Brief
Opposition parties demand Rosebank oil approval and tax cuts ahead of Budget
Opposition parties urge Chancellor John Healey to back the Rosebank oil field, cut green taxes and roll back environmental rules before the upcoming budget.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Opposition parties are urging Chancellor John Healey to cut green taxes, reduce environmental regulation and approve the Rosebank oil field ahead of his first budget, according to the Independent.
What happened
The government announced approval for fresh drilling at the Jackdaw gas field on 21 October, but Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has not yet ruled on the larger Rosebank oil project. The Conservatives warned against using taxpayer money for welfare payments to offset rising energy bills and called for measures that would lower costs for all households.
What the reports add
Reform UK outlined dozens of job‑creating measures, including support for Rosebank, a return to imperial measurements and a ban on low‑traffic neighbourhoods. The party also proposed scrapping the affordable‑housing requirement for new developments, backing new runways at Heathrow and Gatwick, and delaying MOT tests for new cars until four years of road use.
What was said
Shadow energy secretary Andrew Bowie said working families need lower energy bills and criticised Healey for “contemplating another bailout for Benefits Street”. Reform’s Treasury spokesperson Robert Jenrick called the upcoming budget a “manana budget” and said Reform would bring forward more than 60 job‑creating measures that cost the taxpayer nothing.
How it came about
Felo’s earlier coverage noted the Jackdaw approval and rising pressure on the Rosebank project (Energy Secretary urged to approve Rosebank field as Jackdaw drilling moves ahead). The opposition’s demands come as Chancellor Healey prepares to deliver his budget on 28 October, amid calls from other parties to cut welfare spending and fund defence.
Key facts
- Opposition parties are urging Chancellor John Healey to cut green taxes and approve the Rosebank oil field before his first budget. (independent.co.uk)
- The government approved fresh drilling at the Jackdaw gas field on 21 October 2026. (independent.co.uk)
- Reform UK proposed more than 60 job‑creating measures, including support for Rosebank and scrapping several environmental regulations. (independent.co.uk)
- Shadow energy secretary Andrew Bowie criticised Healey for not lowering energy bills for working families. (independent.co.uk)
- Reform Treasury spokesperson Robert Jenrick called the upcoming budget a “manana budget”. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Opposition ratchets up pressure on government to support Rosebank ahead of Budget”
