Opposition ratchets up pressure on government to support Rosebank ahead of Budget
Opposition parties are urging Chancellor John Healey to use his first Budget to cut green taxes and regulations and support more North Sea oil and gas. The calls come after the Government approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field, while a decision on the larger Rosebank project remains pending.
The Conservatives want Rosebank approved, new North Sea licensing resumed and the energy profits levy scrapped; they also oppose using public money to help poorer households with rising bills. Reform UK says it would introduce more than 60 measures it claims would create jobs, including support for North Sea projects and changes to environmental rules, housing requirements and vehicle testing. The parties’ proposals come amid competing claims about energy costs and how best to stimulate growth.
In short
- Opposition parties want the Budget to back North Sea oil and gas.
- Jackdaw has been approved; Rosebank is still under consideration.
- Reform UK says its package would include more than 60 job-creating measures.
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The case for
Supporters argue that approving Rosebank, resuming licensing and easing taxes and regulation could encourage investment, sustain skilled jobs and increase domestic oil and gas supply. They see this as a practical way to support growth and energy security while keeping energy available during the transition to lower-carbon sources.
The case against
Opponents argue that expanding North Sea extraction risks locking in emissions and investment in fossil fuels when policy should accelerate cleaner energy. They may also favour targeted public help for households facing high bills, and argue that weakening environmental rules or scrapping the levy could shift costs to the public without reliably lowering energy prices.
Explained simply
The North Sea is a major source of oil and gas for the UK, and companies need government approval to develop new fields. Rosebank is a large proposed oil and gas project west of Shetland; Jackdaw, another gas field, has already received approval. The Government’s decision on Rosebank is still pending.
The Chancellor, John Healey, sets out the Government’s tax and spending plans in the Budget. The Conservatives and Reform UK are calling for changes they say would support North Sea projects and business activity, while also proposing changes to environmental rules. The debate matters because it concerns how the UK balances energy supply, household bills, economic growth and environmental policy.