Tories Warn Blocking Rosebank Oil Field Aids Putin; Labour MP Downplays Jackdaw
Conservative lawmakers argue that refusing to approve the Rosebank oil field in the North Sea would benefit Russia, while a Labour MP suggests the recently approved Jackdaw gas field is insignificant by comparison.
The Andy Burnham government faces mounting pressure to approve the Rosebank oil development in the North Sea, following its recent authorization of drilling for gas in the Jackdaw field. Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh stated that the Jackdaw gas field, from which gas will begin flowing within weeks, is primarily for domestic consumption, differentiating it from the Rosebank oil field, which is largely intended for export. This distinction has drawn criticism from Conservative lawmakers.
Shadow energy secretary Andrew Bowie argued that "Every barrel of oil the UK exports to Europe is one less barrel they would buy from Russia." He further contended in an article for The Mail that if Labour acknowledges the economic and strategic importance of domestic oil and gas production, they should "give Rosebank the green light and bring an end to the uncertainty surrounding its future." Bowie emphasized that approving Rosebank would send a crucial message to the industry, fostering the long-term confidence needed for investment and planning.
Adding to the debate, a Labour backbencher, Clive Lewis, described the approval of the Jackdaw field as "a drop in the ocean" compared to the scale of Rosebank, particularly in the context of environmental concerns. Lewis speculated on the government's intentions, suggesting it might be setting the stage for a future approval of Rosebank or simply demonstrating a pragmatic approach.
A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero called any speculation about blocking Rosebank "speculation," reiterating that "each project will be assessed on its own merits."
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch called for Labour to reverse its ban on new oil and gas licenses, asserting that the UK possesses the necessary resources, expertise, and workforce but lacks the "confidence to make tough decisions."
Former US President Donald Trump, who has advocated for increased drilling, commented on the developments, calling the UK's North Sea drilling a "Great news for the wealth and prosperity of the United Kingdom." He urged the UK to "go FULL BLAST!!!" in exploiting its North Sea resources, stating it would make the UK "very wealthy again" and advising to "TAKE DOWN THE COSTLY AND RIDICULOUS WINDMILLS!"