Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Scottish voters are deeply divided over North Sea oil drilling as energy costs, security and independence dominate the political debate.
Energy prices have rocketed due to the US-Israeli war on Iran, renewing calls for greater domestic supply.
Opposition right-wing parties, the Conservatives and Reform UK, are pushing for more North Sea oil and gas drilling to boost energy independence.
While Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar argues drilling will play a 'significant role' for UK energy for years to come.
However, the North Sea energy is believed to be on the decline, with production having peaked in 1999 and falling sharply ever since. Environmental groups warn that expanding drilling risks delaying climate targets.
Ultimately, Scotland needs to decide how to balance declining fossil fuels with the promise of renewable energy.
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
Clare Muldoon
Broadcaster and Political Commentator
Kevin Schofield
HuffPost UK's Political Editor
James Dornan
Former SNP Member of Scottish Parliament
Chris Aylett
Research Fellow in the Environment at Chatham House
#scotland #northsea #energy #snp #Swinney #Scottishelection
Roundtable is a discussion programme with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by Enda Brady, it's about bringing people to the table, listening to every opinion, and analysing every point of view. From fierce debate to reflective thinking, Roundtable discussions offer a different perspective on the issues that matter to you. Watch it every weekday at 15:00 GMT on TRT World.
Scottish voters are deeply divided over North Sea oil drilling as energy costs, security and independence dominate the political debate.
Energy prices have rocketed due to the US-Israeli war on Iran, renewing calls for greater domestic supply.
Opposition right-wing parties, the Conservatives and Reform UK, are pushing for more North Sea oil and gas drilling to boost energy independence.
While Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar argues drilling will play a 'significant role' for UK energy for years to come.
However, the North Sea energy is believed to be on the decline, with production having peaked in 1999 and falling sharply ever since. Environmental groups warn that expanding drilling risks delaying climate targets.
Ultimately, Scotland needs to decide how to balance declining fossil fuels with the promise of renewable energy.
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
Clare Muldoon
Broadcaster and Political Commentator
Kevin Schofield
HuffPost UK's Political Editor
James Dornan
Former SNP Member of Scottish Parliament
Chris Aylett
Research Fellow in the Environment at Chatham House
#scotland #northsea #energy #snp #Swinney #Scottishelection
Roundtable is a discussion programme with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by Enda Brady, it's about bringing people to the table, listening to every opinion, and analysing every point of view. From fierce debate to reflective thinking, Roundtable discussions offer a different perspective on the issues that matter to you. Watch it every weekday at 15:00 GMT on TRT World.
