Understand
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces decisions on Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields will be made shortly
Overview
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that decisions regarding the approval of the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields in the North Sea will be made shortly. The projects faced legal setbacks after a court ruled their previous approvals unlawful for failing to account for climate impacts. While industry bodies argue the fields will boost energy security and jobs, environmentalists oppose them over carbon emissions.
Key points
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated at Prime Minister's Questions that decisions on the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields will be set out shortly.
- Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh indicated that a decision on the Jackdaw gas field is imminent, while Rosebank will take slightly longer.
- The courts previously ruled that previous approvals for both fields were unlawful due to a failure to consider the climate impact of burning the extracted fuels.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urged the government to approve the North Sea drilling projects to support British energy needs.
- Environmental campaigners argue that new drilling hinders climate goals, whereas industry representatives maintain it supports jobs and energy security.