Young People Welcome the North Sea Breakthrough. Now Finish the Job: Scrap Rosebank.

As young people, we inherit the world shaped by the decisions you make today. Many of us voted Labour in 2024. Many of us campaigned for change. We want this government to succeed.

Yesterday’s North Sea Future Plan was a historic moment. Ending new oil and gas exploration licences, and removing the oil regulator’s duty to “maximise economic recovery” mark the most significant shift in North Sea policy for 50 years.

These are real steps, not just words, and young people welcome them. They show that this government recognises its moral responsibility to future generations and is ready to break with the failed approaches of the past.

But now comes the defining test.

Rosebank cannot be the exception to the rule.

Allowing the UK’s largest undeveloped oil and gas field to proceed would undermine the progress the Government has just made and weaken the credibility of its new approach. Whether fossil fuels come from expanding existing fields or creating new ones, the damaging impact on our climate future is identical.

Approving Rosebank would tell young people:

• The ban on new oil and gas exploration is meaningless

• Our futures can still be traded away

• Climate action stops short of the biggest decisions

We are asking the Government to match the boldness of its new plan with consistency.

This breakthrough deserves to be complete.

Seal the deal. Scrap Rosebank.

License applicant Equinor estimates Rosebank could produce up to 249 million tonnes of CO₂**

The project would do little for UK energy security or bills. Most of the oil would be exported, UK taxpayers would cover around 84 percent of Rosebank’s development costs, and long-term job creation would be minimal.

In the North Sea Futures Plan this government has said clearly that it must meet its moral obligation to future generations.

We agree. And young people will support the government in delivering this.

Young SERA is calling on the Government to:

1. Apply the North Sea Future Plan consistently and scrap Rosebank

2. Listen to young people, who will live longest with the consequences.

3. Back the green, fair future you promised our generation.

Please note: this petition is open to people aged 27 and under.

This petition is from young people, calling for action to secure our future. If you are over 27 please share this to young people you know (and be assured we absolutely welcome your support)

The Context

Who are Young SERA?

Young SERA is the youth network of SERA, Labour’s Environment Campaign. We are the dedicated space for young environmentalists within the Labour movement.*

At a time when the climate crisis is accelerating and political engagement among young people is falling, Young SERA exists to ensure that our generation’s voice is heard  and acted upon.

What is Rosebank?

• Rosebank is the UK’s largest undeveloped oil and gas field. Its previous approval was ruled unlawful in January 2025 because it failed to account for ‘Scope 3’ emissions — the pollution released when the oil is burned. Rosebank could generate up to 249 million tonnes of CO₂.

• The projects require new governmental approval — and sits at the centre of the UK’s climate and energy credibility.

The New Landscape After the North Sea Future Plan

The Government’s new plan:

• Ends all new oil and gas exploration licences

• Ends all onshore oil and gas licences

• Replaces the regulator’s duty to “maximise economic recovery” with climate-aligned objectives

• Limits future development to small tie-backs to existing fields

• Creates a North Sea Future Board with union representation to support a just transition

• Recognises the need for stronger green jobs, ports, supply chains and manufacturing

These are major steps — and they point clearly in one direction: a managed, accelerated energy transition.

Approving Rosebank now would contradict that direction.

Why this matters

This is a defining moment.
The Government has taken the biggest step in decades towards a clean energy future. Young people want to see that new principle applied consistently — without loopholes, exceptions or backsliding.

Finish what you’ve started.
Seal the deal.
Scrap Rosebank

* Young SERA is open to young environmentalists aged 16–27. Learn more: https://www.sera.org.uk/young-sera-labours-youth-environment-network/

** Equinor own estimates put emissions at over 249m tonnes https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2742587-equinor-puts-rosebank-scope-3-emissions-at-249mn-t