Latest news with #StopRosebank
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Keir Starmer sent urgent letter from celebs - 'he must listen'
The musicians argued that further development of the oil field north west of Shetland would undermine the UK's climate commitments and the sustainability of the cultural sector Stars including Paloma Faith, Lola Young and The Cure's Robert Smith have warned Keir Starmer to reject future drilling at Rosebank in the North Sea. In a letter addressed to the PM and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, the musicians argued that further development of the oil field north west of Shetland would undermine the UK's climate commitments and the sustainability of the cultural sector. The letter urges the Government to follow the science and states "any new application to exploit Rosebank's reserves must be refused". Ministers published new guidance last month on how the environmental impacts of oil and gas are included in assessments. As a result, offshore developers can now submit applications for consent to extract fossil fuels in oil and gas fields that are already licensed, which includes Rosebank and the Jackdaw gas field off Aberdeen. It comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves dismissed Donald Trump's 'con job' wind turbine claim. This came after the Supreme Court ruled that emissions created by burning fossil fuels should be considered when granting planning permission for new drilling sites, in a case that focused on an oil well in Surrey but reverberated through the energy sector. The open letter, co-ordinated by Earth Percent and backed by the Stop Rosebank campaign, is also signed by artists including Ed O'Brien and Philip Selway of Radiohead, rock band Enter Shikari, Imogen Heap, and Olly Alexander of Years & Years. They warn that the expansion of operations at Rosebank will accelerate the climate crisis, deliver no meaningful benefit to the UK public, and burden future generations. Producer Brian Eno, who co-founded Earth Percent, said: 'As musicians and artists our creativity is deeply connected to the state of the world around us. "Fossil fuels are not only unsustainable – they are actively destructive. The evidence is clear: burning them accelerates the climate crisis, endangers our futures, and undermines the UK's credibility as a climate leader. We have the tools and the knowledge to make the transition. The Prime Minister must listen – reject Rosebank, and stop approving new oil and gas developments.' A Department for Energy Security & Net Zero spokesperson said: 'Our priority is to deliver a fair, orderly and prosperous transition in the North Sea in line with our climate and legal obligations, which drives our clean energy future of energy security, lower bills, and good, long-term jobs.'
The National
11-08-2025
- Climate
- The National
'New normal': Climate campaigners sound alarm over Arthur's Seat blaze
Firefighters were called to tackle the blaze on the ancient extinct volcano in Edinburgh on Sunday and the fire service believes that it was caused by human activity. The blaze has since been brought under control but activists have said that it should be cause for concern. Robert Palmer, the deputy director of pressure group Uplift, said: 'The wildfire at Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, and the ongoing heath blaze in Dorset, are really worrying. Wildfires like these are becoming more likely because of climate change. READ MORE: 20 pictures show fire blazing at Arthur's Seat landmark 'The world is on fire, with wildfires in France and Greece, which have both claimed lives, and there is a megablaze in California. We're facing our fourth heatwave of the summer and have only just started to recover from Storm Floris. 'These are just the latest examples of extreme weather becoming the 'new normal', which the Met office has said is becoming more common because of climate change, which in turn is driven by burning fossil fuels.' (Image: PA) Palmer said that the blaze helped illustrate Uplift's arguments against the Rosebank oil field. The project was approved in 2023, but the Court of Session ruled in January this year that the consent was unlawful as it did not take into account the negative effect it going ahead would cause for the environment. Lauren MacDonald, the lead campaigner at Stop Rosebank, said: 'As a Scot, it has been devastating to see the impacts of storms and wildfires across Scotland this year. Now, the iconic Arthur's Seat is ablaze, in the middle of the Fringe. READ MORE: Latest updates as fire crews continue to tackle Arthur's Seat blaze 'Scotland is experiencing one extreme weather event after another this year, from Storm Eowyn to Scottish Water's warning of water scarcity and Storm Floris which saw winds of up to 90 mph and had a rare 'danger to life' amber warning. 'And of course wildfires which have burned through Scotland's beautiful landscapes including a National Trust conservation site. All Scots serious about ending climate change know it means no new drilling at the Rosebank oil field.'
The Herald Scotland
22-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Scots climate camp launched ahead of Donald Trump visit
The activists behind the camp have hit out at US President Donald Trump, who will visit Scotland next week. Ash, a campaigner from Edinburgh, said: 'We are seeing the horrible consequences of the climate crisis before our very eyes across Europe and here in Scotland. [[Donald Trump]] [who is enabling] massive environmental destruction through his 'Drill Baby Drill' nonsense, is a threat to the future of every person on this planet. 'Trump's visit to Scotland is an insult to everything we hold dear.' The camp will be held in Twechar. (Image: Climate Camp Scotland) Climate activists from Balochistan, India, and Ukraine have travelled to the UK for the event. Campaigners have also taken aim at Nigel Farage and Reform UK, who have pledged to scrap net zero targets and increase fossil fuel exploration. Duncan, an organiser for the Stop Rosebank campaign, said: 'The need to phase out fossil fuels has never been clearer as we see extreme weather events happening all around us. The remaining oil and gas, which is already in decline, in the north sea basin must remain in the ground to prevent ecological collapse, and both the Labour government and the climate deniers around Nigel Farage must respect that. 'Our politicians need to prioritise what is best for the people and the planet rather than prioritising the interests of the fossil fuel industry.' Read more: Tributes for longtime Conservative MSP Jamie McGrigor Extraterrestrial rays to power music performance at Edinburgh Fringe Fresh calls to dual A96 as £65m repair bill for trunk road revealed Last year's camp saw 200 activists gather in Aberdeen to protest the potential redevelopment of St Fittick's Park, the only community green space in the deprived area of Torry. Ruth Dunster from Extinction Rebellion Highlands and Islands added: 'Climate Camp is such a lovely, peaceful atmosphere to meet with like-minded folk. 'I feel less alone in caring about our planet when I come here, and I'm looking forward to seeing some of the wonderful people I've met in the Environmental movement.'
Scotsman
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
North Sea boss warns 'polarised' oil and gas debate putting jobs at risk and makes Rosebank prediction
Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The head of the organisation that represents the North Sea energy industry has warned the 'polarised debate' over the future of oil and gas is risking efforts to tackle the climate crisis and putting jobs on the line. David Whitehouse, the chief executive of Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), told The Scotsman that he and his colleagues in North Sea industries 'care as much about dealing with climate change as anybody'. The assertion came as he revealed some optimism about a 'pathway' emerging for the controversial Rosebank oil field and Jackdaw gas field developments to be approved and drilling to begin. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Campaigners take part in a Stop Rosebank emergency protest outside the UK government building in Edinburgh. PIC: Jane Barlow/PA Wire Speaking at the OEUK conference in Aberdeen, Mr Whitehouse, a former production engineer for Shell, is a prime example of fossil fuels transitioning to renewable energy - as he is studying for a masters in renewable energy. With the debate around the role oil and gas will play in the energy transition remaining as toxic as carbon emissions, Mr Whitehouse has insisted the heat is coming from extremists on both sides of the argument - with the majority wanting a measured approach to net zero that will boost the economy. READ MORE: Rosebank and other North Sea oil and gas fields could be given green light under new guidelines The UK government and experts have stressed oil and gas will be needed until net zero is reached. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Time for majority to 'speak up' on industry support Asked about the polarised debate, Mr Whitehouse said it was "simply not the case' that 'it's one versus the other, renewables versus oil and gas'. He added: 'I do think a polarised debate is what will stop us being truly successful dealing with climate change and dealing with it in a way that supports jobs and value in our economy. 'I think removing the polarisation from the discussion is really important.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Whitehouse warned 'sometimes it feels like we're having a polarised debate', but the majority want to see climate change tackled 'in a way that supports existing businesses and industries' and 'see that role for oil and gas - domestic, home-grown oil and gas supporting communities around the country'. David Whitehouse, chief executive of OEUK | Michal Wachucik He said: 'So what you actually find is this isn't a polarised debate within the public - it's just at the extremes. Those loud voices on the extremes are what we are hearing. 'Now more so than ever, that 70 per cent who sit in the middle who want to deal with this in a pragmatic way, who recognise we need it all. Now is the time for us to speak up.' Mr Whitehouse stressed the industry was facing 'an uncertain time'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad READ MORE: GB Energy to take Scandinavian inspiration to become power company amid renewable slowdown alarm He said: 'We see the announcement of job losses at Harbour Energy. We are concerned that we are seeing record-low levels of rig activity. That has real-world consequences.' Concern over renewables slowdown The UK and Scottish governments have insisted the renewables boom will be ramped up at such a pace that it will keep investment flowing into offshore industries. But Mr Whitehouse has warned the pace of both the decline of the oil and gas sector and the expected expansion of renewable energy were concerning. He said: 'We have seen policy decisions over the last [few] years that I think have accelerated the decline in oil and gas. It does not have to be that way. We can reverse that and produce more of the oil and gas that the UK will need. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I think there's been real momentum behind the build out of renewables, which is something that we welcome. But there are some issues to be dealt with - in terms of planning and consent, access to grid and financing those projects. 'There is a concern we are seeing a quicker decline of one significant industry, and I think we can reverse that. And we need to accelerate the build out of renewables.' The UK Labour government has vowed to ban new oil and gas licences and is consulting on ending a long-held policy for Britain to seek 'maximum economic recovery' - essentially drain all of the oil and gas from the North Sea. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad UK Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband | PA Mr Whitehouse said: 'The Climate Change Committee said that on our journey to net zero, we are going to require something like 15 billion barrels of oil and gas. We're on track to produce about a third of that. 'With supportive policy, I think we can produce at least half and that creates real value in our economy and supports our jobs.' He added: 'What we really need, also, is there are opportunities around our existing hubs, around those assets like mini towns in the middle of the North Sea. We need the opportunity to bring in some of those other opportunities in those hubs to extend their life.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lifeline for Rosebank The Rosebank and Jackdaw projects have been instructed to reapply for environmental consent after the Supreme Court ruled their permission was unlawful and will have to set out the environmental impact of burning the oil and gas contained in the developments. A map showing the location of the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields | Kimberley Mogg/NationalWorld Updated guidance published by the UK government last week, suggested environmental consent could be granted to the two projects and an estimated 13 others, if the economic benefits can be proven to outweigh the climate harm. Mr Whitehouse said the new guidance 'provides a pathway to the projects'. He said: 'Now we've got some critical decisions that lie ahead of us and we just need to get these right. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I wouldn't say this is the last chance, but I think it is critical that we do get this right. We are seeing an accelerated decline in our oil and gas production in a world where I think we need that. 'We need to be really clear. This is not a debate about oil and gas versus renewables. It's not a debate actually about dealing with climate change versus economic growth. I think if we get this right, we can deliver both. But it is an argument about whether we support our home-grown industries over imports.
Scotsman
19-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Treasury 'poised to miss out on £250m in tax receipts from Rosebank oil development'
Campaigners have warned the economic case for approving the Rosebank oil field does not stack up Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The UK government is poised to miss out on more than £250 million from tax revenue over controversial plans to open up a North Sea oil field, campaigners have said. According to a new analysis seen by The Scotsman, tax breaks for UK North Sea oil and gas developers tied with the proposed end to the contentious energy profits levy alongside oil prices, mean the Treasury is set to issue more relief and breakes than is due in tax receipts over the Rosebank oil proposals. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Campaigners take part in a Stop Rosebank emergency protest outside the UK Government building in Edinburgh Photo: Jane Barlow/PA Wire Norwegian state-owned fossil fuel giant, Equinor, and Rosebank's minority owner, Ithaca Energy, are set to earn up to £1.5 billion from the project. Campaigners claim the tax regime means the Rosebank development is 'incredibly high risk for our public finances' and undermines Chancellor Rachel Reeves' priority of economic growth. It comes as separate analysis predicted the UK will be almost entirely dependent on foreign gas by 2050 regardless of whether Rosebank and the Jackdaw developments are approved. UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks is expected to announce the results of a government consultation on the Rosebank field later today. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The UK government said it does not comment on individual cases but insisted it was 'taking a responsible approach to tax'. In previous years, fossil fuel giants including BP and Shell have benefited from more in terms of investment relief and payments from the Treasury for decomissioning than they have paid in tax. The new analysis, carried out by WWF Norway, found that in a base-case scenario — assuming oil prices of $70 per barrel, above where they are today — Equinor and Ithaca would earn £1.5 billion in profit, while the UK government would miss out on £258m. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The North Sea oil and gas sector has criticised the energy profits levy In a lower-price scenario of $40 per barrel — considered likely if countries take action to meet climate goals — UK Treasury could miss out on as much as £1.3bn. To offset the high tax rate in the energy profit levy, oil firms currently only cover around 16 per cent of the capital expenditure of developing a new field, with the UK government shouldering the vast majority of the cost. Currently, oil and gas companies pay a headline rate of 78 per cent on any profits they make from North Sea drilling through the energy profits levy, which is due to end in March 2030 or if oil prices fall to a set level. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But North Sea developers are able to to write off most of their development costs before profits are taxed with UK taxpayers now effectively covering 84 per cent of the development costs of new projects, like Rosebank - after the rate was lowered from 91 per cent last year. Equinor will make most of its investment for Rosebank while the generous reliefs are switched on, but it will generate most of its profit after 2030, when the windfall tax is no longer in effect. The government tax breaks are handed out now, but the tax receipts will be collected when the tax rate is lower. According to the analysis, this could leave a deficit to the UK Treasury of £258m. Tessa Khan, executive director at Uplift, said: 'Oil and gas production isn't the cash cow the Treasury thinks it is. In the case of Rosebank, the UK public would lose hundreds of millions of pounds from its development, while its owners, including the Norwegian government, would walk off with £1.5bn in profit. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Uplift's executive director Tessa Khan 'Were it not for the UK taxpayer shouldering the vast majority of the risk, Equinor wouldn't touch a project like Rosebank with a bargepole. If the field's financials aren't bad enough to start with, a fall in the price of oil would make an already terrible deal even worse for the Treasury.' She added: 'It's not as if Rosebank will do anything to lower our fuel bills or boost UK energy security – it won't. Most of its oil will be exported and sold on the international market. READ MORE: North Sea leaders and energy workers urge Keir Starmer to scrap oil and gas windfall tax 'But developing this field would be a devastating decision at a time when extreme weather, fueled by climate change, is hitting millions around the world. Beyond the enormous emissions from burning this oil, it would send a signal that the UK has given up on climate action. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Rosebank isn't just incompatible with the UK's climate obligations, it's incredibly high risk for our public finances too, and no serious Chancellor should give it their backing.' A UK government spokesperson said: 'We're committed to managing the North Sea in a way that ensures a fair, orderly and prosperous transition, while recognising domestic oil and gas will continue to have a role in the energy mix for decades to come.
