UK approves delayed Jackdaw North Sea gas field

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 09:02 · Archive

Britain has approved the Jackdaw North Sea gas field after years of legal and political wrangling that pitted the Labour government's climate commitments against efforts to bolster energy security.

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said the project would start supplying gas to British homes and businesses from as early as the end of October, helping to counter soaring energy prices. Fahnbulleh said Jackdaw would increase domestic gas production by about six per cent at its peak and have a lifespan of up to eleven years, boosting energy security and protecting jobs.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: 'At a time when people are really struggling, it's right that we look in a responsible way at maximising the existing energy reserves we have in Britain that could help.' The government will establish an Energy Wealth Fund with a £2 billion down payment to reinvest oil and gas revenues into the climate transition. Burnham said the approach would 'boost our energy security, back British workers, ring-fence future North Sea proceeds to speed up the green transition, hit our ambitious climate targets and crucially bring down bills'.

The Unite union welcomed the decision while the leader of the Green Party described it as 'climate vandalism'.

How it is being reported

• UK approves long-delayed North Sea gas fieldA gas project off the British coast has been approved over the objections of environmental groups, with the government saying it will boost energy security.The West Australian · 21 Oct, 08:28
• UK approves long-delayed North Sea gas fieldA gas project off the British coast has been approved over the objections of environmental groups, with the government saying it will boost energy security.Perth Now · 21 Oct, 08:28

In this story: Miatta Fahnbulleh · Andy Burnham · Labour · Unite · Green Party · Jackdaw · North Sea · Britain

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