Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra has thrown his weight behind the Rosebank oil field and called on Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh to green light the development.

Marra is making a direct plea to Fahnbulleh to bring the long-running saga to an end by giving the go-ahead to begin production.

While in Westminster to meet with Healey and Fahnbulleh ahead of the Budget on Wednesday, Marra told the BBC: "I supported Jackdaw and Rosebank because I think they're really crucial for the Scottish economy, for employment, and for the public finances as well.

"We need to make sure that we're a country that people feel they can invest in.

"You've seen what's happened with Jackdaw in recent days - a real boost to the morale and the investment climate in the North-east of Scotland."

Following the approval of Jackdaw last week, Fahnbulleh highlighted how the field will support the UK's gas supply, protect hundreds of jobs and contribute £2.9billion to the economy over its expected 11-year lifespan.

Since then, attention has immediately turned to Rosebank, with more and more senior political figures coming out in support of the project.

Reports have suggested Chancellor John Healey, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Andy Burnham himself are all in favour of approving Rosebank.

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