A coalition of 211 musicians has submitted a letter to the prime minister opposing approval of the Rosebank oilfield and Jackdaw gasfield projects in the North Sea. The signatories include members of Radiohead, Massive Attack, the Cure, and numerous other established artists and performers. The musicians argued that the drilling projects would not deliver promised benefits such as lower energy bills or improved energy security, since the extracted oil would likely be exported rather than used domestically.
The government’s consultation periods on both projects have concluded recently, with the decision now resting with Labour ministers. Adura, the operator behind both developments, has projected that the initiatives would generate £10.8 billion in investment and create up to 3,500 jobs during construction, with 880 positions maintained during the production phase. Environmental analysts counter that the Rosebank field alone could produce more than 250 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over its operational lifetime, equivalent to roughly 70 percent of the UK’s annual emissions.
The musicians’ letter emphasized the immediate impacts of climate change, referencing recent extreme weather events affecting infrastructure and public services. Brian Eno, co-founder of the campaign group EarthPercent, framed the decision as a choice between supporting fossil fuel expansion or backing communities facing climate consequences. He referenced record temperatures and wildfires currently affecting Britain and Europe as evidence of escalating climate impacts.
Meteorological data indicates that the current summer is tracking to become the warmest on record in the UK, with 2026 projected to be the first year with four separate days reaching 36 degrees Celsius or above. Health services have experienced record demand, with emergency departments handling over 2.4 million patient visits monthly during May, June, and July.
The government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero stated that the North Sea remains strategically important for jobs, economic growth, and energy security, and maintained that oil and gas will remain part of the energy system for decades while the country transitions to cleaner power sources.
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