Protesters gather at Labour Conference demanding rejection of Rosebank oil project

During the Labour Party Conference, a coalition of Christian activists staged a vigil to press the government to reject the Rosebank oil field, a proposed development off the Shetland coast. Participants included firefighters, NHS personnel, teachers and faith-group members, who framed the issue as a clash between public welfare and oil-company earnings. Rosie Latchford, a leading voice of the Stop Rosebank campaign, highlighted the recent record-breaking heatwave and warned that El Niño could intensify future disasters.

She cited estimates that Rosebank could account for 70% of the nation’s yearly carbon emissions, arguing that proceeding with the project would be irresponsible. The protest also referenced the parallel Jackdaw development, noting that analysts say the climate damage could outweigh any economic gains. Latchford called on the Labour government to stand with frontline workers and protect the future of children.