Angry Labour MPs urge leadership not to overrule energy secretary on Rosebank

Exclusive: Backbenchers voice alarm over ‘intolerable position’ faced by Miatta Fahnbulleh over oilfield decision

Furious Labour MPs have been lobbying the prime minister and chancellor not to overrule the energy secretary should she decide to block the Rosebank oilfield.

MPs say they are alarmed at the cabinet splits that have emerged over the issue after sources told the Guardian that Miatta Fahnbulleh was minded to refuse environmental permission for the field.

Sources close to the chancellor, John Healey, have since made it clear he is in favour of the scheme, while some in government believe the prime minister, Andy Burnham, also wants it to go ahead.