UK cabinet split over Rosebank oilfield approval decision
Guardian reports Chancellor John Healey backs the Rosebank licence while Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, who holds the decision, leans towards rejection.
The story in focus
A cabinet split has emerged over whether to approve drilling at the Rosebank oilfield, The Guardian reported. Chancellor John Healey is said to back the licence, while Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, who holds the decision, has leant towards rejecting it. Officials say she has not yet decided; a final decision is expected before the end of the year.
- The Guardian reports Chancellor John Healey supports approving the Rosebank oilfield licence
- Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh holds the decision and has been reported as leaning towards rejection
- No 10 declined to comment, saying the matter rests with the energy secretary
- Officials say Fahnbulleh has not yet made her decision, expected before the end of the year
- Fahnbulleh said most Rosebank oil would be exported, unlike Jackdaw gas for the domestic market
Positions in the cabinet
A split has emerged within the UK cabinet over whether to approve drilling at the Rosebank oilfield, The Guardian reported. Chancellor John Healey is reported to support approving the North Sea licence, which is on hold over concerns about its environmental impact. The Guardian attributed the chancellor's position to sources, noting he hinted at support when he told ITV he expected oil and gas revenues to contribute to a new energy wealth fund.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is ultimately responsible for the decision. The Guardian reported she was leaning towards rejecting Rosebank after granting permission for the smaller Jackdaw gasfield. No 10 declined to comment on Sunday, saying the matter was for the energy secretary. Officials say Fahnbulleh has not yet made her decision.
Grounds and next steps
Fahnbulleh told the Guardian the rationale behind Jackdaw did not apply to Rosebank, describing one as a gasfield serving the domestic market and the other as an oilfield mainly for export. She said each application should be judged on its own and that any decision must be consistent with climate obligations and carbon budgets. Officials say Rosebank would produce emissions about seven times greater than Jackdaw.
A final decision is expected before the end of the year. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said it does not comment on speculation and that any decision would take account of all relevant evidence, including environmental assessments and public representations.
What does the reported split mean for the Rosebank decision?
The split shows senior ministers differ, but the energy secretary holds the decision. Officials say Miatta Fahnbulleh has not yet decided, so the outcome remains open ahead of an expected decision before the year's end.
Sources & further reading
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