Labour's Stance on Rosebank Oilfield
Angela Rayner, Deputy Labour chief, remained tight-lipped about whether Labour would approve the Rosebank oilfield project. The recent Supreme Court ruling against an oil well near Horse Hill has raised questions about the fate of other oil and gas projects.
Supreme Court Ruling Impact
The Supreme Court judges' decision emphasized the need for local councils to consider not just drilling pollution but also the environmental impact of the oil's future use, including emissions from refining and combustion. This ruling has implications for new oil and gas projects.
Labour's Transition to Renewables
Labour has faced criticism for pledging not to approve new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea, potentially jeopardizing thousands of jobs. However, Sir Keir Starmer has assured that existing licenses will not be revoked, emphasizing a just transition to renewables.
Uncertainty Surrounding Rosebank Oilfield
Despite previous approval, the future of the Rosebank oilfield off the coast of the Shetland Islands remains uncertain. Angela Rayner highlighted the need for a transition to renewables and Labour's plan to meet net zero targets.
Rosebank Oilfield Project Details
The Rosebank oilfield, approved in September last year, was expected to produce millions of barrels of oil, creating jobs for thousands of workers. The joint venture between Ithaca Energy and Equinor was set to be a significant contributor to the oil and gas sector.