An open letter signed by 211 musicians and artists, including Cure frontman Robert Smith, Thom Yorke of Radiohead and Brian Eno, has challenged Andy Burnham to make the “right decision” and reject the controversial Rosebank oil field.
The letter, also signed by Bobbie Gillespie from Primal Scream, singer and actor Olly Alexander and singer-songwriter David Gray, argues that approving the development, which is the UK’s largest untapped oil field and lies to the north-west of Shetland, will fail to lower energy bills for households in the UK, with the vast majority of oil destined for export.
After a summer of heatwaves, wildfires and storms, they also argue that climate change is a threat to the music industry, saying live events have been cancelled because of “extreme weather”.
Mr Burnham, when he was mayor of Greater Manchester, endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty at an event with the band Massive Attack – who have also signed the letter.
In the letter, the artists said: “The climate crisis is no longer something we fear for future generations; it is shaping our lives today.
“Heatwaves are disrupting schools, workplaces, hospitals, transport networks, festivals and live events.”
The intervention comes as Mr Burnham and his Government are considering if drilling at Rosebank should be given the go-ahead, with a consultation on the plans having closed on Monday.
Eno, who was a member of Roxy Music in the 1970s and worked with bands including U2, Coldplay and Talking Heads, recalled how the Labour leader had “previously stood with artists and campaigners calling for an end to fossil fuel expansion” and that he “called the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation treaty a ‘lifeline'”.
As a result, Eno, who co-founded the group EarthPercent, which sees musicians donate some of their income to the fight against climate change, said that the Prime Minister “has a choice to make”.
Speaking about Mr Burnham, he added: “He can stand with the fossil fuel industry and approve Rosebank, or he can stand with the people who will live with the consequences of that decision.
“We are already seeing what a hotter world looks like, with record heat and devastating wildfires across Britain and Europe.
“At this point, continuing to expand fossil fuel production isn’t pragmatism – it’s a failure to face reality.
“Let us hope he shows that same leadership now. The right decision is clear – reject Rosebank and invest in the clean, secure energy system we urgently need.”
Suzi Shingler, campaign manager at Stop Rosebank, said: “Despite the fact that the UK and Europe have been on fire all summer, it’s radio silence from Burnham on climate change.
“Worse, he is considering approving the UK’s largest untapped oil field amongst all the destruction.
“The devastating wildfires that are tearing across the UK are not because of disposable barbecues. They are caused by climate change and are only set to get worse.
“Burnham can’t ignore the elephant in the room because he’s being lobbied by big scary oil bosses and their cheerleaders.
“He should remember that, last year, he stood on stage with Massive Attack in support of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
“He needs to look out of the window and make the right decisions by saying no to Rosebank.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero at the UK Government said: “The North Sea remains a vital national asset, supporting jobs, growth and the UK’s energy security.
“We are clear that oil and gas will continue to play an important role in our energy system for decades to come, alongside transitioning to clean power to protect jobs and tackle the climate crisis.”
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