SNP says Badenoch has "zero credibility" on North Sea jobs

The SNP has asserted that Tory leader Kemi Badenoch lacks credibility on North Sea jobs after it emerged the government backed a £600 million loan guarantee to Belgian chemical maker Ineos for an Antwerp plant. The decision came as the Grangemouth refinery announced it would cease production, costing hundreds of Scottish jobs and prompting the SNP to claim Westminster prioritized Belgium over Scotland's energy interests. Richard Thomson, the SNP candidate for Aberdeen South, demanded an apology and an explanation for backing foreign jobs while Scottish energy workers faced consequences from the refinery closure. The party argues that energy should be controlled in Scotland and that independence would ensure better stewardship of North Sea resources.