Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has challenged Humza Yousaf, Anas Sarwar, and Douglas Ross to take part in a live energy debate in Aberdeen after a heated First Minister Questions on Thursday.
The First Minister himself challenged the leader of the Scottish Labour to come to North-east, saying: “I can’t wait to go head-to-head with Anas Sarwar in Aberdeen…he can debate the oil and gas industry and renewables with me in Aberdeen, any and every single day of the week”.
Mr Sarwar was seen mouthing “bring it” in response, after he said he “couldn’t wait to go head-to-head” with the First Minister.
The Chamber is offering to host this debate between the two party leaders, as well as the leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, Douglas Ross.
Fiery FMQs
Thursday's questions proved to be dominated by the windfall tax on oil and gas companies after Mr Yousaf visited the region at the start of the week to unveil his plans to oppose Sir Keir Starmer's "aggressive" tax strategy.
Mr Sarwar repeatedly accused the first minister of being "on the side of energy giants making billions", before referring to global profits made by Shell, BP and Total, in 2022.
Mr Yousaf referenced the front page of the Press & Journal last week, which branded Labour's leaders as "traitors".
He later vowed to "stand up for the North-east".
Mr Sarwar claimed the impact on jobs of his party's policies may be exaggerated, before adding: "I can’t wait to present the choice to the Scottish people at the next general election".
Labour's current plans would see the 75% energy profits levy increased by three percentage points to 78%, while also removing any investment allowances, which could see up to 100,000 jobs lost in the industry.
A 'masquerading saviour'
The debate on energy continued as North-east MSP Douglas Lumsden questioned the first minister on the SNP's current 'presumption against' stance in their draft energy strategy.
"Oil and gas continues to play an important part in Scotland's energy transition," responded the FM.
Mr Lumsden hit back, saying after one trip to Aberdeen Mr Yousaf "masquerades as the saviour of the oil and gas industry".
In response, the SNP leader argued Westminster "is not working for Scotland", adding: "It's high time that Scotland's energy was in Scotland's hands".