Despite raging wildfires, here's why some oil and gas fields should be allowed – Christine Jardine

Climate-crisis deniers will no doubt claim they have always been a hazard, and in many parts of the world, nature’s method of self-renewal. But with the planet’s temperature continuing to rise and heatwaves which are beginning to make the famously hot summer of 1976 seem like a cold snap, it’s time even the strongest deniers stopped to think.

We have had more than one warning, and as people have fled flames here, across Spain and in the tourist enclaves of the French Riviera, we should all be aware that their horrific experiences may become more common if we don’t act.

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‘Drill Baby Drill’ is not the motto

But, at the same time, we’re facing other crises which make decisions on radical change both difficult and economically hazardous. One of our new Prime Minister’s first decisions will be whether to keep the strict policy of non-development of oil and gas, pursued by his predecessor or loosen the limitation slightly.

Central to that will be the future of the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields, already licensed but non-productive because of a high court ruling on their environmental impact. That was before the conflict in the Gulf closed the Strait of Hormuz and the energy crisis created by Putin’s war in Ukraine worsened.

The future of the planet should no more be a victim of those conflicts than the children and families caught up in them. 'Drill Baby Drill’ should never be the motto, or even the silent musings, of an environmentally responsible government. The wellbeing of its population should always be the first priority.

Now the cost of energy, with record high gas prices in recent years, feels as much of a threat to our wellbeing and economy as climate change.

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Rigorous conditions

The question Andy Burnham will have to answer is whether that makes stepping up North Sea production, allowing development of Rosebank and/or Jackdaw, an allowable expediency. Whether the environmental impact of production, when measured against that of shipping in supplies from Qatar and the current cost to the consumer, becomes, if not acceptable, then at least bearable.

My own party, the Liberal Democrats, have made it clear that we believe a managed transition away from North Sea oil and gas, with investment in renewables and support for workers at its heart, is crucial.

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When it comes to the issue of new exploration, we would only look at those fields already licensed and on strict criteria. They would have to meet rigorous conditions which take account of the UK’s climate change commitments and the likely overall impact on global emissions.

Any extractions from new fields would require near-zero emissions in production. Crucially they would have to take into consideration our oil and gas supply security – a major international issue at the moment.

That is the decision our government will have to make, and quickly. Not just to end the media speculation, but the tension in the markets and concern amongst the public. Over to you Andy.

Christine Jardine is the Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West