Most Scots back Rishi Sunak’s decision to grant new oil and gas licences, according to new research on public attitudes to the future of the energy industry.
The findings of the latest polling will reignite debate about what role fossil fuels should have in powering the country’s economy towards more renewable sources.
The snapshot of opinion comes days after official figures revealed Scotland’s share of North Sea receipts was £9.4 billion last year, helped in part by a windfall tax.
Last month, Mr Sunak was in Aberdeenshire where he pledged to “max out” oil and gas and backed 100 new licences. He also strongly hinted at support for the controversial Rosebank field off Shetland.
The poll, commissioned by advisory firm True North, is the first test of opinion on the licensing decision.
54% support for new licences
The Survation research, based on more than 1,000 adults, suggests 54% of Scots agree with the prime minister’s position, compared with 23% who disagree. The remainder were not sure.
Support was above half in the north-east, along with every other region outside Glasgow and the Lothians.
Ryan Crighton, from Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said the findings challenge a presumption against new oil and gas.
“If the alternative is importing oil and gas at a greater carbon cost, then we must favour domestic production,” he said.
“It’s simple, it’s pragmatic and it commits us to sourcing the fossil fuels we need in a manner which minimises emissions and secures tens of thousands of Scottish jobs.
SNP Westminster chief Stephen Flynn, MP for Aberdeen South, previously warned the UK Government’s approach will not attract firms to invest in renewables.
“I don’t think the UK Government’s in the right place on this,” he said. “But similarly I would certainly be against those who advocate for an immediate shutdown in the North Sea.”
He claimed Mr Sunak was acting like Donald Trump.
Former US presidential candidate speaks out
Meanwhile, in Edinburgh on Thursday, former US Presidential candidate John Kerry signalled White House opposition to “maxing out” North Sea reserves.
However, he admitted oil and gas will not be phased out immediately and insisted: “Fossil fuels writ large are going to have to be part of the solution.”
Joe Biden’s climate-change envoy warned the planet is at “one of the most dangerous moments in human history” due to the impact of global warming.
On tackling climate change, Mr Kerry said: “We have to speed it up.
“This had been the standard of the UK. I don’t know how that plays out in terms of what they’ve said about every last drop, but that’s not our policy.”
‘Economic force for good’
True North partner Fergus Mutch, a former SNP candidate, said: “Overall, the Scottish public considers the energy sector an economic force for good. They want North Sea reserves used while we still need oil and gas as part of the mix as we transition to greener sources of energy.”
He added: “The recent announcement of new oil and gas licences gives industry greater clarity and grounds for confidence — and our poll puts public opinion in Scotland squarely behind such an approach.”
Further polling by the firm suggests more than half of respondents did not think the windfall tax on oil had done much to reduce household bills.
More than half also did not believe it had proved a big incentive for firms to move to renewables.
Reacting to the polling, Aberdeenshire Tory MP Andrew Bowie said: “This research confirms a majority of Scots appreciate the fact that the UK’s energy security and the drive to net zero are inextricably linked to the future of North Sea oil and gas.
“Sadly for Stephen Flynn, the SNP are not credible supporters of the industry’s efforts to decarbonise, or the tens of thousands of north-east jobs which rely on this being done in a measured way.”
Protest
The role of oil and gas has become a serious flashpoint for campaign groups and competing political and business interests.
Protests have targeted the Scottish Parliament and major public events, including an international cycling event this summer.
Demonstrators from Greenpeace targeted Mr Sunak’s Yorkshire mansion, covering it in black fabric this month.
The Scottish Government – marking two years of a coalition with the Greens today – promises a “just transition” for workers but some in the industry still wonder what that will look like in practice.
Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure over his stance on fossil fuels. He is supposed to be setting out his views in a long-promised visit to Aberdeen “this summer”.
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