Environmentalists say the work of campaigners made the petrochemical giant think twice

Shell’s decision to back away from the controversial Cambo oil field development is a victory for “people power”.

Environmentalists say that it was the work of campaigners who made the petrochemical giant think twice, worrying about reputational damage.

However, Shell insists it was economics that saw it withdraw from the potential development in the North Atlantic, west of the Shetlands.

It said that after carrying out “comprehensive screening”, the economic case for involvement was "not strong enough" to “ensure the best returns for the business".

Majority stakeholder Siccar Point Energy said it would continue talks with the UK government over the future of the field.

But environmental campaigners have vowed to keep up the pressure to ensure Cambo’s fossil reserves stay in the seabed – and said Shell’s retreat marks the beginning of the end for these kind of new oil and gas projects.

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s climate and energy campaigner Caroline Rance said: “People power has made the climate-wrecking Cambo development so toxic that even oil giant Shell doesn’t want to be associated with it any more.

“Shell could see what way the wind was blowing with the project facing fierce opposition, and costly delays, from the public, climate groups and politicians.

“This marks the beginning of the end for all new oil and gas projects.

“Climate science is clear that there can be no new fossil fuels , and now Shell has admitted there’s no economic case in new oil and gas either.

“Both the UK and Scottish governments must now officially reject Cambo, say no to any future oil and gas developments in UK waters and get on with planning a fair and fast transition for people working in this industry.”