More than 200 UK musicians including Massive Attack, Thom Yorke and Robert Smith have joined forces with EarthPercent and Uplift to urge Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reject the Rosebank oil field
Other artists to sign the open letter include Paris Paloma, Olly Alexander, Bobby Gillespie, Imogen Heap, Anoushka Shankar, Kevin Rowland, Obongjayar, Bicep, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien and Philip Selway, Ren, Jacob Collier, David Gray, Romy, Alexis Taylor, Eliza, Anna Calvi and Rou Reynolds.
Artist opposition has grown from 118 artists signing a letter to Keir Starmer last year, to 211 joining the call in 2026. The full letter and list of signatories can be seen here.
The move comes as Burnham and energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh prepare to decide whether to approve Rosebank, the UK's largest undeveloped oil field, which campaigners say could produce climate pollution equivalent to almost 70% of the UK's annual emissions.
In the letter, the musicians urge Burnham to reject the project, arguing that it will do nothing to lower energy bills which put huge pressure on music venues, nor provide meaningful energy security, as the vast majority of its oil is destined for export.
At this point, continuing to expand fossil fuel production isn’t pragmatism – it’s a failure to face reality
Brian Eno, EarthPercent
They also highlight the threat that accelerating climate change poses to the music industry, particularly to live events increasingly affected by extreme weather, bringing up Wembley Stadium's decision to relax its water bottle policy for Harry Styles' recent residency due to the heat.
"As artists, we have become starkly aware of the fact that our livelihoods often depend upon the reliability of safe weather conditions and stable energy costs for live events," reads the letter. "Like you, we've seen the enormous harm the recent heatwaves have already had on people's health, children's education, businesses and the whole economy – including music.
"The widespread disruption of music events across Europe and Wembley’s rule-changes for Harry Styles’ shows could be just the beginning. Our continued dependence on oil and gas has strengthened heatwaves and made us vulnerable to volatile energy costs – but it is a dependence that we can end."
To date, more than 80 cross-party MPs and MSPs have pledged to oppose the controversial oil field.
EarthPercent founder Brian Eno said: “Andy Burnham has previously stood with artists and campaigners calling for an end to fossil fuel expansion. In fact, he called the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation treaty a ‘lifeline’ So he has a choice to make. He can stand with the fossil fuel industry and approve Rosebank, or he can stand with the people who will live with the consequences of that decision.
“We are already seeing what a hotter world looks like, with record heat and devastating wildfires across Britain and Europe. At this point, continuing to expand fossil fuel production isn’t pragmatism – it’s a failure to face reality.
"Let us hope he shows that same leadership now. The right decision is clear: reject Rosebank and invest in the clean, secure energy system we urgently need.”
