Key facts
- Rosebank oilfield can be approved without breaching UK emission targets, according to government insiders.
- Emissions from burning exported oil will not count against domestic UK targets.
- Chancellor John Healey is lobbying for approval, citing potential tax revenues of £500 million a year.
- Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is reportedly leaning against approval due to climate concerns.
- A 2024 court ruling stated ministers should have accounted for emissions from burning exported oil.
Government insiders suggest that the UK can approve the Rosebank oilfield without violating its emission targets, as the majority of the oil extracted will be exported and its burning emissions will count towards other countries' targets. This position is reportedly bolstering support within the cabinet for the project's go-ahead, despite Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh's reported inclination to reject it due to climate concerns. Chancellor John Healey and other colleagues are advocating for approval, highlighting significant potential tax revenues. A 2024 court ruling mandated that emissions from burning the exported oil must be considered, but the UK's international commitments under the Paris Agreement may not be breached by the project's scale.