Starmer Faces Cabinet Rift Over North Sea Oil Project Approval

The Prime Minister signals support for the Rosebank oil field despite opposition from Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Labour backbenchers.

Sir Keir Starmer has indicated plans to approve the Rosebank oil field, citing Labour's manifesto commitment to honor existing oil and gas licenses.
A Scottish court recently invalidated Rosebank's previous permits, requiring developers Equinor and Ithaca Energy to reapply under revised environmental guidelines.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband opposes the project, calling it 'climate vandalism,' while backbench Labour MPs argue that the court ruling effectively voids Labour's manifesto pledge.
Equinor, Norway's state-controlled energy firm, warns that blocking Rosebank could harm the UK's reputation as a reliable investment destination and increase reliance on imported oil.
The project has sparked internal Labour divisions over balancing environmental goals with economic growth, job creation, and energy security.