Vicars Occupy Labour HQ Over Rosebank Oil Field

For immediate release

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Today, Wednesday 1st May, 5 people have occupied the lobby of Labour HQ in protest at the party’s refusal to cancel the Rosebank oil field. More than twenty other people protested at the same time outside of the building.

Members of the group Christian Climate Action held banners reading “Labour Must Stop Rosebank”. The group was made up of lay Christians and also members of the clergy. They held a short church service both inside and outside of the building – aiming to create a space to grieve with all those who stand to suffer if Rosebank goes ahead.

Police arrived at the site soon after the protest began, but no arrests were made.

This action comes weeks after the group Youth Demand also targeted Labour HQ, citing climate as a reason behind the action.

Rosebank oil field was approved by the UK government in September 2023. It’s controversy stems from the fact Rosebank has the capacity to generate 200 million tonnes of additional CO2 emissions, at a time when the International Energy Agency (IEA) says that there can be no further expansion of fossil fuel production if the world is to limit average global heating to 1.5C.

In 2023, Labour confirmed they would allow drilling to continue at any oil and gas projects approved by the current UK Government. Therefore indicating they plan to permit Rosebank to continue.

In a letter that Christian Climate Action handed to the Labour HQ front desk today, the group urged Labour to call a moratorium on the Rosebank Oil Field development should it form the next government.

Rev Helen Burnett, vicar of St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Chaldon, Surrey, took part in the action and led a communion service on the site. Explaining why she participated, she said: “The labour movement grew out of workers demanding a better life for themselves and others like them. New oil fields like Rosebank make the rich richer, whilst emitting CO2 at levels that will make the planet uninhabitable for the poorest workers of the world.

“Jesus stood in solidarity with the poorest and those who suffered, and so today I too want to stand with the many worldwide who are being, yet again, exploited for the benefit of the few. We want bread and roses, not oil and gas, and we want to remind Labour of its roots in standing up for the workers, not the profiteers.”

Rosebank will cost the UK taxpayer an estimated £3.7bn in tax breaks for the private companies leading the development.

Rev Canon Jonathan Herbert, from Dorchester, also took part in the action. He said: “I’m shocked and saddened by Labours’ cutting back of its visionary Green Deal. To invest in Rosebank, when there are so many cheaper alternative fuel sources, is madness.”

-ENDS-

Photos available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1atXUyS8SDlOg4lEbEXGkr28lTs1xW6aC?usp=sharing

Contact christianclimateaction@gmail.com