Political battle intensifies within Labour over Rosebank oil field

Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra is urging Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh to approve the Rosebank oil field, arguing it would support jobs, investment and public finances. The dispute reflects a broader shift within Labour, where the party’s pledge against new North Sea drilling is being tested by energy security and the rising cost of living.

Rosebank, 80 miles north-west of Shetland, is the UK’s largest untapped oil field; its approval would concern existing licences rather than grant new ones. Fahnbulleh recently approved production at the Jackdaw gas field, which the government says could support gas supply, hundreds of jobs and add £2.9bn to the economy over 11 years. Environmental campaigners oppose Rosebank, saying it would hinder climate efforts without meaningfully improving energy security, while Fahnbulleh says the decision is a regulatory process and rests with her.