A coalition of 211 musicians has submitted a letter to the Prime Minister opposing proposed oil and gas extraction projects in the North Sea. The signatories include prominent artists such as members of Radiohead, the Cure, Massive Attack, and other established performers across multiple genres. The letter specifically targets the Rosebank oilfield and calls for the government to reject the drilling plans.
The government’s consultation period on the Rosebank project, located approximately 80 miles northwest of the Shetland Islands, concluded earlier in the week. A separate consultation on the Jackdaw gasfield off Aberdeen ended the previous week. Both projects are now under review by government ministers who will determine whether to approve them. Adura, the developer behind both ventures, has stated the projects would generate £10.8bn in investment and create up to 3,500 construction jobs, with 880 permanent positions during the production phase.
The musicians argue that continued fossil fuel extraction contradicts climate commitments and current environmental conditions. They point to extreme heat affecting the UK this summer, noting record temperatures and widespread wildfires. Environmental advocates estimate that Rosebank alone could generate over 250 million tonnes of carbon dioxide throughout its operational lifetime, equivalent to roughly 70 percent of the UK’s annual emissions. The artists contend that exported oil would not meaningfully improve domestic energy security or reduce energy costs for British consumers.
Brian Eno, co-founder of the campaign group EarthPercent, stated the Prime Minister faces a choice between supporting fossil fuel interests or prioritizing the welfare of future generations. Campaign groups have criticized the government’s response to recent climate-related emergencies, including record hospital attendance during extreme heat events. A government spokesperson countered that the North Sea remains strategically important for jobs and energy security, emphasizing that oil and gas will continue as part of the UK’s energy mix during the transition to renewable sources.
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