The Scottish National Party has criticised Labour Government plans linked to a proposed Energy Independence Bill and the decision to write an end to new oil and gas licences into law.

Jack Middleton, SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central, said Scotland’s energy resources should be controlled by Scotland rather than Westminster.

“Time and time again Westminster speaks about Scotland’s energy as if it is their own it is Scotland’s energy and it should be in Scotland’s hands.

“The Labour Party shutdown Grangemouth, bills will soon be £700 higher than they promised while 1000 jobs a month are being destroyed in our energy sector.

“Our energy security and Just Transition has been put at risk and this senseless plan will make matters worse.

“It is absolutely absurd that in energy rich Scotland, energy bills are going up while energy jobs are going down.

“That is a scandal that lies squarely at the feet of the Labour Party and these plans will compound the damage.

Middleton also said Aberdeen and the wider North East had been failed by successive Westminster governments.

“Aberdeen and the wider North East has been betrayed by Westminster be it Labour, the Tories or Reform and only the SNP is firmly on the side of Scotland and our premier industry.

“While Westminster has failed our offshore industries and our people, through a fresh start with independence we will have our energy independence too that’s how we protect our industry and ensure lower bills and more jobs for the Scottish people.”