Controversy and Legal Battles Surround UK North Sea Oil Projects

The UK government has admitted in court that the approval of the Rosebank oilfield, the country's largest untapped oilfield, was unlawful due to inadequate environmental impact assessments that failed to consider the climate effects of burning the extracted oil and gas. This admission came during a legal challenge by climate groups against the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields. The case could lead to a pause in drilling activities while further assessments are conducted, potentially leaving the decision to proceed with drilling to the Labour government. Companies involved argue they acted lawfully based on the government's initial consent.