First Minister John Swinney has said Scotland’s energy wealth should benefit the people of Scotland rather than being controlled from Westminster.
His comments come amid growing debate over the future of North Sea energy and how revenues generated from Scotland’s natural resources should be used.
The issue has become increasingly prominent following remarks from several senior UK politicians discussing the future of the North Sea and energy policy.
Speaking ahead of the Aberdeen South by election, Mr Swinney argued that decisions affecting Scotland’s energy sector should be made in Scotland rather than by politicians in London.
John Swinney said:
“For weeks now, all those looking to replace Keir Starmer in Downing Street, Burnham, Farage and Badenoch have all been preaching about their plans for Scotland’s energy.
“It is the same story of arrogant Westminster control that has defined their attitude ever since oil and gas was discovered off our coast decades ago.
“For Scotland and Aberdeen there are literally 400 billion reasons why these Westminster politicians should never be allowed control over our energy ever again.
“The SNP believe that the wealth of Scotland’s energy must enrich the Scottish people, not the UK Treasury in London.
“Instead of Westminster politicians lining up to tell us their plans for the revenues of the North Sea, the SNP believe the benefits of our energy must be felt by the people of Aberdeen and across Scotland.
“Decisions over our energy must be for the Scottish people, not London politicians who have only ever seen Scotland’s energy as an ATM for Westminster.”
The debate comes as political parties continue to set out their competing visions for the future of Scotland’s energy industry, including oil and gas production, renewable energy and the wider transition to net zero.
Supporters of greater control over energy policy argue that Scotland should have a stronger role in deciding how revenues are generated and invested, particularly in communities that have supported the industry for decades.
The future of the North Sea remains a key issue for many workers, businesses and communities across the north east of Scotland, where the energy sector continues to support thousands of jobs and contribute significantly to the economy.
John Swinney said:
“The choice at the Aberdeen South by-election could not be clearer.
“If we continue to allow Westminster politicians control over our own energy, the same Westminster injustice will be inflicted on Aberdeen’s future as it was in Aberdeen’s past.
“The only way to stop Westminster controlling our energy is to put Scotland’s energy into Scotland’s hands with a vote for the SNP and independence, that’s what’s on the ballot paper on the 18th June.”
