Chancellor John Healey and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds are strongly backing approval of the Rosebank oilfield, according to multiple reports this morning.
The Times, The Telegraph and The Daily Mail all report that both ministers believe the development west of Shetland would protect jobs and generate significant tax revenues.
Speaking during a visit to St Fergus in Aberdeenshire last week, Healey said: “The proceeds of this oil and gas coming ashore now can be invested for the future generations.”
A government minister told The Mail on Sunday that Prime Minister Andy Burnham also supported the project.
“Both Andy and John have decided Rosebank needs to go ahead,” the minister said.
“The economic and energy security case is so strong, and the Energy Wealth Fund will help mitigate concerns around the environment.
“The unions are strongly behind the decision and so are the bulk of the PLP [Parliamentary Labour Party]. It’s the only sensible decision.”
However, Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has drawn a distinction between Rosebank and the recently approved Jackdaw gasfield, arguing that the former would produce oil mainly for export rather than supply the domestic market.
Trade unions have also intensified pressure for approval, with Unite general secretary Sharon Graham warning: “Blocking oil and gas production in the North Sea, especially now, is simply an act of monumental political self-harm. Domestic gas from Jackdaw and oil from Rosebank are essential for jobs and for energy security.”
GMB general secretary Gary Smith welcomed the Jackdaw decision but urged ministers to go further, saying: “This positive direction of travel must continue at pace. GMB will continue to press for further, essential measures that increase our domestic energy capacity, such as granting permission for Rosebank.”