Scotland energy minister claims lack of clarity on North Sea projects

Scotland’s energy minister has stated that he remains uninformed regarding the final decision on the Jackdaw and Rosebank oil fields. Stephen Gethins told the Press and Journal that he is being kept in the dark by the UK government on the matter. His comments followed the announcement that Shell would relocate jobs from its Aberdeen office to London. Gethins described this move as disappointing and linked it to Westminster’s decision to maintain the windfall tax. He noted that he had seen headlines concerning the issue during a recent visit and emphasised that concerns about the impact of the energy profits levy have been expressed to the UK government.

Regarding the upcoming decision on further drilling at Rosebank and Jackdaw, Gethins said that UK government officials are not providing him with any information. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, like the previous Labour administration under Keir Starmer, has not indicated whether the projects will receive approval. The consultation period for both fields closes this month. Burnham has faced pressure from energy leaders and opposition parties to approve the two projects. Gethins said he has discussed the issue with his Westminster counterpart Michael Shanks, but has received no indication of what the verdict might be.

The Scottish energy minister’s remarks coincide with a call from a former advisor to Prime Minister Gordon Brown for the projects to be approved. Nick Butler, who served as Brown’s energy advisor, told the Press and Journal that workers are being left behind with no immediate alternative jobs available. He stated that he cannot see any economic or environmental benefit from halting development. Butler argued that the UK would become more dependent on imports and lose jobs and revenue. With the crisis in the Middle East ongoing, the issue of energy security is growing. Butler explained that while the UK will still have to import oil, every barrel produced by Rosebank and Jackdaw would otherwise need to be imported at the world price.