The approval of drilling in the Rosebank oil field is the action of a morally bankrupt system. The Conservative British government is the embodiment of this bankrupcy. Even by the government’s low standards, this decision reeks of hypocrisy and short term gain.
The activist group, GND Rising (green new deal rising), has called the approval “an act of climate vandalism by Rishi Sunak and his government”.  The supposed justification for further oil drilling is that it provides the country with “energy security”. This just shows how beholden the government is to the fossil fuel industry.

Maximizing oil and gas extraction

The official approval came from the government’s regulator, which has the legislated objective to maximize the extraction of oil and gas. This regulator should have been shut down more than a decade ago. Its continued operation during the worsening climate crisis is another example of the government’s cynicism.
The regulator’s comment that the country’s “net zero” objectives have been taking into account is an added instance of hypocrisy.
The government has claimed that new oil and gas will reduce consumers’ energy costs. But as “Just Stop Oil” said, it is a political choice to make taxpayers pay for reducing carbon emissions.

Close down fossil fuels

GND Rising has coordinated an open letter to the Labour Party, with a range of excellent specific demands.  These include a 95% tax on dirty industries, and internationalist measures to assist poorer countries.
What the letter does not do is to call for the closing down of all fossil fuels or link a green transition to job security.
It is almost certain that the Labour Party will win the general election in 2024. It is equally likely that the party will avoid taking strong action on the climate. Already, they are refusing to promise to reverse the Rosebank decision.
GND Rising plans to campaign for a Green New Deal in next year’s election. But there should be no illusions about the Labour Party’s leadership. Under Keir Starmer the party will do nothing to upset the status quo.
Activists need to mount a huge campaign to end all fossil fuel exploration and drilling for good.