UK government urged to approve Rosebank and Jackdaw fields amid climate criticism

In the United Kingdom, industry leaders argue there is an overwhelming case to approve drilling at the Rosebank oil field and Jackdaw gas field, the country's largest untapped offshore resources. Offshore Energies UK chief David Whitehouse says approval would secure jobs, add value to the economy and reduce reliance on imported fuels. Consultations on the projects run until 10 August for Jackdawn and 17 August for Rosebank, after which the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning will advise the government, with a decision possibly by late August or September.

At the same time, environmental campaigners have attacked the climate impact assessment for an expansion of the on‑shore Wressle oil field in North Lincolnshire, calling the methodology “unscientific” and warning that the project would emit over one million tonnes of CO₂‑equivalent through scope‑3 emissions. The challenge follows the Supreme Court’s Finch ruling that requires planners to consider downstream emissions. The pending decision by North Lincolnshire Council could become the first English fossil‑fuel application judged under the new precedent.