A group of UK mothers concerned about the climate crisis took part today in a Halloween-themed action outside the London headquarters of Equinor, the company which wants to develop the Rosebank oil and gas field.

The action, by Mothers Rise Up, included a giant Halloween cauldron, fuelled by Equinor, surrounded by children.

The group called for the overturning of the decision, by the Sunak government, to permit development of the Rosebank field.  

Two legal challenges against the decision, brought by Greenpeace and Uplift, are due to be heard in November 2024. The organisations will argue that approval of Rosebank was unlawful.

Rosebank, off Shetland, is predicted to produce 500 million barrels of mainly oil and some gas. Burning the reserves could emit an estimated 200m+ tonnes of CO2.  It is suggested that this would be more than the annual total CO2 emissions of 28 low-income countries.

 Emma Powell, from Mothers Rise Up, said:

“Rosebank must remain untouched. The science is clear that there must be no new oil and gas developed if we are to prevent the worst of climate breakdown.

“The project will not lower energy bills for consumers nor make us energy-secure. However, Rosebank will boost profits for polluting oil and gas companies with gratuitous tax breaks while the climate and humanity suffer.

“A green energy transition must be urgent, ambitious and fair for communities throughout the UK. 

“Our children, and all children, deserve a fighting chance at a liveable future.”