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Labour MPs have urged the government to refuse permission for the Rosebank oil field, arguing that its development conflicts with the UK’s climate goals. Within Labour, there is an increasing sense among senior members that approval for drilling the field off Shetland’s north-west coast is likely. Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicated on Wednesday that a decision will be made “in due course,” while Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh emphasized that her top priority remains keeping energy bills affordable for consumers.
Despite these indications, a group of about a dozen Labour MPs voiced opposition to Rosebank during a Westminster Hall debate, highlighting internal divisions within the party. In addition, some backbench Labour MPs have drafted a letter opposing the project—intended for Burnham—which reportedly has the backing of over 60 colleagues. One Labour MP who signed the letter told the BBC that going ahead with Rosebank “would not create new jobs, would bring minimal money into the Treasury and be bad for the climate.” The MP added, “The government’s central aim is to tackle the cost of living crisis, and drilling for more oil at Rosebank isn’t the answer.”
The Westminster Hall debate, organized by Green Party MP Carla Denyer, featured other Labour representatives making strong arguments against the field. Sheffield Central’s Abtisam Mohamed criticized Rosebank for failing multiple tests, stating: “It will not benefit taxpayers who will shoulder the vast majority of the development costs, it will not strengthen our energy security because most of the oil will be sold on international markets, and it will not reduce energy bills for our constituents, who will remain exposed to volatile fossil fuel prices.” Richard Burgon, a former Labour frontbencher from the party’s left faction, condemned Rosebank as incompatible with climate targets and described it as “dangerous to pretend otherwise.” The UK government remains committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and limiting global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.
Labour MPs such as Anna Gelderd and Julia Buckley also voiced concerns, pointing to the urgent need for energy security without compromising environmental goals. Gelderd highlighted how Rosebank fails to protect jobs or seize economic opportunities, while Buckley cited opposition from her flood-affected Shrewsbury constituents and urged Fahnbulleh to decline the oil licence in favor of renewable energy development, warning against worsening the climate emergency. Conversely, other Labour MPs like Al Carns, who recently left his ministerial role, argued for continuing fossil fuel production domestically to reduce dependence on imports, which he said also carry environmental costs. Representatives from oil and gas communities, including Jonathan Brash of Hartlepool, emphasized the importance of Rosebank for sustaining UK jobs. Supporting this balanced viewpoint, Energy Minister Michael Shanks assured the debate that the government would adopt a “pragmatic approach” to transitioning to clean energy, insisting decisions must align with climate commitments without abruptly halting fossil fuel extraction
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