Labour MPs Pressure Starmer Not to Override Energy Secretary on Rosebank
Backbench Labour MPs are lobbying Downing Street to back Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh if she moves to block the Rosebank oilfield.
Dozens of Labour backbenchers are pressing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves not to override Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh if she decides to deny environmental permission for the Rosebank oilfield, according to sources familiar with the lobbying effort.
Fahnbulleh is reported to be leaning toward blocking the North Sea project, a move that would represent one of the most significant energy policy decisions of the current government. MPs who spoke to the Guardian described the situation facing the energy secretary as an "intolerable position," signaling deep unease at the prospect of senior ministers being publicly contradicted by colleagues in cabinet.
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The pressure campaign reflects widening fractures within Labour's top ranks over how to balance the government's climate commitments against energy security and economic concerns. The Rosebank oilfield, located west of Shetland, has been a flashpoint in that debate, drawing opposition from environmental advocates who argue new fossil fuel development is incompatible with net-zero targets.
Backbenchers warn that overruling Fahnbulleh would set a damaging precedent, undermining ministerial authority and fueling perceptions of internal disorder. The lobbying comes as the government faces mounting scrutiny over its approach to North Sea licensing and the pace of Britain's transition away from carbon-intensive energy sources.
The full scope of cabinet deliberations and the ultimate decision on Rosebank remain unclear as internal discussions continue. Continue reading at Business | The Guardian.
