A majority of Scots believe decisions about North Sea oil and gas drilling licences should be made in Scotland rather than Westminster, according to new polling that has reignited the debate over control of the country’s energy resources.
Research published by Ipsos Scotland found that 58% of respondents believe the Scottish Government should make most decisions about offshore drilling licences, compared with 33% who favour the UK Government.
The findings come as political parties continue to debate the future of North Sea oil and gas, the transition to renewable energy and how Scotland should benefit from its natural resources.
The survey questioned 1,033 adults across Scotland between 18 and 28 September 2026, with results weighted to reflect the population.
It also revealed divisions among political supporters, with Scottish Labour voters almost evenly split between Westminster control at 46% and Scottish Government control at 45%.
The SNP has seized on the findings to challenge Scottish Labour politician Michael Marra to support greater Scottish control over energy decisions and revenues.
The party argues that future North Sea revenues should be invested in Scotland’s renewable energy industry, linking the issue to its wider case for independence.
However, the Ipsos question specifically concerned responsibility for oil and gas drilling licences rather than the allocation of tax revenues or support for Scottish independence.
The debate comes amid continuing concern about energy bills, employment in the offshore industry and the economic opportunities associated with Scotland’s transition towards renewable power.
SNP Depute Leader Keith Brown MSP said:
“This poll will send shivers through Westminster.
“The link to Scotland’s energy to Scottish independence could not be more tightly bound.
“The people of Scotland believe Scotland’s energy should be in Scotland’s hands and the only barrier to that is the Labour Party.
“That simple injustice that we are energy rich, yet energy bills are going up while energy jobs are going down is felt right across Scotland. It’s no wonder Number 10 has ramped up secret independence polling.
“Michael Marra has the chance to stand with the Scottish people, stand up to Andy Burnham and back the simple principle that Scottish energy revenues and decisions must be spent and made in Scotland.
“Every single penny from the North Sea should be invested in Scotland’s renewables future and the fact Andy Burnham wants to take our revenues and spend them down south is exactly why people want those energy decisions made here too.
“The Chancellor admitted Scotland should have an energy wealth fund worth £1 trillion and they are gearing up to play the same trick again.
“We cannot let that happen and Michael Marra must do what his predecessors never did and raise his head above the parapet.
“Through a fresh start with independence, our energy resources will be put to work for the people of Scotland, that’s how we lower bills, deliver renewables jobs and build a wealthier Scotland.”
The SNP has also renewed its argument that Scotland should have established an oil wealth fund from previous North Sea revenues, citing a hypothetical £1 trillion fund as an illustration of the potential value of those resources.
That figure does not represent money currently held by the UK Treasury on Scotland’s behalf, nor does the polling establish support for the SNP’s proposed approach to energy revenues.
Decisions over North Sea drilling licences remain reserved to Westminster, although the Scottish Government has responsibilities for other aspects of energy, climate and environmental policy.
With the UK Government considering the future of offshore licensing, the poll adds another dimension to the question of who should decide how Scotland’s energy resources are developed.
For Scotland’s energy industry and the communities dependent on it, those decisions carry consequences for investment, employment and the country’s longer term economic future.
