UK Government Poised to Approve Jackdaw Gas Field
Decision on Rosebank oil field remains pending as Labour faces scrutiny over North Sea commitments.
Callum Smith
The UK government is expected to announce a decision on the Jackdaw gas field.
A legal challenge under the previous Conservative administration halted consent for these fields last year. The Court of Session in Edinburgh ruled last year that both Rosebank and Jackdaw had been unlawfully approved.
The Rosebank oil field, located about 80 miles north-west of Shetland, will not receive a decision at this time. The Conservative UK government granted licences for both fields in 2022 and 2023.
Industry bodies argue that starting production at Rosebank and Jackdaw will create jobs and enhance the UK's energy security.
The Labour manifesto committed to issuing no new oil and gas licences for the North Sea. However, proponents of Jackdaw and Rosebank within the Labour party contend that neither are new fossil fuel fields, as development was already underway before Labour won power.
take a pragmatic approach when it comes to the North Sea.
Andy Burnham stated the need to 'take a pragmatic approach when it comes to the North Sea.' Environmental groups, however, urge the government to 'stick to the spirit of Labour’s manifesto commitment.'
Andrew Bowie criticised the Labour government, stating, 'At last, Labour have had to be dragged kicking and screaming into approving Jackdaw. But nobody should mistake one gas field for a change of heart.' He further argued that Labour’s ban on new licences and the windfall tax are harming North Sea investment and jeopardising jobs.