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Labour voters back UK’s biggest untapped oil field despite Ed Miliband’s ‘climate vandalism’ attack
A poll found that 63 per cent of UK adults and 65 per cent of Labour supporters want the Rosebank oil field approved, despite Ed Miliband previously calling the project “climate vandalism”. The findings matter because the Government is expected to decide Rosebank’s future in the coming months, amid debate over energy security, domestic production and climate policy.
The Opinium survey questioned 2,050 adults; 17 per cent of Labour voters opposed approval, while 72 per cent said oil and gas would remain essential for the foreseeable future. The results follow the approval of the Jackdaw gas field, which 68 per cent of Labour voters supported, and the introduction of a Bill barring future North Sea exploration licences. Rosebank is estimated to hold 300 million barrels of recoverable oil, but its development is on hold following a climate-related legal challenge.
In short
- 63 per cent of adults back Rosebank approval.
- 65 per cent of Labour voters support the project.
- The Government’s decision is expected in the coming months.
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The case for
Supporters argue that approving Rosebank could strengthen UK energy security, reduce reliance on imports and sustain jobs and investment in the North Sea while oil remains in use. They may also see domestic production as a pragmatic response to continuing demand, with the poll suggesting broad public support for that approach.
The case against
Opponents argue that developing a large new oil field would add to fossil fuel supply and emissions, making the UK’s climate commitments harder to meet. They contend that investment and policy should instead accelerate cleaner energy, and that energy security is better served by reducing dependence on oil and gas over time.
Explained simply
Rosebank is an undeveloped oil field in the North Sea, estimated to contain about 300 million barrels of recoverable oil. Its development is on hold after a legal challenge over its climate impact, and the Government is expected to decide its future.
Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, has criticised the project on climate grounds. The debate reflects competing questions about producing oil and gas in the UK, energy supply and the country’s climate policies.
The Government has approved the Jackdaw gas field and introduced a Bill to stop new North Sea exploration licences. Rosebank’s decision could help shape how those policies apply to existing projects.
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