In a move that sits awkwardly between economic pragmatism and environmental caution, UK ministers have announced the re-launch of the approval process for two large North Sea oil and gas fields, Rosebank and Jackdaw. The decision comes after a court ruled earlier this year that the initial permits were unlawfully granted because they failed to account for the full carbon emissions from burning the oil and gas they would produce. As a result, Equinor and Shell must resubmit applications, triggering a fresh, quasi-judicial review led by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
Energy Security Minister Michael Shanks is expected to unveil the findings of a recent consultation this Thursday, setting the tone for how future North Sea developments will be assessed. The oil industry argues that the outcome will determine whether domestic production can continue under stricter climate scrutiny. Meanwhile, the Treasury and sectors focused on industrial growth are quietly lobbying for approvals, seeing potential in jobs, revenues, and energy resilience.
But the environmental picture is stark. According to analysis by the climate group Uplift, even if these projects proceed, the UK will still be heavily reliant on imported gas, reaching around 94% by 2050. Critics warn that approving Rosebank and Jackdaw may satisfy short-term economic needs but will do little to secure long-term energy independence. They also point out that these fields would generate millions of tonnes of CO₂, far more than the annual emissions of millions of UK homes, raising serious questions about alignment with net-zero climate targets.
Environmental campaigners emphasize that the government must now apply a truly credible climate test. The consultation responses are expected to focus on how much power Energy Secretary Miliband will have to weigh climate considerations against economic ones, and whether developers must implement strong mitigation measures.
At the same time, Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have reaffirmed their stance: no new oil and gas licenses will be issued, but projects that already hold licenses, like Rosebank and Jackdaw, can continue under tighter rules. Starmer has pledged a careful balancing act: supporting existing projects while steering toward renewables and carbon capture. However, internal tensions are clear; some ministers are pushing green credentials, while others prioritize economic growth and job security in North Sea communities.
Ultimately, Thursday’s announcement will be a litmus test for the government’s climate commitments. Will regulators demand rigorous emissions standards and strong environmental accountability? Or will economic pressures tilt the balance in favour of the oilfields? The outcome could reshape both UK climate strategy and public trust in the government’s long-term energy plan.
