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In this toolkit

Background

The huge Rosebank oil field off the coast of Scotland is not compatible with a safe climate or the UK’s climate commitments. The emissions created from just getting the oil out of the ground would already see the UK break its commitment to reduce emissions to safe levels. Never mind burning the reserves, which would create more CO2 than the combined annual emissions of the 28 lowest-income countries in the world.

Yet this September, the UK government gave in to the Norwegian stated-owned oil and gas firm Equinor and granted them permission to drill Rosebank. It’s even handing Rosebank’s owners roughly £3 billion in tax breaks to develop the field, even though this oil will do nothing to lower UK fuel bills as most of it would end up being exported overseas.

The cases being brought forward on behalf of the Stop Rosebank campaign by Uplift and Greenpeace will argue that the government has failed to assess the emissions generated from burning Rosebank’s oil; that Rosebank is not compatible with the UK’s own plan for a safe climate; and that it’s not enough for the government to just say that it is, it needs to prove it.

Key messages on the court cases

• Good news! We’re taking the government to court to #StopRosebank. The #StopRosebank campaign is taking the government to court over its catastrophic decision to approve Rosebank.
• In September 2023, the UK government approved the development of the controversial Rosebank oil field. Rosebank is not compatible with a safe climate or liveable future.
• We believe that this decision is not just morally and economically wrong, but unlawful. The government’s claim that drilling Rosebank is compatible with a safe climate doesn’t add up - and we will prove it in court.
• We’re filing not just one, but two cases against the government so we can #StopRosebank. Two separate cases have been filed against the decision, one by Uplift, the other by Greenpeace UK.
• The cases will argue that:
  • The government has failed to assess both the emissions generated from burning Rosebank’s oil and are downplaying the disastrous marine impacts of the project.
  • Rosebank is not compatible with the UK’s commitment for a safe climate. Government agencies should not be allowed to approve oil fields that would breach climate targets.
• Want to support the court case? Tell the Government that this case is also in your name. Add your name here.

Key messages on the Rosebank oil field

• Burning Rosebank's oil & gas would produce more CO2 than the 28 lowest-income countries produce in a year. It would also bust climate targets, and undermine any commitments made by the UK at COP28.
• The public will end up carrying over 90% of the costs of developing Rosebank, while Equinor will pocket the profits. The UK public would hand over around £3 billion in tax breaks to Rosebank’s owners just to develop the field.
• The government has both failed to assess the emissions generated from burning Rosebank’s oil and is downplaying the disastrous marine impacts of the project.