By Sohaib Shams
A new survey indicates that nearly two-thirds of Labour voters want the UK government to approve the Rosebank oil and gas field, the largest undeveloped field in UK waters. Polling conducted by Opinium for Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) found 65% of those who backed Labour in the 2024 general election support developing the project, which lies north-west of Shetland.
Survey Details
The poll of 2,050 UK adults showed only 17% of Labour supporters wanted Rosebank rejected, despite the party’s 2024 manifesto pledging no new oil and gas licences. Additionally, 68% of Labour voters agreed with the government’s earlier approval of the Jackdaw gas field off Aberdeen, and 72% said oil and gas remain “essential for the foreseeable future.” Overall, 55% of respondents favored increasing domestic oil and gas production, with 63% saying Rosebank should proceed.
Industry and Political Reactions
OEUK chief executive David Whitehouse said the results offer the government an opportunity to align with public opinion and advance the pipeline of North Sea projects awaiting approval. He argued that investing in North Sea energy strengthens the economy, supports supply chains, and builds energy resilience.
Conservative shadow energy secretary Andrew Bowie claimed the poll shows Labour is ignoring the public and even its own voters. He urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to approve Rosebank, warning that a continued “war on oil and gas” would drive away jobs and investment.
Tessa Khan, executive director of climate campaign group Uplift, countered that most of Rosebank’s oil would be exported and would not lower UK energy bills. She said the project would generate huge profits for developers while worsening climate impacts, and called it a test of the government’s climate credibility.
Government Position and Legislation
The UK government recently introduced its Energy Independence Bill, which includes a commitment to issue no new oil and gas exploration licences in the North Sea. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said the bill aims to build a clean energy future that benefits households and communities. However, Rosebank was previously licensed by the Conservative government, though that decision was later ruled unlawful, requiring the project to be reconsidered.
