Politics · United Kingdom · 6 hrs ago
Burnham and Healey reportedly plan to approve Rosebank oil drilling
Andy Burnham and John Healey reportedly plan to approve Rosebank drilling, overruling opposition from Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh.
Rosebank lies west of the Shetland Islands and is described as the UK’s largest undeveloped oil and gas field, with about 500 million barrels of oil.
The proposal has drawn environmental objections, including claims that Rosebank would emit seven times as much carbon dioxide as the Jackdaw gas field, which was approved last week.
The reported decision comes as the government faces high energy prices, weak economic growth and pressure to support households and businesses.
Some drilling proceeds would go to a fund for low-carbon technology, which the government hopes will address environmental concerns.
The plan is being prepared amid work on Wednesday’s Budget, but the account does not say when a formal approval would be announced.
Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey are reportedly planning to approve drilling at the Rosebank oil field in the North Sea.
The plan would go ahead despite opposition from Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, according to the Daily Mail.
The report says Rosebank contains 500 million barrels of oil and lies 80 miles west of the Shetland Islands.
A share of drilling proceeds would go to the Energy Wealth Fund, which invests in renewable and low-carbon technology.
The reported decision comes amid concerns about high energy prices, government borrowing costs and limited fiscal headroom.
- Who
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey are reportedly backing drilling. Ed Miliband and Miatta Fahnbulleh are reported to oppose it.
- What
- The government is reportedly planning to approve drilling at the Rosebank oil field.
- When
- The report was published on October 24, 2026. It says the decision was reached during preparations for Wednesday’s Budget.
- Where
- The Rosebank field is in the North Sea, 80 miles west of the Shetland Islands.
- Why
- The reported case for approval is based on the economy and energy security. The report also cites high energy prices and pressure on government finances.
Rosebank drilling supporters
Rosebank drilling opponents
Economic and energy security
Rosebank drilling supporters
Supporters say the economic and energy security case for drilling is strong.
Rosebank drilling opponents
Opponents object to the environmental impact of developing the field.
Jobs
Rosebank drilling supporters
Supporters, including unions, say North Sea production is needed to preserve jobs.
Rosebank drilling opponents
Environmentalists and Labour MPs have objected to Rosebank and the earlier approval of the Jackdaw gas field.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the government’s position on oil and gas put jobs and national security at risk.
The government approved exploitation of the Jackdaw gas field, according to the report.
The report says the decision to back Rosebank was reached amid concerns about the economy, energy prices and government finances.
The Daily Mail reported that Burnham and Healey were planning to approve Rosebank drilling.
- Oil reserves
- 500 million barrels
- Location
- 80 miles west of the Shetland Islands
- Energy Wealth Fund
- Initial £2 billion in tax revenues
- Voter polling on lifting the exploration ban
- 48 per cent supported lifting it; 32 per cent wanted it to remain
- Rosebank emissions compared with Jackdaw
- Opponents say Rosebank would emit seven times as much carbon dioxide
What people are saying
Both Andy and John have decided Rosebank needs to go ahead. The economic and energy security case is so strong, and the Energy Wealth Fund will help mitigate concerns around the environment.
The Government's position on oil and gas is putting jobs and national security at risk. Blocking oil and gas production in the North Sea, especially now, is simply an act of monumental political self-harm.
climate vandalism