Decisions on new oil and gas licences are made by the UK government.
However, under Nicola Sturgeon’s leadership, the Scottish government proposed a presumption against new oil and gas developments.
The Swinney administration appears to have shifted away from that position, especially since the outbreak of war in the Middle East.
Scottish ministers nevertheless continue to stress any oil and gas developments should be compatible with the government’s ambitions to cut carbon emissions over time.
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay described Swinney’s comments as a “shocking U-turn”.
She said: “It is a huge departure from only a few years ago when the Scottish government was committed to a presumption against oil and gas.
“When even the UK government is taking a stronger position, it shows how far the SNP has drifted. It is a shameful retreat and a slap in the face for future generations.”
Reform UK Scotland leader Malcolm Offord said: “I welcome this breaking news from the first minister as it overrules the SNP’s long-standing presumption against new oil and gas exploration.”
