Andy Burnham is facing fresh pressure to rethink Labour's approach to the North Sea, with industry leaders, academics and trade unions warning that the UK is at a "critical moment" for jobs, investment and energy security.
Both Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) and Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) have urged the frontrunner to become the next prime minister to adopt an "all energy" approach that supports both oil and gas and renewables.
Writing in Scotland on Sunday, AGCC Policy Director Ryan Crighton said the prospect of a new Prime Minister brings the chance to "reset Britain's energy debate" and "replace false choices with practical solutions".
He said: "We do not need to choose between oil and gas and renewables. We need both. We need to accelerate offshore wind, carbon capture and hydrogen, while supporting responsible domestic production through the transition. We need to use every tool available to strengthen energy security, protect jobs and attract investment."
He urged the government to grant consents for Jackdaw and Rosebank, saying the case for both is "compelling".
"At a time when the UK faces economic uncertainty, growing geopolitical instability and increasing competition for investment, these projects represent an opportunity to deliver jobs, growth, energy security and tax revenues," he said.
Enrique Cornejo, OEUK's energy policy director, said: "We’re not asking for any subsidies, we’re not asking for any money. We're asking for projects to be approved."
He added: "Hopefully, whoever ends up in No 10 in the next few weeks really understands and recognises that this is not a polarised debate of whether we either do oil and gas or renewables - we need to do both."
Professor Paul de Leeuw, director of the Energy Transition Institute at Robert Gordon University, said recent geopolitical events had exposed the need for a more balanced energy policy.
"The world has fundamentally changed," he said, adding: "It’s not a binary choice. It’s not oil and gas or renewables - we need it all. We need a balanced energy mix."
GMB Scotland also called for a change of direction, with secretary Louise Gilmour saying the next prime minister had "a clear opportunity to break with the past and take a new course" on energy policy.
AGCC has launched a campaign to get Jackdaw and Rosebank consented. If you agree these strategically important projects should receive timely approval, add your name to AGCC's open letter calling on ministers to act.
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