Former SNP MPs accuse John Swinney of compromising net-zero goals over Jackdaw gas licence

Former members of the Scottish National Party have publicly rebuked First Minister John Swinney for endorsing the UK Government’s approval of the Jackdaw gas field, accusing him of surrendering the party’s net-zero narrative for a modest financial gain. The critics claim the decision was taken without consulting rank-and-file members and could drive voters toward the Greens. Pro-government voices, including MSP Jack Middleton, counter that domestic gas from Jackdaw is less polluting than imported LNG and safeguards hundreds of jobs in the north-east.

The SNP’s trade-union wing, led by Simon Barrow, warned the move capitulates to corporate profit and urged a wealth fund and higher fossil-fuel levies to fund the renewable transition. A motion at the recent SNP conference endorsed using domestic hydrocarbons alongside renewable expansion, but stopped short of endorsing future licences. The debate highlights tensions between energy security, climate targets and the broader Scottish independence agenda.