A coalition of more than 200 artists has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reject proposed oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, specifically targeting the Rosebank oilfield project. The signatories include prominent musicians such as members of Radiohead, the Cure, Massive Attack, and numerous other established performers across various genres. The artists argue that the project would not lower energy costs or improve energy security, as most extracted oil would likely be exported rather than used domestically.
The Rosebank oilfield, located approximately 80 miles northwest of the Shetland Islands, represents the UK’s largest remaining untapped oil reserve. The government’s formal consultation period on the project concluded earlier in the week, with ministers now tasked with determining whether drilling should proceed. A separate consultation on the adjacent Jackdaw gasfield off Aberdeen concluded a week prior. Adura, the company developing both projects, has projected £10.8bn in investment and peak construction employment of 3,500 workers, with 880 permanent positions during production operations.
Environmental organizations and the musician signatories contend that fossil fuel extraction from Rosebank would substantially contribute to climate change. Scientific estimates suggest the oilfield could generate over 250 million tonnes of carbon dioxide throughout its operational lifetime, equivalent to approximately 70 percent of the UK’s current annual emissions. The artists highlighted recent extreme weather events, including widespread heatwaves and wildfires affecting Britain and Europe, as evidence of escalating climate impacts already affecting daily life.
Brian Eno, co-founder of the campaign group EarthPercent, stated that Burnham faces a choice between supporting fossil fuel expansion or prioritizing the welfare of future generations affected by climate decisions. Recent meteorological data indicates the current summer is tracking to become the hottest on record in the UK, with 2026 potentially marking the first year recording four separate days with temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius or higher. Hospital emergency department attendance has surged during the summer months, with May, June and July each recording over 2.4 million patient visits.
The initial approvals for both Rosebank and Jackdaw were granted by the previous Conservative administration but were subsequently invalidated following a legal challenge by Greenpeace. The current Labour government is conducting updated climate impact assessments before making final determinations. A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero representative stated that the North Sea remains strategically important for employment, economic growth, and energy security, with oil and gas continuing to play a significant role in the UK’s energy infrastructure alongside renewable energy development.
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