Unite: Government must back North Sea oil and gas including Rosebank and Jackdaw

Unite, the UK's leading union, which represents thousands of oil and gas workers, is calling on the government to stop blocking oil and gas production in the North Sea, and to give the immediate go-ahead to the development of Rosebank and Jackdaw

The union made its call as oil and gas prices continue to rise and supplies become unstable as a result of the ongoing Iraq war.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The government's position on oil and gas is putting jobs and national security at risk. Blocking oil and gas production in the North Sea, especially now is simply an act of monumental political self-harm. Domestic gas from Jackdaw and oil from Rosebank are essential for jobs and for energy security.

“We cannot let go of one rope before we have hold of another. With energy and fuel bills set to rocket once again we need to stop offshoring our carbon responsibilities and fund a concrete plan for commensurate jobs.”

Unite has a longstanding North Sea campaign: No ban without a Plan, which argues that the government must not allow a jobless transition for North Sea workers and there must be no blocks on North Sea oil and gas work, until commensurate jobs are created.