A high-level government division has surfaced over plans to approve oil drilling at the Rosebank field in the North Sea, with the chancellor publicly supporting the project while the energy secretary appears inclined to block it. The dispute highlights tensions between economic and environmental priorities, following the recent approval of a smaller gasfield development. The energy secretary holds final authority over the decision, raising questions about whether the government will prioritize new fossil fuel extraction despite past commitments to phase out oil and gas licensing. The disagreement comes amid ongoing scrutiny over the UK’s energy policy and its alignment with climate goals.
Chancellor is in favour of North Sea project, but energy secretary has said she is leaning towards rejecting itA cabinet split has emerged over whether to approve drilling at the Rosebank oilfield, with the chancellor, John Healey, in favour of the controversial North Sea project.The energy secretary, Miatta Fahnbulleh, is ultimately in charge of the decision, and the Guardian reported last week that she was leaning towards rejecting it after granting permission for the smaller Jackdaw gasfield. Continue reading...
