Key facts
- New North Sea oil and gas drilling licenses for Jackdaw and Rosebank are awaiting a government decision.
- The projects could add £35bn to the UK economy and generate £12.1bn in tax revenue over the next decade.
- Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is expected to make the final decision within weeks.
- The Labour party's 2024 manifesto stated it would not issue new oil and gas drilling licenses.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated that a decision on new drilling licenses for the North Sea's Jackdaw and Rosebank fields is imminent, following delays due to "government process" and legal challenges. The projects, previously approved by the Conservative government, were blocked by Scottish courts in 2024 on environmental grounds. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is tasked with balancing economic growth against environmental commitments. Labour's 2024 manifesto had pledged not to issue new oil and gas drilling licenses. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch urged the government to proceed with the drilling, while Equinor CEO Anders Opedal warned that rejections would harm the UK's investor appeal. A report commissioned by Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Equinor, suggests the projects could add £35 billion to the UK economy and generate over £12 billion in tax revenue between 2026 and 2035.