A campaign supporting two controversial fields in the North Sea has attracted 2,000 signatories from a range of businesses, charities, politicians and community groups.
Jackdaw and Rosebank continue through regulatory and consenting processes, with supporters urging the UK Government to give final approval.
OPRED, the government regulator, confirmed last week that Jackdaw will move ahead to a period of public consultation following the recent submission of new information on the project by operator Adura.
Among those backing the campaign are Maggie McGinlay of ETZ, Mike Pettigrew of supply chain firm ASCO and Bob Sanguinetti of Port of Aberdeen. Among the others are Aberdeen Central SNP MSP Jack Middleton, Aberdeen North SNP MP Kirsty Blackman and recent Aberdeen South Conservative MP Douglas Lumsden MP.
However, the majority of signatories are energy industry workers – geologists, engineers, riggers, welders, electricians, crane operators – as well as local taxi drivers, hoteliers and retailers from across the region.
The groundswell of support comes after the chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, Labour MP Bill Esterson, said a failure to deliver Jackdaw and Rosebank risked harming skilled jobs, the energy supply chain and the transition to net zero.
Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “2,000 people putting their names to this campaign sends a clear message to the UK Government: Jackdaw and Rosebank matter.
“These projects represent real jobs, real businesses and real families across the north-east of Scotland and the wider UK supply chain.
“Jackdaw and Rosebank are exactly the sort of major, at-scale projects the UK needs if we are serious about energy security, economic growth and a just transition that protects workers rather than leaving them behind.
“At a time when the UK still relies on oil and gas for the majority of its energy needs, it makes no sense to increase dependence on imported fuels from overseas while turning away investment, jobs and tax revenue here at home.
“We need a pragmatic approach that backs domestic production, supports our world-class supply chain and gives businesses the confidence to invest in the future.”
Opponents include the Scottish Greens who say more exploration would not add to energy security and would only add to the climate crisis.
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