Conservative lawmakers are criticizing Prime Minister Andy Burnham for what they describe as a delay in approving new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. Claire Coutinho, the shadow energy secretary, stated that Burnham has pushed a decision on the Rosebank and Jackdaw projects into the autumn.
Burnham is reportedly delaying an announcement on the two fields due to concerns about approving new drilling during a summer marked by heatwaves and wildfires. The Rosebank field is described as the UK's largest remaining untapped oil field, located approximately 80 miles west of Shetland. The Jackdaw gas field, situated 150 miles east of Aberdeen, has been highlighted as crucial to avoiding potential fuel shortages this winter.
Proposals for both the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields have been submitted to ministers following the conclusion of consultations. Coutinho asserted that Burnham is "too chicken" to approve the projects, suggesting he understands the necessity of proceeding but is hesitant due to the current climate. She also argued that North Sea gas has significantly lower emissions than imported gas, making domestic production a more environmentally sound option.
Coutinho welcomed a shift in stance from Dale Vince, a significant Labour donor and founder of Ecotricity. Vince, who has previously funded groups like Just Stop Oil, announced he no longer opposes the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields. He stated that if new North Sea drilling is coupled with energy price controls, it could save the country money. Coutinho expressed agreement with Vince's call for energy price controls, viewing his change of heart as an indicator of growing support for what she termed "energy realism."
She emphasized that this approach is beneficial for jobs, the economy, and the environment due to lower emissions compared to imported fuels. Coutinho's remarks followed a speech advocating for the prioritization of affordable energy over immediate decarbonization of Britain's power grid as part of the Net Zero agenda. A commissioned analysis suggested that focusing on cheap power could reduce family energy bills by approximately £540 annually.
The Labour party previously committed to a ban on new North Sea oil and gas licenses in its general election manifesto. However, Burnham, who had promoted Ed Miliband to Foreign Secretary when Miliband imposed the ban as energy secretary, has indicated a pragmatic approach to the future of North Sea drilling. He may be able to approve Rosebank and Jackdaw, where initial licenses were granted by a Conservative government but later withdrawn after a court ruling, without issuing new licenses. The owners of these fields are seeking fresh permission, with the final decision resting with Burnham and Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh.