Scottish Labour leader presses Energy Secretary to approve Rosebank oil development
Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra has urged the Energy Secretary to approve the Rosebank oil development, arguing it would support jobs and economic activity. The decision is politically contentious and is expected to be more finely balanced than approval for the Jackdaw gas field, as most Rosebank oil would be exported.
Marra said he recognised that the legal test differs for oil intended for export and gas for domestic use. Labour MPs have called for Rosebank to be rejected on climate grounds, while Scottish Conservative MP Douglas Lumsden has urged approval by Christmas. He says the project could support 1,600 to 2,000 jobs during peak construction and up to 525 long-term UK jobs; the department says reports about the Energy Secretary’s intentions are speculation.
In short
- Michael Marra backs approval of the Rosebank oil development.
- The decision is more complex because most of its oil would be exported.
- Estimates put peak construction jobs at up to 2,000.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that approving Rosebank could sustain skilled employment and economic activity, including construction work and longer-term UK jobs. They may also see domestic development as a way to support the energy industry and its workforce during the transition, subject to the distinct legal test for oil produced mainly for export.
The case against
Opponents argue that developing a new oil field is difficult to reconcile with climate goals, particularly when most of its output would be exported rather than meet UK demand. They may question whether the projected jobs justify the climate and environmental costs, and favour directing investment towards lower-carbon energy and employment instead.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Get Rosebank oil flowing, urges Scots Labour leader”.