New Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is expected in Aberdeen today where she will face renewed calls to back domestic oil and gas production ahead of decisions on the Rosebank and Jackdaw developments.
Her visit comes as attention falls on her previous opposition to new North Sea projects. Before entering Parliament, Fahnbulleh led the New Economics Foundation, which signed a 2023 open letter urging Labour to block Rosebank.
She also wrote in February 2022: 'To have a shot at staying within 1.5C global warming, we can’t have any new oil or gas fields.'
Offshore Energies UK chief executive David Whitehouse said he was encouraged by Fahnbulleh's commitment to be 'pragmatic' and would make the case for prioritising domestic production.
He told Daily Business: 'This is a new government. It is a chance for a reset. A reset in language where we say we are going to prioritise our own production, and a reset in policy which is where we are very clear about the need to move forward with projects like Rosebank and Jackdaw.'
Unions have repeatedly told the government that refusing to increase North Sea oil and gas production would lead to significant job losses.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to honour existing licences while maintaining Labour's policy of issuing no new exploration licences.
In her first interviews in post, Fahnbulleh has said oil and gas remain 'part of the energy mix' while stressing the importance of protecting jobs during the transition.
Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: 'Warm words about pragmatism are welcome, but they now need to be matched by decisions.
'Approving Rosebank and Jackdaw would send a clear signal that the UK remains open to investment, values domestic energy production and is serious about protecting high-quality jobs.
'Industry is looking for certainty, and today's visit is an opportunity for the new Secretary of State to demonstrate that the Government is prepared to deliver it.'
Source: Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
