CHRISTIAN protesters have staged a vigil outside the Labour Party Conference to urge the government to reject Rosebank.
The demonstrators, who include firefighters, NHS workers, teachers and members of faith groups, are asking ministers to "put the interests of the public, workers and the future generation" ahead of "oil company profits."
Rosebank, a proposed oil field north-west of Shetland, is one of two North Sea oil and gas developments earmarked for expansion, the other being Jackdaw.
The project has faced major public, legal, and political backlash since it was first proposed and given initial consent in 2023.
Protesting in Liverpool, Stop Rosebank campaigner Rosie Latchford said: “The prime minister needs to pay attention to the workers, parents and others around the country that have struggled through this summer’s heatwaves and fires - and are afraid of what’s to come.
“Scientists are now warning that next year could be even more destructive because of the El Nino phenomenon, which is predicted to supercharge the extreme weather we’ve already experienced.
"Approving new drilling – knowing what is on the horizon, and that fossil fuels are driving it – would be irresponsible in the extreme."
The UK has just experienced its hottest summer on record, and campaigners worry about figures that estimate Rosebank would produce climate pollution equal to 70% of the country's annual emissions.
Analysts have said that climate damage caused by developing Rosebank and Jackdaw could destroy their economic benefits many times over.
Latchford urged Burnham's government to "stand up to the oil and gas companies" who have made billions.
She continued: "Labour should be on the side of the firefighters protesting today who bravely put their lives at risk to control the devastating wildfires, the nurses who worked in overheated hospitals, and the parents who want to see a future for their children.
“Labour need to show whose side they’re on – and reject Rosebank.”
