The Aporia
The Aporia
Coates, J. (2026, October 23). Jackdaw gas field approval will strengthen UK energy security, Burnham says. Evening Standard. https://www.standard.co.uk/business/business-news/andy-burnham-douglas-alexander-scotland-aberdeen-government-b1302023.html
Coates, Jessica. “Jackdaw gas field approval will strengthen UK energy security, Burnham says.” Evening Standard, 23 Oct. 2026, https://www.standard.co.uk/business/business-news/andy-burnham-douglas-alexander-scotland-aberdeen-government-b1302023.html.
Coates, Jessica. “Jackdaw gas field approval will strengthen UK energy security, Burnham says.” Evening Standard, October 23, 2026. https://www.standard.co.uk/business/business-news/andy-burnham-douglas-alexander-scotland-aberdeen-government-b1302023.html.
Dated from the outlet's own feed. Check the original for its byline.
The UK government approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea despite protests from climate activists. Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended the decision, stating that it will strengthen UK energy security by increasing domestic gas production and supporting energy supply for over a decade. He also reaffirmed his commitment to hitting the net zero target by 2050, emphasizing that oil and gas are necessary as a bridge to clean-energy future due to current global instability affecting energy prices. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh indicated she might block approval of the Rosebank oil field west of Shetland in Scotland. The decision drew criticism from some Labour backbenchers and environmentalists while Conservatives called for approving both fields. Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle criticized ministers for announcing plans to the media before presenting a statement to Parliament, but Downing Street defended the practice as ensuring fair market impact.
