Government’s long-awaited decision on Jackdaw gas field to be announced

The UK government approved production from the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, with Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh stating that the first gas could be produced by the end of October, supporting UK's gas supply and adding £2.9bn to the economy over its 11-year lifespan. However, environmental campaigners criticized the decision, arguing it hampers climate change efforts and makes no meaningful difference to energy security. Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Equinor, operates Jackdaw, which is situated 150 miles east of Aberdeen and would provide about 6% of UK gas production, enough to power 1.4 million homes. Meanwhile, there's ongoing debate regarding the Rosebank oil field off Shetland; while some urge pushing ahead with drilling due to geopolitical uncertainty and reliance on imported gas, others oppose it because its carbon emissions are estimated at seven times higher than Jackdaw’s. Ms Fahnbulleh indicated that she is likely to reject plans for Rosebank based on different rationales applied to each project. Protests erupted following the approval of new gas drilling in the North Sea, with climate activists demonstrating against the decision. Additionally, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle criticized the government for announcing the Jackdaw decision to the media before informing MPs, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended the move despite backlash from Labour's left wing and environmental groups. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urged overturning the ban on new oil and gas licenses but was countered by PM Burnham who claimed her party had "messed up" the original decision. Overall, there is significant controversy surrounding these developments in energy policy and their implications for both economic stability and environmental sustainability.