SNP MSP Jack Middleton has broken with his party by calling for the UK Government to approve the Jackdaw and Rosebank oil fields. The move comes after the SNP lost the Aberdeen South by-election last month, a contest heavily focused on the future of the oil and gas sector.
Middleton's Stance
Jack Middleton, a former Scottish Government adviser under Humza Yousaf and John Swinney, argued that approving these projects would create thousands of jobs and boost Scotland's economy. In a video posted on X, he stated: "I believe in three key things – supporting Scottish jobs, strengthening our country’s energy security and building the renewables industry that we are going to need in the future."
"Right now, Westminster is throwing North Sea workers on the scrapheap and Jackdaw and Rosebank would not only create thousands of Scottish jobs, it would be a massive boost to businesses and local economies the length and breadth of Scotland," he added.
Context of SNP's Shifting Position
The SNP-led Scottish Government has altered its stance on new oil and gas in recent years. Under Nicola Sturgeon, there was a presumption against new drilling, which has since been softened. The current position allows developments that pass "climate compatibility tests," with First Minister John Swinney suggesting during the election campaign that these tests should consider the benefits of domestic production versus imports.
Despite Edinburgh's positions, energy policy remains under UK Government control.
Energy Security and Economic Arguments
Middleton emphasised that the world is "in the most dangerous period of time that we’ve faced since the end of the Second World War." He argued: "While we still need oil and gas, we should be decreasing our reliance on countries in the Middle East and from friends of Vladimir Putin. Instead, I think we should be increasing use of our own domestic resources right here in the North Sea. Frankly, I think that’s one of our duties to our northern European allies."
He also noted that domestically-produced oil and gas would reduce carbon-intensive imports and generate "billions of pounds in tax revenue," which should be ring-fenced for Scotland's renewables sector.
Support from Business and Labour
Middleton signed an open letter from the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, alongside SNP MP Kirsty Blackman, calling for "timely and positive decisions on the consideration and consent of key North Sea developments, including Jackdaw and Rosebank." Seven Scottish Labour MPs also backed the letter.
Political Fallout
The announcement follows the SNP's loss of the Aberdeen South by-election to the Scottish Tories last month. Local SNP sources attributed the defeat to the party's position on oil and gas. Former SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, who previously held the seat, posted on social media that some would need to "reflect" on the result.
The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
