Andy Burnham and John Healey set to defy eco-zealot Ed Miliband by giving Rosebank oil field green light
Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey are reportedly preparing to approve drilling at the Rosebank oil field, despite opposition from Ed Miliband and Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh. The proposal is framed as a response to high energy prices, concerns about energy security and pressure on public finances, but it risks deepening divisions within Labour and among environmental campaigners.
Rosebank lies 80 miles west of the Shetland Islands and is the UK’s largest undeveloped oil and gas field, with about 500 million barrels of oil; more than 90 per cent of its reserves are oil, most expected to be exported. The article says its emissions would be seven times those of the Jackdaw gas field, which was approved last week. A proposed share of the proceeds would go to the Energy Wealth Fund, backed by an initial £2 billion, while polling cited in the article found 48 per cent supported lifting the North Sea exploration ban and 32 per cent opposed it.
In short
- Ministers are reportedly preparing to approve Rosebank drilling.
- The field holds about 500 million barrels of oil.
- Proceeds would partly fund low-carbon and renewable technology.
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The case for
Supporters could argue that approving Rosebank would bring investment, tax revenue and some domestic production at a time of high energy costs and concern about security of supply. They may see the proposed contribution to the Energy Wealth Fund as a way to direct proceeds towards the public, while noting that public support for renewed exploration exceeds opposition in the cited poll.
The case against
Opponents could argue that Rosebank is overwhelmingly an oil field, with most of its output expected to be exported, so approval would do little to secure affordable energy at home. They may contend that its substantial emissions would undermine climate commitments and that investment and public support should instead be directed towards cleaner energy and a more durable transition.
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