SNP minister says Jackdaw gas field approval was 'the right decision' — but only if it beats imports on climate

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville admitted she had not seen the full details behind the decision, but presumed gas from Scottish waters is cleaner than imports. It is the closest John Swinney's government has come to backing the field. His party had previously pushed a 'presumption against' new drilling. Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay called the change of heart 'disappointing'.

A YouGov poll found 57 per cent of Scots back more exploration licences.

Jackdaw will create just 27 direct jobs, while hundreds are lost monthly in the North Sea.

Equinor says its threat to pull North Sea investment stands until Rosebank is approved too.