Burnham says North Sea oil and gas decisions will come 'shortly' as energy bills are set to hit four-year high

From the Newshound archive · first published 12 October 2026 · last updated 15 October 2026.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham told MPs the government will rule on Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields "shortly", with the Jackdaw gas field decision described as "imminent" by Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh. Household energy bills are forecast to rise 16 per cent to £1,999 a year in January, the highest cap level in four years. Burnham said he will take a "pragmatic approach", blaming the delay on a court ruling that struck down the Conservatives' original approvals. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch told him to "stop faffing about" and approve both fields immediately.

Five further North Sea projects are waiting in the pipeline, ready to advance if Rosebank and Jackdaw are approved.

Energy bills have been pushed higher by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the war on Iran.

A group of 10 national unions has written to Burnham urging him to reject Rosebank, adding pressure from the left as the decision nears.