Burnham approves Jackdaw drilling

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, a decision that has drawn both praise and criticism.

Trump hails decision as great news

US President Donald Trump welcomed the approval, calling it great news for the wealth and prosperity of the United Kingdom and the region of Aberdeen.

“great news for the wealth and prosperity of the United Kingdom”

Trump urges full blast drilling

Trump posted on Truth Social that the UK should go full blast with North Sea drilling, saying it will make the country very wealthy again.

“They should go FULL BLAST!!! This will make the U.K. very wealthy again.”

Government says drilling protects jobs

Burnham said drilling in the Jackdaw gas field would protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm while supporting renewable energy targets.

“protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm”

Energy secretary cites crisis rationale

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh told the BBC that the key consideration was the energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.

“key consideration in coming to this decision was at a time when we are in an energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East”

No lower bills expected this winter

Fahnbulleh told Britons not to expect lower energy bills this winter despite the drilling approval.

Green Party calls it a betrayal

Green Party leader Zack Polanski described the decision as a betrayal of all futures and said Labour had abandoned climate change credibility.

“a betrayal of all of our futures”

Labour MPs and activists criticise move

The decision has drawn criticism from Labour MPs and climate activists who are now pressuring the prime minister to reject the Rosebank oil and gas field project.

Cabinet unity on Jackdaw decision

Downing Street confirmed that the prime minister is confident all of his Cabinet backs the decision to allow Jackdaw drilling.

Fahnbulleh leans toward Rosebank rejection

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is reportedly leaning towards rejecting plans to drill at Rosebank, one of the largest untapped oilfields in the North Sea.

Fahnbulleh distinguishes gas from oil

Fahnbulleh told The Guardian that Jackdaw is a gasfield for the domestic market while Rosebank is an oilfield mainly for export, requiring different judgement.

“One is a gasfield that caters for the domestic market, while the other is an oilfield that is mainly for export”

Climate consistency is critical

Fahnbulleh said each application must be judged on its own merits and consistency with climate obligations and carbon budgets is absolutely critical.

“it is absolutely critical that the decision is consistent with our climate obligations, our carbon budgets and the end destination we need to get to with the energy transition”