Campaigners in Edinburgh joined a nationwide day of action calling on the government to reject Rosebank, the UK’s largest untapped oil field.
The action in Edinburgh saw a vibrant and determined protest outside the UK Government building on Sibbald Walk, as part of a coordinated effort across the country to send a clear message to Prime Minister Keir Starmer: pull the plug on the toxic Rosebank oilfield for good.
Rosebank, owned primarily by Norwegian state oil giant Equinor, would produce more CO2 than the annual emissions of the world’s 28 lowest-income countries combined.
The vast majority of its oil will be sold on the international market for export, doing nothing to lower energy bills or increase energy security here in the UK, with the taxpayer set to pick up the bill for most of its development costs.
In fact, the vast majority of Rosebank’s profits will flow towards Norway’s immensely wealthy oil fund.
Worse, the potential megapolluter could send over £250 million towards Delek Group – an Israeli fuel conglomerate that has been flagged by the UN for human rights violations in Palestine.
Equinor is currently under investigation by the Norwegian Consumer Authority for failing to conduct proper due diligence over these links.
The UK government is expected to make a final decision on Rosebank in the coming months, after Equinor resubmits its application for development.
Today’s demonstrations are happening in 18 locations across the UK, with Scottish demonstrations in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Shetland. This highlights the breadth of public opposition to the field and the demand for a fair, fast transition away from oil and gas.
Juliet Dunstone from Stop Rosebank Edinburgh said: “We are here today, standing united in Edinburgh, because the future of our planet, and the livelihoods of communities across Scotland and beyond, are at stake.
“Rosebank is a climate disaster waiting to happen, and it offers no solutions to the energy crisis faced by ordinary Scots. We urge the government to listen to the voices of its people and make the right choice for our future.”
