Get drilling! Tony Blair urges PM to give Rosebank green light
Tony Blair’s think-tank has urged the Government to approve the Rosebank oil and gas field and set a stable framework for further commercially viable North Sea projects. It argues that delays could hasten the basin’s decline, weaken energy security and put jobs, investment and future tax receipts at risk.
The report cites developer Adura’s estimate that Rosebank could attract £8.7 billion in investment and support £24.3 billion in UK gross value added. It estimates £2.6 billion in additional direct and supply-chain tax revenues between 2026-27 and 2035-36, and says the proposed Cambo development could generate £13.7 billion in gross value added. Industry representatives welcomed the call and urged an early end to the windfall tax, while advocating a predictable fiscal regime.
In short
- Blair’s institute wants Rosebank approved.
- It says delay could undermine North Sea investment and jobs.
- The project is estimated to support £24.3 billion in UK value added.
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The case for
Approving Rosebank and setting predictable terms for future projects could help sustain North Sea jobs, investment and supply chains while supporting domestic energy production. Its proponents argue that delaying viable developments risks a faster decline in the basin, reduced energy security and lower tax receipts, and cite substantial projected economic benefits from Rosebank and Cambo.
The case against
Opponents could argue that approving new oil and gas fields would commit capital and infrastructure to fossil fuel production when the UK needs to reduce emissions and accelerate cleaner energy. They may also question whether industry projections of jobs, tax revenue and wider economic value will be realised, and argue that public policy should prioritise investment in alternatives rather than extend dependence on North Sea extraction.
Explained simply
Rosebank is an undeveloped oil and gas field west of Shetland, in the North Sea. It is one of several proposed projects that would require Government approval before production could begin.
Tony Blair’s think-tank is calling for Rosebank to be approved and for clearer rules on future North Sea investment. The field’s developer, Adura, and oil and gas industry representatives say projects could bring investment, jobs and tax revenue; critics of new production have raised concerns about its climate impact.
The debate matters because the North Sea has long supported energy production and related jobs, while existing fields are ageing. Decisions about new projects involve weighing possible economic and energy-security benefits against the UK’s climate commitments.