SNP minister Mairi McAllan has said further North Sea drilling should be supported if it can be shown to meet climate targets and strengthen energy security.
Appearing on BBC Question Time in Aberdeen, McAllan initially said she had not seen the evidence to support more drilling, noting that decisions on new oil and gas exploration are reserved to the UK government.
However, when pressed on whether she would support future developments, she added: “If it can be demonstrated that it’s both climate-compatible and required for energy security, then yes it should.”
She also criticised the UK government’s Energy Profits Levy, saying it was “starving the industry of the very investment that we need to transition”.
The comments come weeks after First Minister John Swinney signalled a softer SNP stance on new offshore licences, having previously opposed new developments.
The wider debate saw other party leaders set out contrasting positions. Scottish Labour backed existing approvals for Rosebank and Jackdaw and renewed support for nuclear power.
Reform UK and the Conservatives called for expanded drilling, while the Lib Dems said domestic production could be preferable to imports. The Greens opposed further extraction and called for greater support for workers moving into low-carbon industries.