Swinney opposes proposed North Sea licensing ban

John Swinney said the Scottish Government opposes the UK Government’s proposed ban on new North Sea oil and gas exploration licences, arguing that applications should be assessed individually against emissions targets and the country’s continued need for fossil fuels. The First Minister set out his position during First Minister’s Questions on November 5. The draft Energy Independence Bill would remove the North Sea Transition Authority’s power to grant new exploration licences. Existing fields could continue producing under existing arrangements. Swinney said his government supported other parts of the bill but not the licensing provisions. He said applications should be considered for their effect on carbon-reduction targets and because oil and gas would remain in use for years to come. He again declined to endorse the Rosebank field, saying any approval should be assessed for its emissions impact. After the session, a Scottish Government spokesman said the SNP would seek to remove the licensing provisions as the bill proceeds through Parliament. If they remain at the final vote, the party could not support the bill, the spokesman said. The SNP’s final position will depend...