Energy Security Minister Michael Shanks MP has outlined a plan for the Government to restart the approval process for Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields, after a lengthy consultation. The move will clear a path to begin drilling on these sites, helping the North Sea oil and gas sector to expand and thrive. 

Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: 

“The Government’s bold new guidance on North Sea oil fields is a much-needed and welcome one. By restarting the approval process for Rosebank and Jackdaw, the Government has not just indicated that it is willing to take critical action in pursuit of economic growth; it has also set the tone for the future of the UK energy sector. 

“It will create and support vital employment in the North-East economy and protect our energy security in these unstable times.

“In partnership with the Chamber Network in Scotland, we have consistently called on both Westminster and Holyrood to back North Sea oil and gas and remove obstacles to securing new opportunities and allowing the sector to thrive.  

“Exploring new oil fields is an economic imperative and today’s announcement makes clear that the Government agrees. We will now be urging government to maintain this momentum by securing approval for smaller oil fields also currently held up in legal challenges, to ensure our oil and gas sector remains a competitive global asset.”