The Sunday Times first reported a private letter opposing the Rosebank oilfield; The Guardian later reported that 75 Labour MPs had signed it and that it was expected to reach Prime Minister Andy Burnham within a fortnight.
The Guardian said the number of signatories could grow to 100. It reported that members of the 2024 intake have been active in the campaign, while disputes over the UK’s relationship with Europe and welfare proposals have added friction among Labour backbenchers.
Labour’s 2024 manifesto pledged not to issue new licences to explore new oil and gas fields in the North Sea. Parliament introduced the Energy Independence Bill on Nov. 4; the government says it would prevent new exploration licenses while allowing production in areas that already have licenses.
The Press Association reported that some Labour project advocates consider Rosebank and Jackdaw outside the pledge because work on them began before Labour entered government. The argument over Rosebank and Jackdaw’s status under the new-field pledge was covered previously by EconoTimes.
The Guardian reported that the letter is expected to reach Burnham within the next two weeks.
