Senior ministers disagree over whether drilling should go ahead at the Rosebank oilfield west of Shetland, The Guardian reports. The chancellor, John Healey, is understood to support granting the licence, while the energy secretary, Miatta Fahnbulleh, who formally takes the decision, was reported last week to be leaning against it.
Fahnbulleh recently approved the smaller Jackdaw gasfield, but told the paper the two cases differ because Jackdaw supplies the domestic market whereas most Rosebank oil would be exported. Rosebank's emissions are estimated at about seven times those of Jackdaw.
Downing Street declined to comment on a Mail on Sunday report that the prime minister, Andy Burnham, and Healey wanted the project approved, saying it was a matter for the energy secretary. Labour MPs have warned of a backlash if it is approved. A decision is expected before the end of the year.
Source: The Guardian
