“Future generations will not judge governments by the ingenuity with which they justified expanding fossil fuel production,” the scientists wrote.
“They will judge whether, when faced with unequivocal scientific evidence and clear international commitments, they had the courage and compassion to act in a manner consistent with the obligations they had freely entered into.”
Industry Calls for Approval to Secure Energy Supplies
On the other side, trade body Offshore Energies UK submitted responses to the public consultations on July 28, 2026, advocating for accelerated regulatory approval of the two field developments.
The organization argues that the projects are vital for safeguarding domestic energy supplies and economic output.
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According to Offshore Energies UK, the £8.7 billion Rosebank project near Shetland and the £2.1 billion Jackdaw project east of Aberdeen will support over 3,500 peak construction jobs and contribute £28.7 billion in Gross Value Added over their lifespans.
“Permission for these two projects would help clear the log jam preventing development of other projects in the North Sea,” said David Whitehouse, chief executive of Offshore Energies UK.
Whitehouse noted that UK domestic natural gas production currently meets 39% of national demand and that new domestic production remains vital alongside renewable growth.
“These projects are coming at a time when domestic gas production is declining and import dependence is growing, even as we increase production of energy from wind and other renewables,” he said.
He emphasized that gas demand forecasts show stable consumption patterns over the next decade.
