SCOTTISH GREENS have called on SNP First Minister John Swinney to publicly oppose all new oil and gas exploration.

Challenging Mr Swinney at First Minister’s Questions, Scottish Green co-leader Lorna Slater urged him to maintain his government’s presumption against new North Sea oil and gas licences amid fears the policy may be watered down in its long-delayed energy strategy.

Ms Slater said: “First Minister, we have a duty to future generations not to let global heating spiral out of control.

“New oil and gas exploration is not compatible with Scotland’s climate ambitions.

“The last time the First Minister was asked about Scotland’s energy strategy, he said that the reason for further delay was recent court decisions blocking oil and gas projects on environmental grounds.

“But that can only worry him if he is intending to support new oil and gas projects in Scotland, so will the First Minister confirm today the presumption against new oil and gas in Scotland?”

Refusing to be drawn, Mr Swinney responded: “The [Scottish] government is absolutely committed to our agenda on climate action.

“I want us to play our part.”