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Speculation that Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will approve the controversial Jackdaw oil and gas field is “unfounded”, the minister’s department said.<\/p>\n
The Times reported that Mr Miliband<\/strong><\/a>, the key proponent of Labour’s net zero<\/strong><\/a> plans, is set to give the project the green light.<\/p>\n Jackdaw was previously approved under the Conservatives, before being put on ice when a court appeal<\/strong><\/a> forced a new environmental assessment.<\/p>\n Middle East live: <\/strong>US jet shot down, Iranian media claims<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Labour was elected on a manifesto that promised not to approve new oil and gas licences.<\/p>\n However, the government considers this not to apply to Jackdaw due to the prior consent, leaving the door open for Jackdaw to be approved.<\/p>\n Mr Miliband’s efforts to sprint towards green energy have faced new challenges following the outbreak of war in the Middle East, and rising energy prices.<\/p>\n Chancellor Rachel Reeves said earlier this week she was “very happy” to back Jackdaw, and the linked Rosebank project.<\/p>\n Both are located in the North Sea, with Jackdaw – off Aberdeen – mainly containing gas, and Rosebank – near the Shetland Islands – having both gas and oil.<\/p>\n In Labour’s 2024 manifesto, Sir Keir Starmer promise his government would “not issue new licences to explore new fields”.<\/p>\n A government source pointed Sky News to the fact nothing was said about previously granted consents in the policy platform.<\/p>\n Another said it was noted that Mr Miliband’s decision will be made in a quasi-judicial fashion, based on the law, rather than government or Labour Party policy.<\/p>\n In opposition, Mr Miliband branded Rosebank a “colossal waste of taxpayer money and climate vandalism”.<\/p>\n Read more:
Countries are dealing with rising energy prices<\/a>
Starmer unveils limited energy support<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n