Image of oil rig with text reading they're making billions
Image of oil rig with text reading they're making billions

Rosebank won't secure Scotland's future; a fair transition will

The Oxfam logo

Admin

28 Oct, 2026 / 1 min read time

New analysis of UK Government forecasts suggests North Sea tax revenues could fall to almost zero within five years, even on assumptions that include Rosebank going ahead.

Oxfam Scotland said the figures underline the need to focus on a fair transition for workers and communities, rather than new oil and gas developments.

Head of Oxfam Scotland, Katherine May, said: “Rosebank’s been called an economic prize, but it's striking that the UK Government's own forecasts show that North Sea tax revenues will fall to close to zero even if it goes ahead.

“What lasts far longer are the climate costs. Future generations across the globe will be living with those long after the tax receipts have been cashed. The answer isn't to squeeze a few more years out of a declining industry, but to deliver the fair transition that supports workers into secure, green, well-paid jobs for the future.

“Scottish Ministers know the direction of travel. They know North Sea revenues are declining, they know new oil and gas development is incompatible with climate goals, and they know workers and communities need a credible plan for the future.

“Instead of keeping their position on Rosebank deliberately ambiguous, they should make clear that this project must be rejected and focus on securing a fair transition for Scotland's workers and communities.”

/ENDS

For more information and interviews, please contact: Rebecca Lozza, Oxfam Scotland Media and Communications Adviser: rlozza1@oxfam.org.uk / 07917738450

More posts like this

Image of two rigs, one in ghost format saying Tell Your MP - No More North Sea Drilling
Rosebank and Jackdaw emissions could cause enough heat deaths to wipe out equivalent of Inverness

The combined lifetime emissions from the proposed Rosebank oil field and Jackdaw gas field could be linked to an estimated 65,495 excess heat deaths globally by 2100, the equivalent to wiping out the entire population of Inverness, according to new analysis from Oxfam.

Image of two rigs, one in ghost format saying Tell Your MP - No More North Sea Drilling
Rosebank and Jackdaw are no prize

Oxfam Scotland has criticised a new industry-commissioned report backing the proposed Rosebank oil field and Jackdaw gas field, arguing that it fails to reckon with the growing economic and human cost of climate breakdown.