Leeds Greenpeace Urges MP Rachel Reeves to Oppose New Oil Drilling Plans

A recent action by local volunteers from the Leeds Greenpeace group has brought attention to the debate over oil drilling in the North Sea. On Tuesday evening, 28th April 2026, four members of the group placed posters at bus stops near the office of Rachel Reeves, MP for Leeds West and Pudsey. Their aim was to urge her to oppose plans for new oil and gas drilling in the area.

What Happened

The volunteers focused on bus stops located within a one-kilometre radius of Reeves’s constituency office, which is situated in the Bramley shopping centre. Using Google Earth, they identified all the bus stops that displayed commercial advertisements. They then replaced these ads with their own posters featuring an image of Reeves in front of an oil rig.

The Message Behind the Posters

The posters conveyed a clear message:

• “Rachel Reeves: Drills won’t lower bills”

• “Tell Rachel Reeves MP: Opening new oil fields isn’t the answer to cheaper bills in Leeds West and Pudsey - renewable energy is”

This message aligns with Greenpeace's stance that investing in renewable energy sources is a more sustainable solution for energy security than drilling for more oil and gas.

Expert Opinions

Angharad Hopkinson, a political campaigner for Greenpeace UK, highlighted that even the head of the International Energy Agency has stated that opening new oil fields would not help reduce energy bills in the UK. She remarked:

“Drilling new fields would do nothing to reduce UK bills or fix the problems caused by international conflicts. What we need is home-grown, renewable energy that protects British billpayers from international conflicts, because the fuel is delivered to us free by the sun and the wind.”

The Political Context

The issue of drilling for new oil and gas has become increasingly controversial. The Labour Party, which Rachel Reeves is a part of, had made a commitment in their manifesto to reject applications for new drilling permits in the North Sea. However, there are two specific fields—Rosebank and Jackdaw—where permits were granted by the previous government but later overturned due to environmental concerns. These concerns specifically relate to the significant carbon emissions expected from burning the fuel extracted from these fields, known as Scope 3 emissions.

Public Opinion

Public sentiment appears to support the stance taken by Greenpeace. According to a YouGov poll, 54% of UK voters believe that increasing renewable energy is the best way to ensure energy security. In contrast, only 25% think drilling for new oil and gas is the solution.

Reactions from the Community

This action by the Leeds Greenpeace group has sparked conversations among residents and local leaders about the future of energy in the UK. Many are questioning whether investing in fossil fuels is the right path forward, especially given the pressing issues of climate change and rising energy costs.

Looking Ahead

As the debate continues, the fate of the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields hangs in the balance. The government has yet to make a final decision on whether to allow drilling in these areas, and there is speculation about divisions within the cabinet regarding this issue. The outcome could have significant implications for both the environment and the economy in the region.

In the meantime, actions like those taken by the Leeds Greenpeace group serve to remind the public and their representatives of the importance of prioritising renewable energy sources. The hope is that by raising awareness, more people will join the call for sustainable energy solutions that benefit both the environment and consumers.