SCOTTISH Labour has called on the SNP government to give a firm commitment that it will oppose the Cambo oilfield project.

With the SNP-Green co-operation government not having outlined a formal position, Labour MSP Monica Lennon said that ministers must stop hiding behind Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the proposed development. 

The heavy crude field off the coast of the Shetland Islands contains over 800 million barrels of oil and, if approved, would produce oil and gas until 2050.

Despite the SNP-Green policy platform agreement claiming to provide a blueprint for a “greener” Scotland, the deal makes no mention of Cambo. 

United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres has said that the climate crisis has now reached “code red for humanity.”

With the crucial Cop26 climate summit due to take place in Glasgow in November, Ms Lennon said: “The message that this government is sending to the world is clear – Scotland is not serious about tackling the climate emergency. 

“If they are serious about averting climate catastrophe, opposing Cambo must be a top priority for SNP and Green ministers.”

She added: “Nicola Sturgeon has weakly called for a review when she should be leading the resistance against this destructive oilfield and making the case for green investment. 

“The First Minister must get her coalition government off the fence, take a stand against Cambo and put every effort into securing a just transition for the workers and communities most affected by climate change.”  

The Scottish government was approached for comment.