The two contenders vying to lead Scottish Labour have both called for swift approval of the Rosebank oil and Jackdaw gas fields, arguing that domestic extraction offers environmental and economic advantages over relying on imports.
MSPs Joe Fagan and Michael Marra, the only candidates to secure sufficient nominations to contest the leadership race, made their positions clear after a hustings in Stirling. Both emphasised that the projects would support employment in the north-east of Scotland and contribute to the UK's energy security.
The pair are competing to replace Anas Sarwar, who announced his departure from the Scottish leadership to join Andy Burnham's UK government through appointment to the House of Lords. Monica Lennon, who initially sought to stand, withdrew after failing to gather the required backing from fellow Labour MSPs.
The public consultation on both projects concluded in recent weeks, and the decision now rests with the UK government. According to reports on the consultation closure, Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh will make the final determination after the regulator OPRED reviews the responses received.
Marra characterised the decision as "finely balanced" but expressed his belief that producing oil and gas domestically would allow for cleaner extraction methods than those typically employed by foreign suppliers.
"I want to see that decision as soon as possible, but I know that it's a challenging decision for the UK government."He stressed that approval would be "vital" for the north-east and would strengthen public finances.
"We need to move faster to make sure we can secure proper investment in the North Sea,"he added.
Fagan similarly urged the government to grant the licences, warning that the offshore supply chain risked being "destroyed" without continued activity in the sector. He acknowledged the legal constraints facing ministers, noting that
"In fairness to the UK government, this isn't just a political decision, it's a legal decision as well. They are bound by climate legislation."Fagan pledged that if elected, he would
"put pressure on the UK government to make a decision quicker and to make the right decision for the Scottish and UK economy."
What are the Rosebank and Jackdaw projects?
The Rosebank oil field and Jackdaw gas field, located 150 miles east of Aberdeen, were originally approved under the previous Conservative administration, and construction has already begun. However, environmental campaign groups Uplift and Greenpeace UK mounted a legal challenge at the Court of Session in Edinburgh in 2024, contending that the original consent failed to adequately assess the climate impact of burning the fossil fuels that would be extracted.
The court ruled the previous approvals unlawful, requiring the regulator to reconsider the applications. Uplift has called on the government to reject them entirely, arguing that further drilling will
"wreck our planet"and intensify extreme weather events.
The offshore industry has mounted a sustained lobbying campaign, emphasising the economic benefits and energy security advantages of the projects. Environmentalists counter that additional drilling is fundamentally incompatible with climate action commitments.
According to industry assessments, the Jackdaw field could begin producing gas by winter if approval is granted promptly. However, no public timetable has been announced for the final government decision on either project.
How does this fit within Labour's energy policy?
The positions taken by Marra and Fagan reflect a tension within the Labour government's approach to North Sea energy. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that he will adhere to Labour's manifesto commitment not to issue new oil and gas licences, while honouring existing consents. This framing treats the Rosebank and Jackdaw decisions as consent determinations rather than new licensing, a distinction that allows the government to proceed while maintaining fidelity to its campaign pledge.
When will the Scottish Labour leadership be decided?
Voting in the Scottish Labour contest began on 28 August 2026 and runs until 17 September 2026. The winner will be announced on 19 September 2026. The leadership race has been overseen by acting leader Jackie Baillie during the interim period.
The candidates were asked to state their positions on the drilling licences by the Press Association following the hustings in Stirling, before the voting process commenced on Monday.
Key Facts
- Both leadership contenders support rapid approval of the Rosebank oil and Jackdaw gas fields, citing cleaner domestic extraction and job protection in the north-east of Scotland.
- The public consultation on both projects closed in August 2026, with the final decision now resting with Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh following regulator review.
- Environmental groups Uplift and Greenpeace UK successfully challenged the original approvals in court, arguing that climate impact was not adequately considered.
- The Scottish Labour leadership result is scheduled for 19 September 2026, with voting running until 17 September.
- The Jackdaw field could potentially begin gas production by winter if approval is granted without delay, though no official timetable for the decision has been set.
