Blair Think Tank Urges Miliband to Approve North Sea Drilling

High-stakes debate over Rosebank and Jackdaw projects highlights UK's energy security dilemma

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:19am

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A serene, photorealistic painting of an offshore oil platform in the North Sea, with the platform's silhouette casting long shadows across the calm waters under a warm, golden sunset sky. The scene evokes a sense of quiet contemplation about the role of fossil fuels in the energy transition.As the UK grapples with balancing climate goals and energy security, the debate over North Sea drilling projects exposes the complex tradeoffs facing policymakers.Today in Nashville

A think tank founded by former Prime Minister Tony Blair is pressing current Labour leader Ed Miliband to approve the development of two major North Sea oil and gas fields, Rosebank and Jackdaw. The debate over these projects has thrown into sharp relief the UK's struggle to balance its climate goals with the need for reliable, affordable domestic energy supply amid global volatility.

Why it matters

The UK faces a difficult choice between reducing fossil fuel dependence to meet net-zero targets, and boosting domestic energy production to shield the economy from international price shocks and supply disruptions. This debate exposes the tension between ideological climate goals and the pragmatic realities of energy security.

The details

The Blair Institute argues that approving Rosebank and Jackdaw would reduce the UK's reliance on imported oil and gas, which has become increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical crises. With 70% of Britain's energy demand still met by oil and gas, the think tank claims domestic production is essential to stabilize prices and insulate households from global volatility. Critics counter that approving new fossil fuel projects undermines the UK's climate commitments.

  • The Blair Institute made its case for the Rosebank and Jackdaw projects in April 2026.
  • The UK government is expected to make a decision on the projects in the coming months.

The players

Tony Blair

Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and founder of the think tank urging approval of the North Sea drilling projects.

Ed Miliband

Current leader of the Labour Party and facing pressure from Blair's think tank to approve the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas projects.

Rosebank

The UK's largest untapped offshore oil field, located in the North Sea.

Jackdaw

Another major North Sea oil and gas project that could displace a significant portion of the UK's LNG imports.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The UK government is expected to make a decision on the Rosebank and Jackdaw projects in the coming months, weighing the competing priorities of climate goals and energy security.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the difficult tradeoffs the UK faces in its energy policy, as it tries to balance its ambitious climate targets with the practical realities of maintaining affordable, reliable power for households and businesses. The outcome will have significant implications for the country's path to net-zero emissions and its economic resilience in an increasingly volatile global energy landscape.