SNP Westminster group lead Stephen Flynn received exclusive tickets to Wimbledon paid for by oil giant BP.
An entry in the Aberdeen South MP’s latest register of interests shows he accepted two tickets at the tournament with a value of around £1,500.
Mr Flynn’s tickets also came with hospitality, which Wimbledon says allows spectators to enjoy “prime viewing seats”, fine dining and first class service.
The entry suggests the gift was accepted on Sunday July 9 when the fourth round of the men’s and women’s singles were played on the centre court.
It is not known which match the MP attended.
Oil companies and fossil fuel lobbyists have given millions of pounds to MPs in recent years, often through highly-sought after tickets to exclusive events.
Campaigners have previously criticised MPs who accept these gifts, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest as politicians respond to the climate crisis.
Friends of the Earth Scotland previously accused the SNP of having an “open door” policy for polluters.
Research by the group revealed oil industry figures lobbied the Scottish Government over 200 times.
Climate campaigners ‘disappointed’
Asked about accepting the gift, Stephen Flynn told the P&J: “Energy companies are fundamental to the prosperity of Aberdeen and will continue to play a key role as we embark on a just energy transition that safeguards jobs and employment in the city I am proud to represent.
“That just energy transition remains the focus of much of my local work and I’m pleased that this includes the hydrogen hub being built in Aberdeen South by BP and the local council – a facility that will produce clean green hydrogen from solar energy; developing the local supply chain and local skills.”
Friends of the Earth Scotland climate campaigner Alex Lee said: “It’s deeply inappropriate for politicians to be accepting lavish gifts from mega polluters whilst they are supposed to be transitioning our energy system away from oil and gas.
“As Europe burned from climate breakdown, it is astonishingly poor judgement that the SNP leader thought it was a good time to enjoy the cosy hospitality of one of the main climate culprits at BP.
“Fossil fuel companies have long used their power and resources to lobby decision makers in a bid to push their agenda of climate denial and delay.
“What do BP expect in return for this generosity? People will be asking how much influence the oil industry has over the SNP energy policy.
“Instead of cosying up to polluters, the SNP leadership needs to commit to an end date for fossil fuels well within the decade and redouble efforts for a fair transition away to a renewable powered economy, with affordable heat and transport for all.”
