The administration must issue a fresh determination after Edinburgh's Court of Session ruled previous approvals granted under the Conservatives were unlawful. While Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh prioritises lowering consumer bills, opponents argue the field will do little to cut costs because much of the extracted oil will be sold abroad. Conversely, supportive MPs such as Jonathan Brash contend the nation will rely on fossil fuels for decades, making domestic extraction essential to curb foreign imports.
Key points
Opponents argue the offshore project conflicts directly with statutory climate obligation…: Opponents argue the offshore project conflicts directly with statutory climate obligations and offers minimal domestic tax revenue.
Proponents contend that halting domestic drilling jeopardises local employment and increa…: Proponents contend that halting domestic drilling jeopardises local employment and increases the country's reliance on foreign energy imports.
Energy minister Michael Shanks stated the government plans to take a pragmatic approach t…: Energy minister Michael Shanks stated the government plans to take a pragmatic approach that balances clean transition goals with existing production.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
- Published
Labour MPs have called on the government to reject the Rosebank oil field, saying it is "incompatible" with the UK's climate commitments.
There is a growing expectation among senior Labour figures that drilling in the oil field off the north-west coast of Shetland will be given the go ahead.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Wednesday that a decision would be "taken in due course" while Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh stressed that affordability of energy bills was her "overriding objective".
But in a sign of the division within the party, about a dozen Labour MPs expressed concerns about approving it during a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament.
Separately, it is understood some Labour backbenchers have organised a letter opposing Rosebank - intended for Burnham, but not yet sent - which more than 60 out of about 400 Labour MPs have indicated they support.
One signatory told the BBC that approving Rosebank "would not create new jobs, would bring minimal money into the Treasury and be bad for the climate".
"The government's central aim is to tackle the cost…
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