Government Approves Jackdaw Drilling Amidst Proposed North Sea Ban
Energy Independence Bill seeks to halt new oil and gas exploration while Scottish government opposes Labour's stance.
Carla Rooney
The government has approved drilling in the Jackdaw gas field.
The proposed ban leaves existing licensed sites unaffected. Transitional energy certificates are set for current operations.
Fahnbulleh stated, "Through this Bill, we will build a clean energy future which people feel in their pockets, households and communities, ensuring support reaches those who need it most."
John Swinney's government in Scotland opposes Labour's proposed ban on new North Sea drilling. It believes new developments should be subject to climate compatibility tests.
This position marks a shift from Nicola Sturgeon's previous 'presumption against' all new licences. The SNP indicated it will vote against the Energy Independence Bill if the ban provisions remain.
Andy Burnham claims the proposed legislation delivers on Labour's manifesto pledge to halt new drilling projects. Russell Findlay claims Burnham's attack on North Sea oil and gas will be catastrophic for Scottish jobs, energy security, and Scotland's economy.
Burnham's attack on North Sea oil and gas will be catastrophic for Scottish jobs, energy security, and Scotland's economy.
Findlay further claims Swinney is culpable through his silence on the matter.
Polling for Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) questioned 2,050 adults across the UK, revealing significant public sentiment.
The survey found 65% of Labour supporters in the 2024 general election wanted the Rosebank oil and gas field approved. Overall, 55% of those surveyed favoured increasing the country's domestic oil and gas production.
The Rosebank oil field, which had a licence previously ruled unlawful, still awaits a decision from the energy secretary.
The UK government stated the move could produce about 60 million barrels of oil and support hundreds of jobs.