Indefensible Rosebank and Jackdaw licences must be revoked
The UK government’s decision not to defend the legal cases against the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields confirms that it was wrong to issue the licences, and underlines why they must be revoked for good, say the Scottish Greens.
The government's decision does not mean the licences for Jackdaw and Rosebank have been withdrawn or revoked. If the judicial review backs the environmental groups who brought the case, the operators would need to resubmit environmental assessments.
The party’s co-leader, Patrick Harvie MSP said: “This is an important decision by the UK government, but the fact that this is a response to legal action by campaigners demonstrates yet again the need for a strong Green movement to challenge both the fossil fuel industry and its apologists in government.
“We are in a climate emergency, and nothing could be more damaging than offering up even more of our North Sea to oil and gas giants.
“Rosebank and Jackdaw would be catastrophic for our climate. They would pollute our planet and do nothing to lower the punishing bills that are inflicting so much misery on households and families across the country.
“We need a fundamental shift in our climate and energy policy if we are to ensure a livable future for generations to come. Clean, green and renewable energy is the safest, cheapest and best energy available. That is where our future must lie, not with fossil fuels.
“If we are to have a cleaner and greener future then the UK government must ensure this is the end of the road for Rosebank and Jackdaw.”
