Scotland backs North Sea oil & gas development and extraction, poll shows

In the wake of rising job losses across the oil and gas sector, nearly six in ten voters across Scotland have thrown their support behind the full development and extraction of North Sea oil and gas, according to new Scotland-wide polling.

Survation’s findings, conducted for True North Advisors, show 58% are in favor of full development, compared to just 13% opposed, as industry leaders have linked the UK government’s Energy Profits Levy (EPL), which was introduced in 2022 during a period of exceptionally high prices, to waves of redundancies.

The levy is expected to remain in place until 2030, despite oil and gas prices having since returned to long-term norms. The UK government’s figures show domestic oil and gas production is now at record low levels, increasing reliance on imported supply with higher lifecycle emissions and limited economic benefit.

Allister Thomas, Senior Energy Advisor at True North, commented: “This polling underlines the widespread public support for our world-class oil and gas industry with a clear majority of voters recognising its immense contribution to the UK’s energy and economic security. 

“The Energy Profits Levy has been in place since 2022, oil and gas prices have normalised, and the UK now also has a ban on new exploration – all while we remain heavily reliant on imports with higher emissions and limited economic benefit.”

The Scottish survey is perceived to underscore growing public concern about jobs, energy security, and the economic impact of the continued decline in domestic production. With four months left until the Scottish Parliament elections, public opinion is also clear on energy sourcing, with three-quarters (75%) saying the UK should meet as much demand as possible from domestic North Sea supply rather than imports.

“Four months out from the Scottish Parliament elections, there is a clear gap between public sentiment and current policy. While renewables are critical to the long-term transition, it is economically and environmentally responsible to meet domestic demand from the North Sea in the meantime,” added Thomas.

Britain currently maintains a ban on new exploration licenses, alongside the continued application of the EPL, contrasting with Norway, which recently revealed the award of 57 new offshore oil and gas production licenses, explicitly recognizing the role of continued exploration in supporting jobs, economic value, and energy security while managing a long-term production decline.

The findings show that over 60% agree that North Sea energy companies have a positive impact on the UK economy. The data from the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) shows Britain still has billions of barrels of recoverable oil and gas in the North Sea, with a large proportion remaining undeveloped because of investment and policy conditions.

Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has been calling for politicians to prioritize homegrown energy over supplies that are increasingly imported, which means acknowledging that oil and gas will be needed alongside renewables.

David Whitehouse, OEUK’s Chief Executive, emphasized: “It is vital that we unlock UK offshore energy investment so that we do not become increasingly reliant on foreign imports. We should build on the shoulders of world class industries like oil and gas, while recognising the potential of renewables. This isn’t an either/or.

“In 2024, the UK was dependent for almost 40 per cent of total energy demand on imports, and UK energy prices are higher than in many countries. Voters want affordable, secure energy – and that is delivered by unlocking investment in UK energy – oil, gas, renewables, hydrogen, and carbon capture.”

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