Burnham defends Jackdaw decision as Badenoch calls for more licences
Constantvpn.com – Burnham defends Jackdaw decision as Badenoch urges the government to overturn its ban on new oil and gas licences. Approval for the North Sea gas field means production is expected to begin before the end of the month, prompting support from industry and unions but criticism from environmental campaigners.
Jackdaw lies about 150 miles east of Aberdeen and is operated by Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Norway’s state energy company Equinor. Gas from the field will be processed at the existing Shearwater platform before travelling by pipeline to the St Fergus terminal in Aberdeenshire.
The field is expected to operate for around 11 years. Adura estimates it could account for about 6% of UK gas production and provide enough gas for 1.4 million homes. When imports are included, however, the project would represent about 2% of overall UK gas demand.
Jobs, domestic supply and climate targets
The government said Jackdaw could help protect hundreds of jobs, contribute £2.9bn to the economy and add to domestic gas supplies. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said the gas was expected to enter use this month, although she stressed that it would not bring down household energy bills this winter.
The decision is compatible with our legally binding climate commitments, and we remain resolute in ending new licences for oil and gas and achieving net zero by 2050.
Ministers argue that using more domestically produced gas can reduce reliance on imported fuels while renewable and nuclear capacity expands. They have also maintained that approving Jackdaw does not change the wider policy of ending new oil and gas licences.
Alongside the decision, the government announced a new energy wealth fund financed through tax income from oil and gas extraction. Starting with £2bn, the fund is intended to support renewable and lower-carbon energy projects.
Badenoch presses for a change in licensing policy
Burnham defends Jackdaw decision as Badenoch makes the case for a broader revival of North Sea development. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch thanked Andy Burnham for approving the project but said the government should remove the restriction on new licences.
We have the resources, the expertise and the people. What we have lost is the confidence to make tough decisions.
Burnham said the previous Conservative government had failed to give sufficient weight to climate obligations when handling the original decision. He argued that energy policy should be judged through environmental, economic and supply considerations together.
He also said he had asked the chancellor and energy secretary to consider removing standing charges from gas bills. These fixed charges apply regardless of the amount of energy a household uses.
Scotland seeks lasting local benefits
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said the approval could offer greater certainty for north-east Scotland, where offshore energy remains a major employer. He said the value created by Scottish energy should bring more direct benefits to households and local communities.
It is vital that the economic benefits of our energy are felt here in Scotland and used to bring energy bills down, rather than flowing to the Treasury to plug more short-term spending gaps.
Swinney welcomed the energy wealth fund but said it should prioritise offshore renewable opportunities and be ringfenced for north-east Scotland. Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay also welcomed the approval, saying oil and gas workers should not have had to wait so long.
Jackdaw decision: frequently asked questions
When will Jackdaw gas reach the UK? The government said gas from the field is expected to enter use before the end of the month.
Will Jackdaw reduce household energy bills? Ministers say households should not expect the project to lower bills this winter, as energy prices are influenced by wider market conditions.
Does the approval mean new oil and gas licences will return? No. The government says the Jackdaw decision does not alter its policy of ending new licences for oil and gas.
Burnham defends Jackdaw decision as Badenoch continues to frame the project as part of a larger dispute over energy security, employment and the UK’s path to net zero.
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