SNP, Labour blamed over loss of 13,000 oil & gas jobs

THE SNP and the UK Labour Government have been blamed for the loss of over 13,000 jobs in Scotland's vital oil and gas sector.

- By David Walker

Both parties have refused to back more drilling in the North Sea, which rivals claim will leave the country too reliant on foreign imports while also shedding jobs.

Under John Swinney, the Nats have moved away from rhetoric about closing the oil and gas industry but have not updated the Scottish Government's policy which is a “presumption” against new oil fields.

Any push to net zero, as promised by the SNP, will mean no more drilling. But the Nats are desperate to hold on to seats in the north east, with Westminster leader Stephen Flynn standing in the area next year.

It has led to the party publicly criti cising Labour for its windfall tax after privately backing it in the past.