75 Labour MPs oppose Rosebank oilfield development

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 15 Nov, 08:37 · Archive

Up to 75 Labour MPs have signed a letter opposing the Rosebank oilfield development, warning it would damage the UK's climate credentials.

Andy Burnham faces his first major rebellion as Prime Minister as up to 75 Labour MPs have signed a letter opposing the proposed Rosebank oilfield development. According to reports, the number of signatories could reach 100. The government approved the Jackdaw site last month and is due to announce a decision on Rosebank in the coming weeks.

Rosebank, located about 80 miles northwest of Shetland, is said to contain 300 million barrels of oil. Supporters suggest the project could create 1,600 jobs. However, the MPs argue that approving it would destroy the UK's credibility as a global climate leader and make it harder to hit the 2050 net zero carbon emissions target.

One parliamentary private secretary to a cabinet minister has indicated they would resign if Rosebank is approved. The PPS told The Sunday Times: 'I think they underestimate how strongly people feel about climate change. For a generation of us it's as central to our politics as equality or tackling poverty.' Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed added that the project 'will not benefit taxpayers who will shoulder the vast majority of the development costs' and 'will not strengthen our energy security because most of the oil will be sold on international markets.'

How it is being reported

• Will Burnham bow to Labour rebels over Rosebank? PM sees 'up to 100' of his own MPs mobilise to oppose North Sea oilfieldThe Prime Minister is facing the first major rebellion of his premiership as the Government mulls whether to approve more fossil fuel extraction in the North Sea.Daily Mail · 15 Nov, 08:30
• Burnham facing first major ‘rebellion against Rosebank oilfield’Up to 75 MPs have reportedly signed a letter opposing drilling at the Rosebank siteThe i Paper · 15 Nov, 08:19
• Andy Burnham faces his biggest Labour rebellion as 75 MPs oppose Rosebank oilfieldAndy Burnham is facing a major backbench rebellion as 75 Labour MPs have opposed the Rosebank oilfield development. A letter, signed by backbench MPs, has warned the UK’s credibility as a global climate leader would be destroyed if the project were approved. Rosebank, about 80 miles northwest of Shetland, is said to contain 300 million barrels of oil, with some suggesting it could create 1,600 jobs. However, the burning of fossil fuels from the site would make it harder for the UK to hit its 2050 target of net zero carbon emissions. One parliamentary private secretary (PPS) to a cabinet…GB News · 15 Nov, 00:12

In this story: Andy Burnham · Labour Party · Rosebank · Shetland · Abtisam Mohamed

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