Scots more likely to oppose ban on new oil and gas fields, survey finds

Opposition to the UK Government’s ban on new oil and gas developments is higher in Scotland than it is in England and Wales, a survey has found.

Research by YouGov found 45% of Scots oppose the ban and 37% support it.

In England and Wales opinions are more evenly divided, with 39% of people against the ban and 38% in favour of it.

Labour made clear in the 2024 election campaign that it would not issue new licences for oil and gas extraction in the North Sea – a stance strongly opposed by the Tories and Reform UK.

YouGov found the gap between Scotland and England and Wales was most evident between those who voted for either Labour or the Liberal Democrats in 2024.

The pollsters, who questioned 1,217 adults in Scotland and 1,919 in England and Wales, found 48% of Labour and Liberal Democrat supporters in Scotland are against the ban on new oil and gas developments, while less than a third (31% to 32%) of their counterparts south of the border take this view

In Scotland, opposition to the ban is highest amongst Tory and Reform voters – with 59% of supporters of both parties against it.

Just over half those who voted Liberal Democrat (52%) are opposed to the ban, along with 49% of Scots who voted Labour in 2024.

Almost half (47%) of SNP supporters are also opposed to the ban on new oil and gas developments – with the research coming after John Swinney’s party appeared to soften its stance on the issue.

Previous SNP leaders Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf had made clear their opposition to the development of fields such as Jackdaw – which is to the west of Aberdeen –  and Rosebank, which is off the coast of Shetland.

But earlier this month, the First Minister indicated the current crisis in the Middle East has changed the circumstances surrounding domestic energy production, saying there is now a “much greater risk to our energy security” as a consequence.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, a majority of Green supporters (54%) support the ban on new oil and gas developments, although 30% of those who voted for the party two years ago are opposed to it.

The survey also found just over half of all Scots (51%) believe it is more important to ensure oil and gas extraction in the North Sea can continue as long as possible, compared to the 36% who feel the Scottish Government should prioritise its target of meeting net zero carbon emissions by 2045.