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Andy Burnham ordered to approve Rosebank – because EU is desperate for OUR oil
A report commissioned by Rosebank operator Adura argues the UK should approve the oilfield to help protect energy supplies in Britain and Europe. It says continued North Sea production could strengthen the UK’s position in talks with European partners, while declining output would leave refiners more exposed to supply shocks.
Rosebank is estimated to hold 300 million recoverable barrels, but work has stopped following a climate-related legal challenge. The report says more than 80 per cent of UK crude exports go abroad, and 86 per cent of those exports go to European refineries; the UK Continental Shelf supplies up to 12 per cent of EU crude. Labour has introduced legislation to ban new drilling licences, while operators face a headline tax rate of 78 per cent on profits.
In short
- Report urges approval of Rosebank for energy security.
- The field is estimated to hold 300 million recoverable barrels.
- Most UK crude exports go to European refineries.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Approving Rosebank could add to the UK and Europe’s pool of nearby oil supplies at a time when geopolitical shocks can disrupt imports. Supporters argue that continued production would help sustain North Sea expertise and infrastructure, and could give Britain more influence in energy discussions with European partners.
The case against
Opponents argue that developing a new oilfield would lock in more fossil fuel production and risk undermining climate goals, especially as the UK seeks to shift towards lower-carbon energy. They may also question how much Rosebank would improve British security when most UK crude exports go abroad, and argue that investment should instead support cleaner energy and reduce dependence on oil.