‘Not the answer’: Labour MPs speak out against Rosebank as decision looms

Labour MPs have urged the government to reject Rosebank, a major oil field north-west of Shetland, arguing that approving it would conflict with the UK’s climate commitments and do little to lower energy bills or improve security. Their opposition highlights divisions within Labour as the government prepares to make a decision in the coming weeks.

More than 60 of Labour’s roughly 400 MPs have indicated support for an opposition letter, while about a dozen spoke against Rosebank in a Westminster Hall debate. The government says the decision rests formally with Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, whose stated priority is affordability; the field’s licences were granted by the previous Conservative government but later ruled unlawful, requiring a fresh decision. Supporters of production argue that the UK will need fossil fuels for years and that relying more on imports carries risks.