Scottish Labour leadership hopefuls push for

The two contenders for the Scottish Labour leadership have called for new North Sea drilling licenses to be approved immediately. MSPs Joe Fagan and Michael Marra made the demand, focusing on the Rosebank oil and Jackdaw gas fields.

Both candidates argue these projects offer cleaner extraction than relying on foreign imports. They also stress approval is vital for supporting jobs. The UK Labour government must now decide on both fields after recent consultations closed.

The offshore industry has lobbied hard, highlighting economic and energy security benefits. Environmentalists counter that more drilling clashes with climate change efforts.

Leadership Contest and Candidate Views

Marra and Fagan are the only candidates who secured enough nominations to stand. They aim to replace Anas Sarwar, who is joining Andy Burnham's UK government. Monica Lennon also wanted to stand but failed to get enough support from fellow Labour MSPs.

The Press Association asked the candidates for their views after a hustings in Stirling. Voting in the contest begins on Monday.

Marra called the issue "finely balanced." He believes oil and gas can be produced more cleanly in the UK than abroad. "I want to see that decision as soon as possible, but I know that it's a challenging decision for the UK government," he said. He added drilling would be "vital" for north-east Scotland and public finances. "We need to move faster to make sure we can secure proper investment in the North Sea," Marra stated.

Fagan also urged approval. He warned of offshore supply chains being "destroyed" without movement. "In fairness to the UK government, this isn't just a political decision, it's a legal decision as well," Fagan said. "They are bound by climate legislation. What's important for me is that they make that decision as soon as possible."He pledged to pressure the UK government for a quicker, economically sound decision if he wins. The winner will be announced on Saturday 19 September."wreck our planet" and cause more extreme weather.

The final decision is a quasi-legal one. The regulator will take it, subject to final approval by Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh. No timetable has been set. The operator says a relatively quick decision could see the Jackdaw field producing gas by winter.