PM Urged to Ban New North Sea Oil Drilling to Keep Climate 2026

Leading climate scientists are urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to ban new North Sea oil drilling at the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields, warning it would breach his own climate pledges. The scientists, who helped create Greater Manchester's carbon neutral by 2038 commitment, wrote an open letter stating that approving these projects would signal a global backtrack on UK climate leadership.

The Scientists' Urgent Appeal

Professor Kevin Anderson and researchers from the Tyndall Centre at the University of Manchester expressed “considerable concern” over reports that Burnham’s government intends to approve further development of the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gasfields. These fields were given preliminary approval under the Conservatives but were halted by a court ruling requiring a more detailed assessment of their climate impact, including emissions from burning extracted fossil fuels.

The academics noted that Burnham, as former Mayor of Greater Manchester, unveiled one of the UK's most ambitious local climate programmes targeting housing, green growth, and public transport. Approving new drilling, they argued, “represents a profound departure from the principles you promoted as Mayor.”

Labour's Manifesto Promise vs. Reality

Labour made a manifesto pledge that no new oil and gas licences would be issued. However, the Jackdaw and Rosebank projects were already in the licensing system before the last general election. A consultation on Jackdaw will close on 8 August, and with extreme heatwaves and wildfires across the UK and Europe this summer, the scientists stress that global emissions must fall by 8% every year to meet the Paris Agreement’s upper limit of 2°C warming.

Key Environmental Stakes

• Rosebank field – one of the largest untapped oil reserves in the North Sea, estimated at 300 million barrels.
• Jackdaw field – a gas field with potentially significant methane emissions.
• Approval would contradict the UK’s legally binding net-zero targets.
• Legal challenges already forced a more thorough environmental impact assessment.

Comparison of the Two Oilfields

Why This Matters for Global Climate Action

Approving new North Sea oil drilling would send a damaging signal to other nations, undermining trust in the UK’s commitment to the Paris Agreement. The scientists’ letter comes amid record temperatures and wildfires across Europe, reinforcing the urgency of rapid emission cuts. If Burnham violates his own climate legacy, it could set back global efforts and embolden fossil fuel expansion elsewhere.

Environmental groups and legal experts are closely watching the outcome. The UK government has not yet made a final decision, but the consultation deadline for Jackdaw is fast approaching.

FAQ

As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on Downing Street. The decision could define Burnham’s environmental legacy and the UK’s role in the global fight against climate change.