# Burnham approves Jackdaw drilling as Trump cheers and climate row grows > The UK government approves North Sea gas drilling while facing pressure over a larger oil project and criticism from climate campaigners. - Title: Burnham approves Jackdaw drilling as Trump cheers and climate… - Summary: The UK government approves North Sea gas drilling while facing pressure over a larger oil project and criticism from climate campaigners. Prime Minister Andy… - Keywords: andy burnham, jackdaw gas field, north sea drilling, climate policy, energy security, rosebank oil field, donald trump, miatta fahnbulleh, labour government, green party, politics, news - Source: The Independent — https://independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jackdaw-andy-burnham-pmqs-live-updates-b3070481.html - Published: 2026-10-21T14:12:42+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: andy burnham, jackdaw gas field, north sea drilling, climate policy, energy security, rosebank oil field, donald trump, miatta fahnbulleh, labour government, green party, politics, news ## 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 ## Key takeaway Prime Minister Andy Burnham approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, drawing praise from Donald Trump but criticism from Labour MPs and climate activists over the decision's climate impact.