ENVIONMENTALISTS have demanded the SNP-Green Scottish government “not only match but go further” than Labour’s no new oil pledge.

Labour’s policy has provoked campaigners from across five coalitions and 34 climate, fuel poverty and international justice groups to write to First Minister Humza Yousaf, urging his government to “surpass Labour on oil and gas phase out.”

Mr Yousaf has come under pressure from environmentalists in recent weeks over his government’s “presumption against” stance on new fields, a position they believe leaves the door open to new developments.

The campaigners’ concern has intensified after Mairi McAllan, cabinet secretary for Net Zero, told The Times last week that “stopping all future activity is wrong.”

Energy minister — and former oil and gas public relations executive — Gillian Martin also expressed concern in the same publication that Labour’s “no new licences” policy “would make people in the industry feel a little bit uneasy.”

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Mary Church said: “The Scottish government must be willing to stand up to oil companies and commit to ending oil and gas extraction as an essential part of planning for a just transition for workers and communities.

“Oil and gas workers are ready to lead a rapid and fair transition away from fossil fuels, and have a blueprint to create an energy industry that protects workers, communities and the climate.”

Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, said: “It’s estimated that one person will die of hunger every 28 seconds across East Africa this month because of a drought that would not have happened without climate change.

“A just transition for those working in the oil and gas industry in the UK is essential, but this transition must also be much faster to avert further devastating global impacts.

“That starts with blocking all new oil and gas extraction. No ifs, no buts.”

Youth climate group Fridays for Future’s Dylan Hamilton said: “The Scottish government has talked the talk, but it’s time to walk the walk.

“You can’t make deals with physics, and millions of lives and the future are on the line.”

The letter to Mr Yousaf comes as climate activists Just Stop Oil have written to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on the subject.

Welcoming Labour’s policy to stop any new oil and gas licences, they told Sir Keir that he must publicly “prove your honour by agreeing to resign” should the pledge be dropped.