New North Sea oil drilling faces fierce opposition as climate scientists urge Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reject approvals for the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields. The scientists, who helped craft Greater Manchester’s carbon neutral by 2038 plan, warn that greenlighting these projects would undermine the UK’s international climate commitments and backtrack on pledges made during Burnham’s tenure as mayor.
Why Scientists Are Speaking Out
Professor Kevin Anderson and colleagues from the Tyndall Centre at the University of Manchester sent an open letter to Burnham. They expressed “considerable concern” over reports that his government intends to approve the further development of the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gasfields. The letter states that such a move would send a global signal that the UK is backtracking on its climate commitments.
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The Jackdaw and Rosebank fields were originally approved under the Conservative government but were halted by legal action requiring a more detailed environmental impact assessment. The consultation on Jackdaw closes on 8 August, and activists fear Burnham may give the go‑ahead despite Labour’s manifesto promise not to issue new oil and gas licences.
What the UK Risks by Approving New Drilling
Approving these fields would contradict the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 2°C. Scientists say global emissions must drop by 8% each year to meet that target. The UK, already experiencing extreme heat and wildfires this summer, cannot afford to expand fossil fuel extraction.
| Oilfield | Status | Potential Emissions | Impact on Climate Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackdaw | Under consultation until 8 Aug | Estimated 40–50 million tonnes CO₂ | Undermines UK net‑zero pathway |
| Rosebank | Approved, but delayed by legal action | Estimated 200+ million tonnes CO₂ | Incompatible with 1.5°C target |
Key Takeaways
- New North Sea oil drilling would violate the PM’s own climate pledges made as mayor of Greater Manchester.
- Labour’s manifesto promised no new oil and gas licences – Jackdaw and Rosebank were already in the system before the election.
- Global emissions need to fall 8% annually to meet the Paris Accord’s upper limit; new drilling makes this impossible.
- The UK is experiencing record heatwaves, highlighting the urgency of halting fossil fuel expansion.
FAQ
What are the Jackdaw and Rosebank oilfields?
Jackdaw and Rosebank are two large oil and gas fields in the North Sea. They were given initial approvals under the previous Conservative government but were paused due to legal challenges about their climate impact.
Why are scientists urging the PM to ban new drilling?
The scientists argue that approving these fields would send a message that the UK is retreating from its climate commitments. As a former mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham championed ambitious climate goals, and new drilling contradicts that legacy.
What is the status of the consultation on Jackdaw?
The public consultation on the Jackdaw field runs until 8 August. If the government decides to approve it after that date, it would face renewed legal and political opposition.
Can the UK meet its climate goals if new North Sea oil drilling proceeds?
No. Scientists stress that a rapid 8% annual reduction in emissions is necessary. Adding new fossil fuel projects makes it nearly impossible to stay within the 2°C limit set by the Paris Agreement.
The debate over New North Sea oil drilling is a defining test of the UK’s climate leadership. As the consultation deadline approaches, all eyes are on Prime Minister Burnham to see whether he will honour his past pledges or bow to industry pressure.
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