Energy Secretary criticised for announcing Jackdaw decision to media first

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 15:20 · Archive

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle criticised the Energy Secretary for announcing the Jackdaw gas field approval to media before Parliament.

The Jackdaw gas field approval was announced to the media before Parliament had the opportunity to scrutinise it, drawing criticism from Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. The Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh did not attend the House of Commons to make a statement on the decision, instead sending Energy Minister Michael Shanks. Ms Fahnbulleh conducted media interviews and visited Shell UK's St Fergus Gas Terminal in Aberdeenshire instead of addressing MPs.

Sir Lindsay said it was 'shameful that this statement was not made to the House first' and criticised the 'immense discourtesy to the House that the Secretary of State did not come here to make the statement'. He added: 'I'm sorry that Sky News is more important rather than the members of both sides.' He also stated it was 'simply not good enough that it was trailed by the press last night and announced all over the media this morning by the Secretary of State before it could be properly scrutinised in this House'.

The Jackdaw project was originally approved by the previous Conservative government in 2022 but was delayed following a legal challenge by Greenpeace. Labour ministers were required to decide whether drilling should proceed. The Prime Minister defended the decision in the Commons despite backlash from the Labour Left, Greens and environmental groups.

Energy Secretary criticised for announcing Jackdaw decision to media first — Image: Daily Mail

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How it is being reported

Speaker vents at Labour minister for running off to Aberdeen to unveil Jackdaw drilling on TV - leaving her deputy to face angry MPsSpeaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle berated the Government for announcing the decision to allow new North Sea drilling to the media before telling MPs.Daily Mail · 21 Oct, 15:01
Energy Secretary slammed for 'shamefully' revealing Jackdaw decision to media before telling MPsSpeaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle berated Miatta Fahnbulleh and the Government over the decision in a furious statement in the House of CommonsEvening Standard · 21 Oct, 14:27

In this story: Miatta Fahnbulleh · Sir Lindsay Hoyle · Michael Shanks · Jackdaw · North Sea · Shell UK · Greenpeace

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