Scottish Labour’s new leader backs Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gasfields

Scottish Labour’s new leader, Michael Marra, has endorsed the development of the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields in the North Sea, marking one of his first major decisions after taking office. Marra, who won a near two-thirds majority in the leadership election, succeeded Anas Sarwar, who resigned earlier this year to join Andy Burnham’s government as a trade minister. The decision comes amid ongoing debates over Scotland’s energy policy and economic priorities. Marra, the MSP for North East Scotland, stated he would encourage the British prime minister to support both projects despite concerns regarding their environmental impact. Both fields are not subject to the current ban on new drilling licenses in the North Sea, as their applications were submitted before the Labour government assumed power. There is anticipation that the Jackdaw gas field could receive approval within the coming weeks. “I want Rosebank and Jackdaw to be approved,” Marra told reporters shortly after his election. “It’s the biggest issue in my region in terms of people’s voting intention. We need to have a more rational policy position that delivers for the Scottish economy and Scottish jobs.” His remarks highlight the significance of these projects for the local community and the broader Scottish economy. During his acceptance speech at the Dynamic Earth science museum in Edinburgh, Marra emphasized the need to reconnect with Scottish voters following a challenging election outcome. He acknowledged the disappointment of the party’s performance, noting that the SNP did not earn a fifth term in power. However, he stressed that the party must remain committed to its core values and lead with clarity and purpose. “Scots know what we are against. They can’t tell you what we are for. And that vacuum was filled by the poison, racism and bigotry of Reform. We must be clear in our values. We must lead with our values,” he said. Marra also expressed concern over the weakening of the party over the past decade and called for renewed efforts to engage with the Scottish electorate. The Scottish Labour party currently holds 17 seats in the Scottish Parliament, reflecting its poorest performance since devolution began in 1999. This result leaves the party tied with Reform UK in the second-largest group at Holyrood, though the gap remains substantial compared to the SNP. Despite this, Marra aims to rebuild the party’s strength and influence. In the leadership race, Marra faced competition from Joe Fagan, with Marra securing 4,266 votes versus Fagan’s 2,485. A total of 6,751 votes were cast, representing 49.43% of the party’s membership. The low turnout highlights the challenges the party faces in engaging its members and voters. Marra has also addressed the issue of Scottish independence, stating that the SNP’s failure to secure an outright majority in the recent Holyrood election suggests that a second independence referendum is not currently a priority for voters. Instead, he focuses on advocating for a stronger Scotland within the United Kingdom. His vision includes a focus on social justice, eradicating poverty, and improving public services. Marra believes in a more localized approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and policy-driven change. He has drawn parallels between his leadership style and the successes of Andy Burnham’s administration in Manchester. As Marra begins his tenure, he faces the challenge of revitalizing Scottish Labour and addressing the complex political landscape in Scotland. With the backing of key figures and a commitment to reform, he aims to steer the party toward greater relevance and effectiveness in the years ahead.