Labour finally approves North Sea Jackdaw gas field after months of dithering, but minister admits it won't cut bills
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh was candid that reduced bills were 'not a consideration' because the field 'won't mean cheaper bills'. Jackdaw, 150 miles east of Aberdeen, is set to begin supplying British homes later this month. The Tories accused ministers of having 'wasted' two years 'faffing', arguing that gas could have been warming homes this winter. Prime Minister Andy Burnham now faces 'betrayal' accusations from the Labour Left and Greens.
Fahnbulleh also accepted that the field would contribute to climate change.
A decision on Rosebank, Britain's largest untapped oil field, remains in limbo.
The decision was delayed, seemingly to get past the Holborn and St Pancras by-election.
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NYTBritain Approves Long-Stalled Gas Drilling Project in the North SeaThe SunDrilling at North Sea gas field finally approved by Labour after months of dithering as energy costs soarThe IndependentUK government approves natural gas project off Scotland despite environmental concernsCity A.M.UK government approves Jackdaw production in North Sea boostEvening StandardGovernment approves drilling in Jackdaw gas fieldThe IndependentGovernment approves drilling in Jackdaw gas field in North SeaDaily MailGovernment approves drilling at Jackdaw gas field in the North SeaLBCEnergy Secretary green lights controversial Jackdaw gas fieldReutersUK approves long-delayed Jackdaw gas fieldThe GuardianUK approves Jackdaw gasfield in North SeaGB NewsProtesters descend on Department of Energy after Labour's Jackdaw approvalThe IndependentJackdaw gas field approval triggers backlash from environmentalists
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