Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has intensified his call for devolving energy powers to the Scottish Parliament, arguing that such a transfer is essential to end what he describes as a “Westminster rip-off” affecting the country’s oil and gas sector. Speaking ahead of a forthcoming by-election in Aberdeen South, Swinney emphasized that control over energy policy would enable his government to abolish the current energy profits levy, commonly referred to as the windfall tax, which targets revenues from the oil and gas industry.

Swinney asserted that devolving authority on energy licensing and regulation would allow for more “sensible licensing decisions” regarding new projects in the North Sea, potentially leading to lower energy bills for consumers across Scotland. He framed the issue as one of economic fairness, saying that the existing system benefits the UK government at Scotland’s expense. “Time and time again Westminster parties talk about how they can milk every last penny,” he said. “Instead of Scotland’s energy working for Westminster, it’s time our energy worked for our people.”

These remarks come as campaigning intensifies ahead of the June 18 parliamentary by-election in Aberdeen South, a constituency closely linked to the UK’s oil and gas industry. The vote became necessary after former SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn was elected to the Scottish Parliament earlier this month. Energy policy has quickly emerged as a central issue in the contest, with opposition parties also weighing in.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has urged voters in Aberdeen South to use the by-election as a platform to defend the future of the North Sea oil and gas industry. Badenoch’s stance contrasts with the SNP’s push for greater autonomy over energy matters, highlighting competing visions for the sector’s role in Scotland and the wider UK as the industry faces ongoing economic and environmental challenges.

The debate over energy powers is part of broader discussions about Scotland’s political and economic relationship with the UK government, with proponents of devolution arguing it would empower Holyrood to tailor policies more closely to local needs. Critics, however, warn that such changes could complicate regulatory frameworks and fiscal arrangements already in place.

As the Aberdeen South by-election approaches, energy governance is expected to remain a focal point, reflecting the sector’s significance to the region’s economy and the wider political discourse in Scotland.