2,000 people, businesses, charities, politicians and community voices have backed calls for Jackdaw and Rosebank to move ahead, in a major show of support for two of the UK’s most important domestic energy projects.
The signatories include individual offshore and supply-chain workers, small and medium-sized businesses, local charities, major employers, prominent politicians and civic organisations, who have called on the Prime Minister, Chancellor and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to make “timely and positive decisions” on both projects.
Among those backing the campaign are Instant Neighbour, a local charity based in Aberdeen, Maggie McGinlay of ETZ Ltd, Mike Pettigrew of supply chain firm ASCO, Bob Sanguinetti of Port of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Central SNP MSP Jack Middleton, Aberdeen North MP Kirsty Blackman and recent Aberdeen South by-election winner Douglas Lumsden MP.
Aside from industry and community leaders, the majority of signatories are ordinary workers – geologists, engineers, riggers, welders, electricians, crane operators – as well as local taxi drivers, hoteliers and retailers from across the region.
The groundswell of support comes after the Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, Labour MP Bill Esterson, said a failure to deliver Jackdaw and Rosebank risked harming skilled jobs, the energy supply chain and the transition to net zero.
Jackdaw and Rosebank continue through regulatory and consenting processes, with supporters urging the UK Government to recognise the national importance of reaching timely and positive decisions. OPRED, the government regulator, confirmed last week that Jackdaw will move ahead to a period of public consultation following the recent submission of new information on the project by operator Adura.
Together, the projects represent billions of pounds of investment and are expected to support thousands of jobs across the UK, including in engineering, fabrication, ports, logistics, subsea, professional services and the wider energy supply chain.
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “2,000 people putting their names to this campaign sends a clear message to the UK Government: Jackdaw and Rosebank matter.
“These projects represent real jobs, real businesses and real families across the north-east of Scotland and the wider UK supply chain.
“Jackdaw and Rosebank are exactly the sort of major, at-scale projects the UK needs if we are serious about energy security, economic growth and a just transition that protects workers rather than leaving them behind.
“At a time when the UK still relies on oil and gas for the majority of its energy needs, it makes no sense to increase dependence on imported fuels from overseas while turning away investment, jobs and tax revenue here at home.
“We need a pragmatic approach that backs domestic production, supports our world-class supply chain and gives businesses the confidence to invest in the future.”