Thom Yorke and 200 Musicians Urge PM to Reject North Sea Drilling 2026

More than 200 musicians, including Thom Yorke, have urged the Prime Minister to reject new North Sea drilling plans. The letter, signed by 211 artists, calls on the government to block the Rosebank oilfield, warning that the project would not lower energy bills or provide energy security. This high-profile protest highlights the growing intersection of culture and climate policy.

The Musicians' Letter and Its Signatories

The letter was sent to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, though the article notes it was addressed to the PM. It includes names like Brian Eno, Massive Attack, Bobby Gillespie, Olly Alexander, and Paris Paloma. Radiohead's Thom Yorke, Ed O'Brien, and Philip Selway also signed, along with Robert Smith of The Cure, Anoushka Shankar, and Romy of The xx. This diverse group of artists represents a broad spectrum of the music industry.

Key Demands of the Letter

The artists argue that the Rosebank project, located about 80 miles north-west of the Shetland Islands, would fail to deliver benefits to UK citizens. They emphasize that most of the oil would likely be exported, undermining claims of energy security. The letter states: "The climate crisis is no longer something we fear for future generations; it is shaping our lives today."

The Rosebank Oilfield: Facts and Figures

The Rosebank field is the UK's largest untapped oilfield. The company behind it, Adura, claims it would bring £10.8bn in investment and support 3,500 jobs during construction, with 880 employees over its lifetime. However, environmental groups counter that extracting these fossil fuels would accelerate climate chaos. Estimates suggest Rosebank could produce over 250 million tonnes of CO2, equivalent to 70% of the UK's annual emissions.

Why Musicians Are Speaking Out

Brian Eno, co-founder of EarthPercent, noted that Burnham had previously stood with artists and campaigners calling for an end to fossil fuel expansion. "So he has a choice to make," Eno said. "He can stand with the future or with the past." The musicians' involvement brings significant media attention to the issue, potentially influencing public opinion and political decisions.

Impact on Energy Policy

The government's consultation on Rosebank closed on Monday, and a separate consultation on the Jackdaw gasfield off Aberdeen concluded a week earlier. Ministers will now decide on both projects. The artists' letter adds pressure to reject these developments, aligning with the UK's net-zero commitments. However, proponents argue that domestic oil and gas production reduces reliance on imports.

Key Takeaways

• Over 200 musicians, including Thom Yorke and Brian Eno, oppose new North Sea drilling.
• The Rosebank oilfield could emit 250 million tonnes of CO2, threatening climate goals.
• Artists argue the project won't lower energy bills or ensure security, as oil is likely exported.
• The government's decision on Rosebank and Jackdaw is pending after consultations.
• This protest highlights the cultural sector's role in climate advocacy.

FAQ

As the government deliberates, the voices of these 200 musicians add a powerful cultural dimension to the debate. Their message is clear: the time for fossil fuel expansion is over. The decision on Rosebank will be a litmus test for the UK's commitment to a sustainable future.

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