SNP members defy leadership with demand for higher oil and gas taxes

A grassroots SNP group has broken with the party to demand the Scottish government raise taxes on oil and gas producers. Just days before the SNP conference in Aberdeen next week, the party’s trade union group has submitted an amendment to an energy motion set to be discussed at the summit, which calls on ministers to impose even greater levies on the oil and gas sector. Most commented 1 Deadly strike on Ukraine homes ‘was birthday gift for Putin’ Russia-Ukraine war 76 comments It notes that the Scottish government already backs a net zero economy, a just transition, and the “polluter pays principle”. However, it demands greater levies on the multibillion-pound profits made by energy companies. Top stories 1 New Trump Jr’s ex-fiancée ‘asked donor to pay 0k credit card bill’ US politics 2 New Trump’s war with Iran doubles the cost of his rides in ‘the Beast’ US politics 3 New Warning for Burnham over US link on military satellites Companies & Markets 4 New Starbucks ‘explores takeover’ of Chipotle Mexican Grill US business 5 Andy Burnham vows ‘deeper co-operation’ with EU to tackle Russia Politics The motion calls on ministers “to increase profit levies on fossil fuel extractors and on polluting industries to match the social cost of the pollution caused by these activities”. It adds: “If the UK government will not do this, the Scottish government should explore any and all devolved powers — such as land taxes, a land and buildings transaction tax, new environmental levies, or individual wealth taxes — as well as non-tax powers such as planning permission and public procurement to the same effect.” Advertisement However, the move has split the party, after one of the movers of the main energy motion, Aberdeen SNP MSP Jack Middleton, who supports a more pro-oil and gas industry stance , said he was sure SNP members would reject it. Jack Middleton Alamy “As a union member who meets regularly with trade union representatives, I’m perplexed by the amendment and disagree with it strongly,” he said. Top stories 1 What would UK look like with proportional representation voting? Politics 2 China came for Congo’s gold. Then Ebola struck Africa 3 Our tower block caught fire — why are we still paying £1,500 a month? Mortgages 4 My daughter works part-time — can she rescue her retirement? Ask Times Money 5 Three popular money rules that you should rethink Saving & Investing Middleton has previously said two major new oil and gas developments, the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields , which are currently undergoing environmental assessments, would boost the economy and enhance domestic energy security. The SNP previously had a presumption against new drilling in the North Sea but has softened its stance to allow for developments that pass climate compatibility tests. UK ‘may no longer be investable’ if Jackdaw and Rosebank are blocked Advertisement Fresh calls by the SNP trade union group to raise oil and gas levies also prompted concern from the energy industry and from opposition parties. David Whitehouse, the chief executive of Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), said a temporary energy profits levy (EPL), implemented after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, should end in line with UK government policy and be replaced with an oil and gas revenue levy (ORGL). He added: “OEUK backs the UK government’s ORGL proposals and calls for its implementation in 2027, not 2030, ending the temporary EPL. There is growing consensus across industry and politics supporting the change, including energy unions, trade associations, and indeed the Scottish government. A protest outside the energy department in London against proposals to allow drilling in the North Sea Necati Aslim/Getty “There are good reasons for this. The OGRL will protect windfall taxes on oil and gas revenues when prices are high and promote investment conditions when prices are low, and if supported by pragmatic policy on future licensing, the North Sea can support the political aspirations for reindustrialisation and prosperity, as well as our climate obligations. “It’s much better for people’s pockets and the planet if we have more pragmatic North Sea fiscal and regulatory policies supporting responsible production for the oil and gas we still need.” Advertisement Liam Kerr, energy spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives, said: “This motion and amendment not only shows how two-faced the SNP are, but it highlights they are nothing more than zealots intent on killing Scotland’s oil and gas industry. Scotland newsletter Your weekend briefing from the Scotland edition of The Times and The Sunday Times. Sign up with one click You’ve successfully signed up to the Scotland newsletter Explore our newsletters An error occurred. Please use the link below. Scotland newsletter Explore our newsletters “Despite his predecessors Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf demanding an end to North Sea drilling, John Swinney has tried to dupe oil and gas workers into thinking the SNP are on their side, but its members couldn’t disagree more with him. “For the sake of Aberdeen’s future, we must support all North Sea drilling and end the energy profits levy to safeguard our skilled workforce and our energy security.” The Scottish government has been contacted for comment.