Andy Burnham’s decision on whether to give the go ahead to two oil and gas fields could be the difference between “life and death” for the North Sea industry, the Scottish Conservatives have warned.
Shadow Scottish secretary Andrew Bowie urged the new Prime Minister to stop the small talk by developing Jackdaw and Rosebank, warning Labour that failing to approve both projects will move the sector one step closer to extinction.
Monday marks the final day for the public to have their say on Rosebank oil field near Shetland after the public consultation into the future of Jackdaw gas field, which lies east of Aberdeen, closed last week.
Together, Rosebank and Jackdaw will support more than 3,500 jobs at peak construction and 880 high-quality roles throughout production, paying an average salary of £85,850.
The two fields are estimated to generate £28.7 billion in GVA across their producing lifespans.
Ahead of the final consultation closing, Bowie called on Andy Burnham to end years of Labour hostility towards the sector by approving both developments as a matter of urgency.
Conservative energy minister and shadow Scottish secretary, Andrew Bowie MP, said: “Labour’s decision on both Jackdaw and Rosebank could be the difference between life and death for an industry that has supported the UK for generations.
“The absurd North Sea energy policy of both Westminster and Holyrood governments risks bringing a premature end to our oil and gas sector as we know it.
“I am absolutely positive that the results of both consultations will send a clear message to Andy Burnham to stop the small talk and get Britain drilling again.
“These oil and gas fields, which the Conservatives have supported from the very beginning, will help shape the lives of thousands of North Sea workers for years to come.
“BP’s decision to end its North Sea operations must be the catalyst for Labour to get Jackdaw and Rosebank up and running as a matter of urgency.
“Anything other than approving these fields will threaten our energy security, cost thousands of jobs, and move our world-leading oil and gas industry one step closer to extinction.”
ENDS