Big Oil in Court: Rosebank and the fight for the North Sea

On the eve of the landmark Rosebank oil field court hearing, join us for a panel moderated by comedian Frankie Boyle to discuss the crucial legal battle and the future of the North Sea. Leading experts and campaigners will delve into the potential of this legal battle to shape UK oil and gas policy, the growing public opposition to fossil fuels, and the potential for the UK to reimagine itself as a climate leader, against the backdrop of the international climate talks.

Despite warnings from climate scientists and experts, the Rosebank oil field - the largest undeveloped field in the UK - was controversially approved by the previous government. On the 12th November, while world leaders gather for COP29 in Azerbaijan, the #StopRosebank campaign will challenge this decision in Scotland’s Court of Sessions in Edinburgh.

Three years on from COP26 in Glasgow, when Shell withdrew from the enormous Cambo oil field, the future of the Rosebank oilfield hangs in the balance and the UK now stands at the brink of a major energy transition.

Elected on a platform to end new oil and gas licensing, the government is currently consulting on how to fulfil this promise. Meanwhile, it has already admitted that the Rosebank approval was unlawful, casting this case as a straight fight between a liveable future for all and oil and gas industry profits.

Campaigners argue that Rosebank will not reduce energy bills, save jobs or deliver UK energy security. Despite this, oil giants Equinor and Ithaca are set to receive billions in tax breaks to develop Rosebank, while profiting from the energy crisis.

This landmark court case, taking place amid COP29, is a critical moment in the UK’s potential to lead a just transition away from fossil fuels. The panel will discuss the implications of the Rosebank court case and what it means in the context of the UK’s climate leadership on the global stage.

Moderator: Frankie Boyle, Comedian

Speakers:

Dr Ewan Gibbs, Energy Historian, University of Glasgow

Tessa Khan, climate lawyer and executive director at Uplift

Lauren MacDonald, Lead Campaigner, Stop Rosebank

Tommy Sheppard, former SNP MP for Edinburgh East

Venue: TBD, Central Edinburgh

Co-hosted by Stop Rosebank and Uplift UK.

Host or Publisher Stop Rosebank Shetland