John Swinney was accused of misleading the public today as the Scottish Conservatives said the SNP opposed every new oil and gas development.
At First Minister’s Questions, Douglas Ross said the evidence showed that the SNP are really against any new oil and gas licences.
The Scottish Conservative leader added the nationalists “are willing to put jobs and the North East economy at risk”.
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: “John Swinney is desperately trying to mislead the public about the SNP’s stance on oil and gas.
“The SNP have opposed the oil and gas industry at every turn.
“Whenever a new development is proposed in the North Sea, the SNP oppose it.
“When Rosebank was approved, when Cambo was approved, when any new development is approved – the SNP are against it.
“In recent years, they have not supported any new fields. Not one.
“SNP leader after SNP leader has opposed new oil and gas licences.
“Every time the Scottish Conservatives support the oil and gas industry, the SNP oppose it.
“Whatever John Swinney tries to claim, the SNP’s real position is clear – they won’t stand up for the North Sea sector.
“They are willing to put tens of thousands of jobs and the North East economy at risk.”