused the SNP of squandering clean energy potential, breaking promises on a publicly-owned energy company and green jobs.
Meanwhile, UK Tory leader Kemi Badenoch campaigned in the north-east, launching a "get Britain drilling" initiative to end bans on new oil and gas licences and scrap windfall taxes. She proposed cutting bills by £200 through VAT removal and levy reductions, contrasting with Labour's approach. SNP candidate Jack Middleton countered, accusing the Tories and Labour of treating Scotland's energy as a "cash cow" and highlighting job losses from Westminster policies.
This debate underscores deep divisions over energy governance, with Swinney framing devolution as a critical step toward economic autonomy and bill relief, while opponents question the SNP's record and feasibility.
