A coalition of 211 musicians has submitted a letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham opposing plans to proceed with the Rosebank oilfield development in the North Sea. The signatories include prominent artists such as members of Radiohead, the Cure, Massive Attack, and electronic musicians Brian Eno, Romy of the xx, and members of Hot Chip and Bicep.
The Rosebank oilfield is located approximately 80 miles northwest of the Shetland Islands and represents the UK’s largest remaining untapped oil reserves. Adura, the company developing the project, has stated that construction would generate £10.8 billion in investment and create 3,500 jobs during peak construction, with 880 permanent positions during production. The government’s consultation period on the project concluded on Monday, with ministers now tasked with determining whether to approve the development alongside the separate Jackdaw gasfield proposal off Aberdeen.
The musicians argue in their letter that the climate crisis is actively affecting daily life through disruptions to schools, workplaces, hospitals, and transport networks. Environmental groups estimate that Rosebank could produce over 250 million tonnes of carbon dioxide throughout its operational lifetime, equivalent to approximately 70 percent of the UK’s annual emissions. The artists contend that the project would not meaningfully lower energy bills or enhance energy security, as the majority of extracted oil would likely be exported rather than used domestically.
Brian Eno, a co-founder of the campaign group EarthPercent, characterized the decision as a test of the Prime Minister’s commitment to climate action. Recent meteorological data indicates the UK summer is tracking to become the hottest on record, with 2026 anticipated to be the first year experiencing four separate days with temperatures of 36 degrees Celsius or above. Hospital emergency departments have experienced record attendance over the summer months, with more than 2.4 million patients visiting in each of May, June, and July.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson defended the projects, stating that the North Sea remains strategically important for national economic growth and energy security, with oil and gas expected to continue supplying the UK energy system for decades alongside renewable energy expansion.
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