Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoyle criticized the UK government on Wednesday for announcing the approval of new North Sea drilling for the Jackdaw gas field to the media before informing Members of Parliament. The Speaker also reprimanded Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh for traveling to Aberdeen to unveil the decision on live television, leaving her deputy, Energy Minister Michael Shanks, to face questions from MPs.
Sir Lindsay expressed his dissatisfaction with the timing of the announcement, stating, "I'm sorry that Aberdeen is more important than the MPs they've elected." He added, "It is simply not good enough that it was trailed by the press last night and announced all over the media this morning by the Secretary of State before it could be properly scrutinised in this House." The Speaker also suggested an inquiry into potential leaks from the department.
The decision regarding the Jackdaw project, which was originally approved by the previous Conservative government in 2022 but delayed by a legal challenge from Greenpeace, fell to the current Labour ministers. Downing Street maintains that the government's 2024 manifesto pledge against new North Sea developments does not apply in this instance, as the site was already earmarked for potential exploitation.
Mr. Shanks acknowledged the Speaker's comments and stated he would relay them to his department. Meanwhile, in the House of Commons, Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch challenged the government's decision during Prime Minister's Questions, urging a more comprehensive approach to North Sea drilling.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the development via Truth Social, calling it "great news" and urging the UK to "go FULL BLAST!!!" He suggested the move would "make the UK very wealthy again."
The Jackdaw project is projected to increase domestic gas production by approximately 6% at its peak, support hundreds of jobs, and provide an estimated economic boost of £2.9 billion. Tax revenues generated from North Sea oil and gas will be allocated to a new energy wealth fund, with an initial £2 billion designated for investment in renewable and low-carbon projects.
Energy Secretary Fahnbulleh conceded that the development would contribute to climate change and would not lower gas prices. However, she emphasized that utilizing domestically produced gas is preferable to importing it. She also hinted that another project, Rosebank, might not receive approval, suggesting oil's diminished relevance to domestic energy concerns.