Jackdaw gas field is FINALLY given green-light as ministers approve fresh drilling in the North Sea in bid to slash energy bills

The UK Government has approved plans to begin drilling in the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea in a bid to lower energy bills.In a move which is likely to anger environmental groups and some Labour backbenchers, the Prime Minister has reversed the party's previous manifesto commitment to not grant new licences to oil and gas production. Environmentalists have long opposed developments, but the offshore industry has stressed the economic and energy security benefits of approving them. Supporters previously suggested it could create 3,500 jobs during construction and 880 over the course of its useful lifetime. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the approval of the Jackdaw gas field will 'protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm this winter' but insisted the Government remained 'committed to moving towards renewable energy'. North Sea gas is mainly used domestically, meaning it is more useful in helping to reduce the cost of bills for homeowners than oil, which is predominantly exported. Production was approved by the previous Conservative government in 2022 but was delayed after a legal challenge by Greenpeace, leaving Labour ministers to decide whether drilling should go ahead. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh accepted that the development would contribute towards climate change but has stressed it is 'much better' to use domestically produced gas than import it. The Prime Minister has faced pressure from climate activists and some of his own backbenchers to 'stick to the spirit of Labour's manifesto commitment' and refuse consentSpeaking in Aberdeen, she said: 'The reality is, as we put billions into low carbon energy and we do make that transition, we're going to need gas.'And, ultimately, if you have a choice between homegrown gas that is on our doorstep that I can make sure that there are conditions in terms of the emissions that come out of that production, or I'm importing that gas or oil from across the world – I think it is much better for us to have homegrown gas.'It supports our energy security and, critically, it means we are securing jobs here in Aberdeen.' Mr Burnham added: 'At a time when people are really struggling, it's right that we look in a responsible way at maximising the existing energy reserves we have in Britain that could help.'We're committed to moving towards renewable energy and reaching net zero by 2050.'But even on our ambitious climate path, we'll still require oil and gas as part of our energy needs for decades to come.'That's why we're taking a pragmatic approach to the North Sea. We're also establishing a new Energy Wealth Fund to invest in renewable energy, support the green transition and help reduce energy bills over the long-term.'Our approach will ensure we can boost our energy security, back British workers, ringfence future North Sea proceeds to speed up the green transition, hit our ambitious climate targets and – crucially – bring down bills.'Campaigners have called the decision 'disappointing' and urged the Government to reject the 'even more damaging' Rosebank oil field.Kate Norgrove, WWF chief impact officer, said: 'This is a disappointing decision and the Government now urgently needs to show that it remains 100 per cent committed to the clean energy transition by rejecting the even more damaging Rosebank oil field.'It must set out the UK's roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels for good, securing well-paid clean energy jobs and protecting the public from soaring bills in the process.'The truth is that this decision will only support a tiny number of jobs, do nothing to lower prices, barely move the needle on growth, and undermine the UK's climate leadership.'We have all seen the devastating consequences of rising temperatures this summer for people and nature, and it's clear that politicians are out of step with public opinion on taking action on climate change.'Green Party of England and Wales leader Zack Polanski blasted the decision to approve Jackdaw as 'climate vandalism'.He said: 'Today's decision by Labour is a betrayal of all of our futures, Labour has abandoned all credibility in the fight against climate change.'The Energy Secretary has herself said it will make no difference to energy bills, the Health Secretary has admitted the summer heatwave added to pressure on the NHS and the industry's own assessment is that will create only 27 jobs.'This is a victory for Shell over the people.' Supporters say it could create 3,500 jobs during construction and 880 over the course of its useful lifetimeJackdaw is a gas field situated 150 miles east of Aberdeen.Adura, the joint venture between Shell and Norweigian state energy firm Equinor which is behind the project, previously said the move would strengthen energy security and support vital jobs. An updated environmental impact assessment earlier this year also said it will 'not materially influence' greenhouse gas emissions.It is estimated that both the Jackdaw gas field and Rosebank oil field west of Shetland can contribute £28.7billion to the economy, generate £1.8billion in tax revenues by the end of this parliament, support 3,500 jobs at peak construction and sustain 880 jobs throughout production.Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch previously said that reopening Jackdaw was 'common sense'.Speaking earlier this year she said Mr Burnham faced a 'choice' of either pushing for cheaper energy or allowing 'Net Zero madness' to 'hold our country back'.She added: 'Jackdaw alone could supply around 6 per cent of our gas needs this October.' It is a move which will also please US President Donald Trump, who popularised the phrase 'drill baby drill' in his 2024 election campaign, calling for an increase oil and gas production worldwide.North Sea oil was high on the agenda when Burnham and Trump first shared a phone call in July.The President has repeatedly argued Britain should exploit more aggressively rather than relying on wind farms.He said on Truth Social: 'I had a very good conversation with the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham. We discussed many subjects, including the outstanding relationship we have had with the UK. We will be meeting in the not too distant future for topics of mutual interest.'The Prime Minister has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it and, of course, the U.S.A. will be there to help! We discussed North Sea Oil, Trade, the Military Alliance, Demining of the Hormuz Strait, and many other topics. Donald Trump has repeatedly called for the Prime Minister to exploit oil and gas more aggressively rather than relying on wind farms Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said it is 'much better' to use domestically produced gas than import itRussell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, praised the change of heart by the government and called for them to go further and approve Rosebank.He said: 'This is a hugely welcome decision, and exactly the sort of pragmatic call the North Sea has been crying out for.'Jackdaw is 99.9 per cent complete and, with approval now secured, gas from this field will be flowing into homes up and down the country within weeks.'This is a direct, tangible boost to the UK's energy security at a time when it matters most.'Every molecule of gas we produce in the North Sea, under some of the world's highest environmental standards, is a molecule we don't have to import on a tanker from overseas. That's good for jobs, good for the supply chain, and good for the climate.'But Jackdaw cannot be the end of the story. Rosebank is every bit as vital to our energy security and every bit as ready to deliver for the UK supply chain anchored here in the north east of Scotland.'Government must now move with the same urgency and pragmatism and get Rosebank over the line without further delay.'