US president Donald Trump has welcomed Andy Burnham’s decision to allow drilling at the Jackdaw gas field, hailing it as “great news for the wealth and prosperity of the United Kingdom”.
The prime minister proposed removing standing charges from energy bills as he faced a grilling at prime minister’s questions on Wednesday.
His government’s decision to approve drilling in the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea has drawn criticism from Labour MPs, as well as climate activists, who are now pressuring the prime minister to reject the Rosebank oil and gas field project.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski described Wednesday’s move as “a betrayal of all of our futures” and said Labour had “abandoned all credibility in the fight against climate change”.
The prime minister said drilling in the Jackdaw gas field would “protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm”, but stressed it would not hinder the government’s targets on renewable energy.
Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has told Britons not to expect lower energy bills this winter, telling the BBC that the “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”.
Key Points
- Trump says Jackdaw will make UK 'very wealthy again'
- Burnham proposes removing standing charges from energy bills
- Fahnbulleh leaning towards rejecting Rosebank drilling
- Will Jackdaw make your energy bills cheaper?
- Government under pressure to approve Rosebank oilfields
- Mapped: Where are the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields?
Jackdaw drilling will be 'good for climate', says industry body
15:39 , Harriette BoucherThe decision to approve the Jackdaw oil field will be good for the climate, the boss of Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has said.
Chief executive David Whitehouse said further drilling in the North Sea could provide more than half of the UK’s oil and gas demand by 2050.
He said: “We think, in the environment that we’re working in, it’s vital that the UK has that resilience and provides more of its own oil and gas.
“It’s good for energy security, but it’s also good for jobs, it’s good for economic value, and actually, it’s good for the climate as well, because that production comes with a lower carbon footprint than the equivalent imports.”
Mr Whitehouse urged the government to greenlight more North Sea projects, saying: “It’s an important step. It is a step in the right direction but now we need to follow through, that this is not a one-off, that this is part of a broader pipeline where responsible projects in the UK are supported, and you see a real desire that while we need oil and gas, we’re going to produce more of it from our own resources.”
Mapped: The British green belt ‘battlegrounds’ set to see the most new houses under Labour plans
15:12 , Harriette BoucherLabour’s housebuilding drive will see a handful of towns become key “battlegrounds” for green belt development, new analysis has revealed.
Across over 300 councils in England, just 21 meet the key conditions to make green belt release most likely, the report from consultancy firm Planning By Design has found.
The vast majority of these are in the East and South East of England, the analysis shows, followed by two in London and two in the West Midlands. There were zero locations identified in the North.
To draw its findings, Planning By Design looked at official housing delivery figures, identifying areas which are currently showing unmet housing need. These were cross referenced with green belt capacity in these locations and affordability, with areas showing above-average house price to earnings ratio considered to have higher need.
Read more:
The UK green belt ‘battlegrounds’ set to see the most new houses under Labour plans
Mapped: The British green belt ‘battlegrounds’ set to see the most new houses under Labour plans
15:00 , Harriette BoucherLabour’s housebuilding drive will see a handful of towns become key “battlegrounds” for green belt development, new analysis has revealed.
Across over 300 councils in England, just 21 meet the key conditions to make green belt release most likely, the report from consultancy firm Planning By Design has found.
The vast majority of these are in the East and South East of England, the analysis shows, followed by two in London and two in the West Midlands. There were zero locations identified in the North.
To draw its findings, Planning By Design looked at official housing delivery figures, identifying areas which are currently showing unmet housing need. These were cross referenced with green belt capacity in these locations and affordability, with areas showing above-average house price to earnings ratio considered to have higher need.
Read more:
The UK green belt ‘battlegrounds’ set to see the most new houses under Labour plans
Powell accepts all 27 recommendations in antisemitism review
14:44 , Harriette BoucherLucy Powell has said a report into the state of antisemitism in schools has revealed the “shocking scale” of the issue, as she accepted all 27 recommendations in Sir David Bell’s review.
The education secretary told the Commons on Wednesday that antisemitism was a “generational challenge”.
She said: “Sir David has published this seminal review exposing the shocking scale of antisemitism in British society and how that’s reflected across education. Almost three in five Jewish young people and half of Jewish teachers have experienced or witnessed antisemitism. This cannot continue.”
Ms Powell added: “All children and teachers should be able to go to school or college free from fear. But there’s a wider responsibility for education as a whole to teach our young people British values of tolerance, acceptance and respect for one another.
“Collectively we have a duty to educate this generation and the next on what antisemitism is, on why it’s wrong, and what happens when it takes hold in society.
“So whether or not there are Jewish staff or Jewish students in your school or college, this report is for you. This generational challenge belongs to us all.”
She said antisemitism is “normalised and amplified” on social media and said “old tropes” had found a “new life” online.
Fahnbulleh leaning towards rejecting Rosebank drilling
14:21 , Harriette BoucherThe energy secretary is reportedly leaning towards rejecting plans to drill at Rosebank, one of the largest untapped oilfields in the North Sea, officials have told The Guardian.
Both Miatta Fahnbulleh and Andy Burnham are under pressure to accept the project, but are also facing pleas from environmental campaigners, who say Labour’s climate credibility is “on the line now” with Rosebank becoming the defining test.
Ms Fahnbulleh told the newspaper that the rationale behind Jackdaw did not apply to Rosebank.
“One is a gasfield that caters for the domestic market, while the other is an oilfield that is mainly for export,” she said.
“It is right that we judge each application in its own right, and 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.”
Tories slam ‘unfair’ YouTube tax plan as millions abandon BBC licence fee
14:20 , Jane Dalton
Tories slam ‘unfair’ YouTube tax plan as millions abandon BBC licence fee
PM confident all of government backs Jackdaw decision
14:03 , Athena StavrouThe prime minister is confident that all of his Cabinet backs his decision to allow drilling in the Jackdaw gas field, a spokesperson says.
Andy Burnham’s official spokesperson was asked by reporters on Wednesday why neither energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh nor former energy secretary Ed Miliband were present in the Commons.
Downing Street pointed to the energy secretary’s words to broadcasters this morning. “The energy secretary was on the round across a range of different broadcasters setting out the case for this decision,” No 10 said.
Asked whether the prime minister was confident that all of Cabinet backed the decision, his press secretary said: “Yes.”
What the Jackdaw decision means for Rosebank
13:53 , Jane Dalton
What does the government’s Jackdaw decision mean for Rosebank?
Trump says Jackdaw will make UK 'very wealthy again'
13:34 , Jane DaltonPresident Trump seemed delighted at the government’s decision to drill the Jackdaw gas field.
He posted: “The UK has started drilling in the North Sea, one of the greatest and most prosperous areas of OIL in the World. They should go FULL BLAST!!! This will make the U.K. very wealthy again. TAKE DOWN THE COSTLY AND RIDICULOUS WINDMILLS!”
Trump hails Jackdaw decision 'great news'
13:29 , Jane DaltonUS president Donald Trump has welcomed the decision on the Jackdaw gas field project, hailing it as “great news for the wealth and prosperity of the United Kingdom, and the wonderful region of Aberdeen”.
'Comfortable win for Burnham'
13:26 , Jane DaltonAt least one commentator said the prime minister outperformed opposition leader Kemi Badenoch at PMQs.
Comfortable win for Andy Burnham this week. Mistake by Kemi Badenoch to go on Jackdaw after Government approval today. Another mistake to have a dig over music on trains. People care about this stuff. Plus Truss book is a gift.
— (((Dan Hodges))) (@DPJHodges) October 21, 2026
Adura boss 'very confident' Rosebank field will be approved
12:54 , Harriette BoucherThe boss of Adura, which operates the Jackdaw and Rosebank gasfields, has said he is “very confident” that the government will go ahead with both projects.
Andy Burnham is facing pressure to approve the Rosebank gasfield, while also being urged to reject it by climate activists and several MPs.
Chief executive Neil McCulloch said: “We’ve seen a decision made that there is a process that can result in a decision, but it’s a matter for the secretary of state and her team to examine the two fields separately.
“But we believe we’ve done as good a job in arguing our case with Rosebank as we did with Jackdaw. Obviously, the economic benefits of Rosebank are different.
“It’s a bigger field. It will last longer than Jackdaw, and so I’m sure she’ll take that into account when she makes her decision in terms of the jobs and economic impact for the UK.”
He also said that Jackdaw will be a “significant addition to energy security.
“It’s about 6 per cent addition to domestic gas flow into the UK.”
Reform UK report undercover reporters to police over ITV sting
12:49 , Political reporter Athena StavrouReform UK have said they have reported ITV, its board and undercover reporters to the police in response to a documentary revealing racist, sexual, and violent rhetoric among its members.
The party’s home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf published a statement on Wednesday, accusing journalists of “breaking the law”.
ITV have been contacted for a comment.“Reform UK has reported ITV, its board, and its undercover reporters to the police,” Mr Yusuf wrote.
“Some of the crimes carry up to 10 years in prison. They forged a passport.
“They directly interfered in elections and almost certainly altered the results. Being paid to ‘canvass’ for Reform in crucial wards we lost by a few dozen votes.
“They lied to a veteran about their service and left him ‘violated’.
“This is unprecedented. The police are now involved.
“Scrutiny of political parties is one thing.
“But anyone breaking the law to try and ruin the lives of Reform’s staff, members or volunteers will be reported to the police and pursued relentlessly in the courts.”
PM: Britain's economy 'getting stronger and stronger' despite rising inflation
12:47 , Harriette BoucherAndy Burnham has said the fundamentals of Britain’s economy are “getting stronger and stronger” after Kemi Badenoch pressed him on higher inflation.
“She may notice that there is a situation ongoing in the Middle East where we don’t have full control… of that situation,” he said.
“But what I can say to her, the fundamentals of the British economy are getting stronger and stronger under this government.
“We will take the right long-term decisions, and she should wait for the Budget, and she will see that laid out in this House.”
Mrs Badenoch then said: “Next week at the Budget, the Prime Minister has a choice: he can cut spending, he can cut the deficit, or he can cut tax. There’s no other way.”
She asked whether he would follow the Conservatives’ plan or “bottle it, just like Keir Starmer did”.
Mr Burnham said “there are signs of growing strength in the British economy”, before referring to the “disastrous” Liz Truss mini-budget which he said “people in this country, British households, are still paying the price” for.
Removing standing charges saves £22 per year
12:43 , Harriette BoucherPolitical editor David Maddox reports:
Analysis carried out by Nesta, a foundation which focuses on cutting household carbon emissions and making clean energy affordable, suggests that the average annual saving for dual fuel households by removing standing charges on gas would be £22.
It estimates that 63 per cent of dual-fuel households would pay less; the crossover point where bills rise is around 12,000 kWh of annual gas use.
There is a progressive effect with 84 per cent of the poorest households being better off versus only about 23 per cent of the wealthiest households. This is because poorer households generally use less gas; richer ones use disproportionately more.
London mayor-hopeful quizzes Burnham on falling Met Office recruitment numbers
12:42 , Harriette BoucherLondon mayor-hopeful James Cleverly has quizzed Andy Burnham over falling Met Police recruitment numbers, as he took aim at Sadiq Khan.
The Tory MP said: “When [Mr Burnham] was mayor at Greater Manchester, the GMP had more officers than when he was appointed. When I was home secretary, Essex Police had more officers than at any point in their history.
“But over the last ten years, London’s Met Police have failed to recruit, and police numbers have fallen.
“What is it that he was able to get right and I was able to get right, but Sadiq Khan catastrophically has failed to get right?”
The prime minister responded: “I did increase police numbers, but he will know, it is not something that you can do from the local level alone.
“You need government support as well to do that. Sadly, that support for the Met Police was not forthcoming in sufficient quantity during the period in which he was in office.
“So he can’t come here and absolve himself of any responsibility in his quest to come second to Sadiq next year.”
Green MP accuses PM of ‘pouring more fuel on the fire of climate breakdown’
12:37 , Harriette BoucherWhitehall editor Kate Devlin writes:
Green MP Ellie Chowns told Andy Burnham that his party’s own 2024 manifesto said that climate crisis is the greatest global challenge we face “and the UN has warned today that we're breaching safe climate limits meaning more of the heat waves, wildfires and catastrophic floods that killed thousands this summer.
“So, can the prime minister explain why he's pouring more fuel on the fire of climate breakdown? Does he disagree with the overwhelming scientific consensus that fossil fuels must stay in the ground, or what the oil and gas lobbies would be too difficult to ignore?”
Mr Burnham defended the decision saying it would allow the government to help reduce energy bills.
Ed Davey urges Burnham to condemn Musk over Starlink
12:30 , Harriette BoucherOur political correspondent Millie Cooke writes:
Sir Ed Davey has urged Andy Burnham to condemn Elon Musk after the US restricted Ukraine's access to the Starlink system.
The Liberal Democrat leader said: "This week Ukraine's defence system was seriously undermined by the US restricting access to Elon Musk's Starlink system."Musk says that the order came from the White House but the Telegraph and the Wall Street Journal have revealed that Musk put the idea to Donald Trump himself. Now I understand the prime minister's reluctance to criticise the president of the United States, but does he agree that directly aiding Putin in this way is beyond the pale?
"And will he work with European allies to prevent Elon Musk from getting the licences he wants that would make our continent even more dependent on his satellite system?"
Mr Burnham responded: "Of course I have concerns about any move that diminishes the military capability of Ukraine in the position in which it finds itself at this moment in time, of course he is right about that and I'm sure that sentiment is echoed right around this country. But it is a situation that is currently fragile and needs careful handling."
He added: "I think at this moment in time we need to handle the situation carefully so we can bring back all sides to get the support behind President Zelensky and Ukraine and I can assure him the UK government is working on every single level to bring that about."
Ed Davey quizzes Burnham on plans for joining EU single market
12:27 , Harriette BoucherPolitical reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
The leader of the Liberal Democrats used his first question at today’s PMQs to ask Andy Burnham about his plans to grow closer to the EU.
The prime minister has suggested another referendum to rejoin the bloc could be included in Labour’s next manifesto, but has so far committed to not ditching the party’s ‘red lines’ which include not rejoining the single market or customs union.
But Ed Davey asked the prime minister to speak about a “single thing” he could do to “fix growth” by taking the UK back into the European single market.
He asked Mr Burnham after “all he has rightly said about the damage that Brexit has done to our economy” whether he is still going to wait until after the next election to consider re-entering the single market.
The prime minister pointed to the upcoming UK-EU summit, calling it “an opportunity for this house to come together and get a good deal for food producers, for farmers in this country, and a good deal for Northern Ireland in relation to energy costs in Northern Ireland.”
Watch: Burnham suggests government could scrap standing charges from gas bills
12:26 , Harriette BoucherBadenoch takes aim at Burnham over increasing interest rates and inflation
12:23 , Harriette BoucherPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke writes:
Kemi Badenoch has taken aim at Andy Burnham for increasing interest rates and inflation, accusing him of borrowing too much.
Addressing the Commons, she said: "He's talking about big decisions. He hasn't made any big decisions on social care - talking about it is not making a decision.
"He is going to keep spending more, and that means he is going to keep borrowing more. We know where that leads.
"This morning, inflation rose to 3.5 per cent - the third rise in a row.
"Families are paying higher bills and more for their weekly shop, and its leading to higher mortgage rates. Does the prime minister accept that his failure to control borrowing is contributing to higher inflation?"
Hitting back, Mr Burnham said: "I don't think she was listening to what I said. I did take a difficult decision to lay a path to the national care service, and it involves a change to the triple lock and I'm happy to stand at this despatch box and defend that, because I am confident that we should support older people financially but with better social care support in later life. That is my decision."
Burnham ‘needs no lectures’ from Tories after Covid report
12:21 , Harriette BoucherOur political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Andy Burnham has told Kemi Badenoch that he needs “no lectures” from the Conservatives on making big decisions following the publication of the latest Covid Inquiry report on Tuesday.
The highlighted how the Conservative government’s failures resulted in delays in protecting the care sector, allowing the virus to “spread like wildfire”.
Mrs Badenoch asked Mr Burnham whether he will cut the welfare bill, to which he said he had cut spending by scrapping the Digital ID programme.“But she asks about the big decisions,” he said.
“I’m not going to apologise for doing the small things that help people.”
He then asked the Tory leader if she had read this week’s Covid Inquiry report, which he said set out “the appalling state of social care as it went into the pandemic”.
“I need no lectures from the other side on taking tough decisions on social care,” he said.“I suggest to come away from PMQs, read that report. and have a period of reflection.”
Burnham suggests government could scrap standing charges from gas bills
12:18 , Harriette BoucherWhitehall editor Kate Devlin writes:
The PM made the announcement as he came under pressure from the Tories over today’s Jackdaw go-ahead.In a surprise move, he told MPs the decision would allow ministers “to do more to help people with bills”.
He added: “I can tell the House today that I have asked the chancellor and the energy secretary to look at whether we can remove standing charges from gas bills and to report back to this House at the earliest opportunity.”
Standing charges are a fixed daily fee added to energy bills and paid regardless of how much energy a household uses.
Ofgem estimates the average gas daily standing charge for those who pay by direct debit is currently 29.68p.
Burnham proposes removing standing charges from energy bills
12:17 , Harriette BoucherAndy Burnham has said he is considering removing standard charges from energy bills as he faces scrutiny over the government’s approval of the Jackdaw project.
He told the Commons that he had asked the chancellor and energy secretary to look at removing standing charges from gas bills.
In response to criticism from Kemi Badenoch, who accused Labour of “dithering” over approval of Jackdaw, the prime minister said: “That’s why there was the delay, because they didn’t do the process properly. And we’ve made a pragmatic decision, Mr Speaker, that will allow us to do two things.
“Firstly, build a bridge to a renewable future because the resources that come in now from this decision will allow us to invest in renewables, bring forward clean energy and in this [arliament, substantially delink gas and electricity prices so that we can bring bills down.“It will also allow us, Mr Speaker, to do more to help people with bills.
“I can tell the House today that I have asked the chancellor and the energy secretary to look at whether we can remove standing charges from gas bills and to report back to this House at the earliest opportunity.”
Analysis: Burnham makes it clear that the door is open for Rosebank
12:16 , Joe MiddletonOur political editor David Maddox reports:
Andy Burnham has upset the left of his party by giving the green light for drilling in the Jackdaw oil and gas field in the North Sea.
But his answer to Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has made clear that he is planning to go further.He blames the last Tory government for not doing the legal process properly in 2022 for the delay in Jackdaw being drilled for gas.
But he went on to note that the energy secretary Miata Fahnbulleh had “looked at the decision in relation to our climate obligations” and “will be doing the same with similar decisions going forward”.
This is in reference to the Rosebank oil and gas field in the North Sea. It is clear he wants drilling to go on there.
This is not least because he agrees with Ms Badenoch that every barrel of oil the UK gets from the North Sea is one less Europe does not need to buy from Vladimir Putin.
Despite a jibe from Ms Badenoch that she thought she was listening to Mr Burnham’s predecessor, we are already seeing some changes with the Starmer government in the confidence Mr Burnham is approaching making big decisions.
Burnham marks 60th anniversary of Aberfan disaster
12:09 , Millie CookeAndy Burnham opened PMQs by marking the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster, paying tribute to the "strength and spirit of a community that has stood together through adversity all of these years".
An entire generation was almost wiped out when 150,000 tonnes of coal waste slid down the hillside before engulfing Pantglas Junior School in Wales on October 21 1966, killing 116 children and 28 adults.
Addressing the Commons, the prime minister said: "Today also marks the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster and I'm sure the thoughts of the whole house will be with the community today and with the people of Wales.
"I visited on Monday and heard how the injustices the people suffered at the time and in the aftermath of the tragedy at the hands of the state still hurt.
"This is a day to recognise that, say sorry for it, but also celebrate the strength and spirit of a community that has stood together through adversity all of these years."
Badenoch takes swipe at Labour's 'dithering' over Jackdaw
12:09 , Harriette BoucherKemi Badenoch has hit out at Labour’s “dithering” over the Jackdaw project.
“The Conservatives first approved Jackdaw in 2022. Rather than fighting the leftie activists that tried to fight it, Labour appointed one of them as energy secretary,” she told the Commons.
“So many jobs lost, so much time and money wasted.
“Britain cannot be a serious player on the world stage if the government dithers over approving a single license.”
Government has been clear that Jackdaw approval won't lower bills - energy minister
12:05 , Harriette BoucherThe government has been “very clear” that new oil and gas will not take a penny of bills, energy minister has said.
Michael Shanks told MPs that the project will “do other things” for the public.
“I think we need to be really clear. The vast majority of British homes are heated by gas and so while we have to electrify the economy and move away from gas as home heating – that is not going to happen overnight.
“And so our supply does matter. And if we can get it from the continental shelf, that’s important. That’s the judgment the energy secretary has made on this particular project.
“It’s also important for jobs and it’s also important for a source of revenue that we’re going to fund into the transition.”
Dale Vince defends Labour over Jackdaw approval
12:00 , Harriette BoucherLabour donor and green industrialist Dale Vince has rejected climate concerns over the government’s approval of drilling at Jackdaw gasfields.
Defending the move, the founder of Ecotricity said on Wednesday: “The fuss made by environmentalists is inversely proportional to the impact of this. It’s a tiny gas field that already had a licence.
“It will lower our carbon footprint as a country – not by much, because it is tiny. It won’t bring bills down; the government said this today – at last, some honesty on this topic.
“It won’t add to energy security by any significant degree, because it is tiny – holding just six months of annual UK consumption in total. It won’t bring lots of new jobs – just 27 – again, government honesty, but Jackdaw will support a couple of hundred existing ones. It’s really a lot of fuss about nothing.
“This is a pragmatic decision; it’s the right one – this project had a licence from the Tories. When new governments tear up existing contracts, that’s bad for business confidence, and it’s also not moral. Giving this overheated project the go-ahead ought to quiet the increasingly shrill voices on the right, and voices on the left or green side of life just need to see it in perspective.
“A tiny project, consented to by the Tories, won’t change much of anything. On emissions, it will lower them (but not by much). The most important thing is that we get on with the green transition – £2 billion more announced for that today.”
Andy Burnham cheerleader disappointed by Jackdaw decision
11:56 , Political editor David MaddoxRichard Burgon was one of the biggest cheerleaders for Andy Burnham replacing Keir Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister.
But the Leeds MP who leads the Socialist Campaign Group has not had a job offered to him and now has been left disappointed by the decision to allow oil and gas drilling at the Jackdaw site in the North Sea.
He posted on X: “An absolutely terrible decision on Jackdaw.
“It will do nothing to lower people's energy bills or improve our energy security.
“Investing in renewable energy is the way to do that.
“The government has got this badly wrong. It must not repeat the same mistake with Rosebank.”
He and his allies are finding out that not much is changing with a Burnham government from a Starmer one.
Burnham to be grilled at PMQ's over Jackdaw approval
11:55 , Harriette BoucherAndy Burnham is set to be grilled at prime minister’s questions after the government approved drilling at Jackdaw gasfields this morning.
He has faced sharp criticism from MPs within his party, as well as climate activists, who are now pressuring him to reject the Rosebank oil and gas field project.
At the same time, the prime minister is also being urged to approve the project at the largest untapped oil field in the North Sea.
Watch: Energy secretary refuses to back Mahmood’s controversial immigration plans
11:44 , Joe MiddletonLabour MPs hit out at Jackdaw and say Burnham got it 'badly wrong'
11:20 , Harriette BoucherJackdaw approval will change 'almost nothing' for British households
11:17 , Harriette BoucherAlmost nothing will change for British households following the government’s decision to greenlight drilling at Jackdaw, a sustainable investment firm has warned.
Tony Dalwood, the chief executive at Gresham House, said fixing the UK’s energy gris “would cut bills faster than any North Sea decision.”
He said: “Approving Jackdaw while deferring Rosebank will be sold as a pragmatic compromise.
“Britain will need gas for years to come, but neither decision changes where Britain's power system is heading: towards wind and solar, whose output NESO's Clean Power 2030 pathway expects to double over the next five years, balanced by a gas fleet that is getting older.
“The prime minister talks about a bridge to a clean energy future, but that bridge is already built. The challenge is implementation - better using the energy we already generate.
“Britain has 7GW of battery storage connected today, yet under existing rules it is still too often bypassed in favour of burning more expensive gas.
“Consumers pay twice: once for the gas, and again when wind farms are paid to switch off because there is nowhere to store their power. That cost £1.5bn last year.
“Britain's battery fleet is largely unsubsidised - so using it to store excess wind will reduce Britain's energy costs, benefiting consumers, businesses and economic growth.
“Fixing how the grid uses the batteries it already has would cut bills faster than any North Sea decision.”
Industry groups praise Jackdaw decision, but urge 'equally vital' Rosebank oil field
11:03 , Harriette BoucherIndustry groups in northeast Scotland have welcomed the government’s decision to start drilling the Jackdaw gas field, but say the Rosebank oil field is just as vital.
The chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Russell Borthwick, 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.”
“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.”
Jack Middleton, SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central, added: “Approving Jackdaw is the right decision, but fundamental questions remain unanswered.
“Andy Burnham’s silence on Rosebank is deafening, and there is no assurance that the establishment of a North Sea Wealth Fund will benefit Scottish industry alone.”
Angela Hepworth, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, said global events have brought the need for domestic energy into “sharper focus”.
She said: “Today’s decision must now be matched by a renewed drive to deliver our long-standing clean energy ambitions.
“The UK needs a pragmatic approach to its energy future that secures investment, jobs and energy supplies in a volatile world.”
Mapped: Where are the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields?
10:57 , Harriette Boucher
The Jackdaw gas field and what it means for the climate crisis and your bills
10:37 , Harriette BoucherPlans to begin drilling in the North Sea’s Jackdaw gas field off the coast of Scotland have been approved by ministers, confirming the future of the project which at points appeared to be uncertain.
Prime minister Andy Burnham has insisted the decision will “protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm” while also sticking to pledges on renewable energy.
But the move is controversial, with critics arguing that it goes agains the government’s green commitments.
Read more:
The Jackdaw gas field and what it means for the climate crisis and your bills
Jackdaw drilling project will replace 'inefficient' gas from overseas
10:20 , Harriette BoucherThe chief executive of Octopus Energy has said Jackdaw gas field project will have some benefits for the environment and jobs, but believes the UK must ultimately get out of gas.
Speaking about the government’s decision, Greg Jackson told BBC: “This won't bring the down the price of gas but it will replace some of the gas we are shipping from other parts of the world.
“In fact, it will reduce the number of ships that come here by about 10 per cent, and that’s a good thing because the gas from overseas is inefficient so its less good for the environment, and also of course it will help maintain jobs here for longer and it will pay taxes here.
“But in the long run, we need to get out of gas, which is why electrification, moving to heat pumps are so important to escape these prices.”
Labour's climate credibility is 'on the line'
10:11 , Harriette BoucherClimate groups have expressed their strong condemnation of the government’s decision to approve drilling at Jackdaw, as they warn Labour that its climate credibility is now “on the line”.
Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, Uplift and WWF are among the environmental groups that have spoken out against the move, and urge the government to reject a project at Rosebank.
They warned that new drilling at Jackdaw will further drive already devastating climate impacts and mainly enrich fossil fuel firms while doing little to tackle the decline in North Sea jobs, risks to energy security or the cost-of-living crisis.
Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, which campaigns for a transition away from oil and gas production, said: “Labour’s climate credibility is on the line now.“
No new oil and gas fields are compatible with safe climate limits, but the defining test is Rosebank.
“Approving it would see the government knowingly breach safe climate limits.
“Burnham must deliver on his promise to put the common good ahead of vested interests – and prioritise affordable bills, genuine industrial growth and a safe climate over oil profits. That means rejecting Rosebank.”
Kate Norgrove, WWF chief impact officer, said Jackdaw is a “disappointing decision”, but added that the government now “urgently needs to show that it remains 100 per centcommitted to the clean energy transition by rejecting the even more damaging Rosebank oil field”.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Jackdaw announcement must provide certainty to north east, says Swinney
10:06 , Harriette BoucherJackdaw 'needs to be the beginning, not the end'
09:50 , Harriette BoucherThe approval of Jackdaw “needs to be the beginning, not the end” of new North Sea oil and gas fields, the shadow energy security secretary has said.
Andrew Bowie told the BBC’s Radio Scotland Breakfast programme: “There are a number of fields waiting final decision from the Secretary of State of this Government that we would like to see approved, Rosebank among them.”
He added: “It’s a start but we would like to see a much more pragmatic and sensible approach on the North Sea moving forward.”
The Tory MP also said Labour ministers were too slow to approve Jackdaw, saying they “could have done this last year, or indeed months after the initial decision was taken”.
Urgent emissions cuts needed to ‘minimise’ peak global warming, UN warns
09:45 , Harriette BoucherDeep and rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are vital if peak global warming is to be kept to 1.7C-1.8C above pre-industrial levels by mid-century, according to UN scientists.
The world is set to pass the key threshold of 1.5C warming above pre-industrial levels, worsening the risks of climate change.
However, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres insisted that "overshoot is not surrender", as the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) detailed how nations might limit the scale and duration of the breach, seeking to bring warming back under 1.5C as rapidly as possible.
The benchmark formed a core element of the landmark 2015 UN Paris Agreement, which committed nations to capping temperature rises well below 2C while striving for 1.5C.
Scientists warn that failing to contain warming will drive more frequent and severe extreme weather, from heatwaves and droughts to wildfires and flooding, with grave consequences for humanity, nature and global economies.
Read more:
Urgent emissions cuts needed to ‘minimise’ peak global warming, UN warns
Will Jackdaw make your energy bills cheaper?
09:42 , Harriette BoucherThe energy secretary has insisted that the government’s “pragmatic” decision to drill in the Jackdaw gas field will support Britain’s energy security this winter.
But Miatta Fahnbulleh has also told consumers that thy should not expect to see lower energy bills this winter.
Energy transition support group Uplift has said the project “won’t knock a penny off our energy bills” because the resources will be sold at prices dictated by international markets, which are influenced by factors such as the supply disruptions currently being caused by the Middle East crisis.
Uplift’s executive director, Tessa Khan, said: “Jackdaw will provide around just 2 per cent of our gas demand for roughly ten years. It has been oversold and won’t stop the decline in North Sea jobs, as it will be largely unmanned and operated remotely.”
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland in the minutes after the decision to green-light the field was announced, Ms Fahnbulleh was asked if people will see costs reduced this year.
“No, it won’t,” she said. “I think it’s important to say that upfront.
“But look, the 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. Energy security is really important and this will contribute to the homegrown sources of energy that we have.”
In pictures: Climate activists protest government's approval of Jackdaw gas field
09:28 , Harriette Boucher
Energy secretary under pressure to approve separate Rosebank oil and gas field
09:24 , Harriette BoucherMiatta Fahnbulleh is now under pressure to approve the separate Rosebank oil and gas field following today’s announcement.
The decision surrounding the largest untapped oil field in the North Sea is being made separately, with the energy secretary saying it would take “a bit longer”.
Both drilling projects were approved by the Tory government in 2022, but the licenses were overturned by the Scottish courts after a challenge from environmental campaigners.
The Jackdaw and Rosebank gas fields are owned by Adura, a North Sea joint venture between Shell and Equinor.
Adura boss Neil McCulloch said: “Jackdaw represents a significant prize in its own right: £2.1 billion of investment and enough gas to heat the equivalent of around 1.4 million UK homes at peak production.
“Our attention now turns to Rosebank. It follows Jackdaw in the regulatory process, but the case for approval is equally strong. We believe that applying the same rigorous, evidence-based approach can lead to a similarly positive decision.”
Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay said: “Andy Burnham must now stop dithering and give Rosebank the green light without any further delay.”
However, climate campaigners have urged the government to reject approval of the “even more damaging” project.
Government faces backlash after approving drilling in Jackdaw gas field
09:07 , Harriette BoucherThe government is facing intense backlash after ministers pproved plans to begin drilling in the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea after months of speculation over the decision.
Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh gave approval for the project on Wednesday, in a move she said will “support the country’s energy security with homegrown gas this winter”.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski said the decision to approve Jackdaw was “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.”
Kate Norgrove, WWF chief impact officer, said: “This is a disappointing decision and the Government now urgently needs to show that it remains 100% committed to the clean energy transition by rejecting the even more damaging Rosebank oil field.”
Tessa Khan, executive director of campaign group Uplift, said Labour’s climate credibility is “on the line now” with Rosebank becoming the defining test.
She said: “Approving it would see the Government knowingly breach safe climate limits.”
