Energy secretary leaning towards rejecting Rosebank oilfield

Summary

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is minded to reject approval for the Rosebank oilfield, one of the biggest fields in the North Sea, according to officials who spoke to The Guardian. The officials say she is leaning towards refusing consent, which would be a blow to the North Sea energy industry and a major victory for climate campaigners. The report comes after Fahnbulleh approved the smaller Jackdaw gasfield on Wednesday, a decision climate campaigners condemned. Critics argue the Jackdaw approval puts climate targets at risk without reducing energy bills or the cost of living crisis.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   21 Oct 2026, 17:15 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports, citing officials, that Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is minded to reject the giant Rosebank oilfield, after approving the smaller Jackdaw gasfield on Wednesday.

2. The Guardian

   21 Oct 2026, 17:56 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian's audio report says climate campaigners condemned the government's decision to allow Jackdaw gasfield drilling and that the energy secretary is leaning towards rejecting approval for the much larger Rosebank oilfield.

3. The Guardian

   21 Oct 2026, 18:51 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian's video report says climate campaigners condemned the government's approval of the Jackdaw gasfield and that the energy secretary is leaning towards rejecting the much larger Rosebank oilfield.