Senior figures in the UK's political opposition are urging the government to approve drilling in two significant North Sea prospects, the Jackdaw gas field and the Rosebank oil field. Critics argue that blocking these developments would be a "madness" and a "dereliction of duty," potentially jeopardizing the UK's energy security and its domestic oil and gas industry.
The public consultation for the Jackdaw gas field has closed, and a consultation for the Rosebank oil field is also nearing its end. Andrew Bowie, the Shadow Scottish Secretary, stated that the Prime Minister should "deliver 'real change' not more 'warm words' to the industry." He emphasized that approving production at these new fields should be a straightforward decision, not a dilemma.
Bowie asserted that refusing permission for Jackdaw and Rosebank would signal "the death knell of our vital oil and gas industry." He further contended that these developments are crucial for creating thousands of jobs, enhancing energy security, generating tax revenue, and reducing exposure to global market shocks.
Citing BP's recent decision to sell its North Sea operations after 60 years, Bowie suggested this should be a wake-up call for the Labour party to abandon its "damaging ban on new licences and end the Energy Profits Levy." He stressed that the sector requires concrete action, starting with the urgent approval of production at Jackdaw and Rosebank.
These projects, both developed by the Shell-Equinor joint venture Adura, were initially approved by the previous Conservative government. However, legal challenges from environmental campaigners led to delays and a requirement for a fresh evaluation of their carbon emissions. The final decision on licensing now rests with the current Labour government, led by Andy Burnham and Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh.
Concerns about the future of North Sea drilling are compounded by a 78 percent UK windfall tax on profits and perceived hostility from the Scottish National Party (SNP) towards new drilling. The industry is reportedly losing around 1,000 jobs per month as investors become wary.
Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, highlighted that the Jackdaw field alone could provide over 6 percent of UK gas supply at peak production, enough to heat 1.4 million homes annually. He argued that if Britain does not produce this gas domestically, it will likely import more from overseas, undermining job creation, tax revenues, and energy security. Borthwick stated that the approval of Jackdaw would support skilled British jobs and infrastructure while allowing for the continued acceleration of renewable energy development.
Neil McCulloch, chief executive of Adura, described Jackdaw and Rosebank as "advanced projects of national significance." He added that together, they could strengthen the UK's energy security, sustain jobs and apprenticeships, support businesses nationwide, and generate billions in economic activity and tax revenues. McCulloch also noted that these projects could achieve this with lower associated carbon emissions than alternatives like imported liquefied natural gas (LNG).
A UK Government spokesperson affirmed that the North Sea remains a vital national asset, supporting jobs, growth, and energy security. The government maintains that oil and gas will continue to play an important role in the energy system for decades, alongside renewables and other low-carbon technologies. The focus, they stated, is on providing stability and supporting North Sea workers and communities.