An open letter coordinated by Uplift and published by EarthPercent, signed by 211 prominent British musicians including Brian Eno, Thom Yorke, Robert Smith, and Bobby Gillespie, urges Andy Burnham to reject the Rosebank oil field as a move that would harm his climate legacy amid extreme weather.

Eno highlights Burnham’s past climate actions and EarthPercent’s mission, arguing Burnham now faces a choice between backing fossil fuels or advancing a cleaner energy transition.

The appeal is set against a backdrop of wider climate news, including European festival disruptions from extreme weather and ongoing concerns about rising global temperatures.

Officials note that the government has not released final conclusions from the consultation on oil licenses, reiterating that oil and gas remain part of the energy system for now.

The Rosebank project has faced legal challenges over missing climate impact evaluations, with a government decision on re-approval still awaiting resolution.

Adura, the project’s developer, argues Rosebank (and nearby Jackdaw) would bring substantial investment and thousands of jobs, framing the proposal as beneficial for energy security.

The government’s consultation on Rosebank closed around mid-August 2026, with decisions expected alongside considerations for the Jackdaw field near Aberdeen.

The piece notes that no further details on Burnham’s response or Eno’s additional arguments are provided in the excerpt.

Public protests took place outside the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in London on August 17 to oppose Rosebank.

Campaigners argue continued fossil fuel extraction accelerates the climate crisis, while supporters stress potential economic and energy security benefits.

Historically, Rosebank and Jackdaw carried prior approval and were later challenged, with Greenpeace triggering a public consultation under the current government to reassess climate impacts.

The debate is framed as pivotal for the UK’s climate policy and Burnham’s perceived climate legacy, in the context of ongoing energy and cultural policy discussions.