Burnham faces PMQs grilling over approval of Jackdaw North Sea gas drilling
Deputy Prime Minister Andy Burnham will be questioned about the government's decision to permit drilling at the Jackdaw gas field, a move criticised by Labour MPs and climate activists.
Andy Burnham is set to be interrogated at prime minister’s questions after the government green-lit drilling at the Jackdaw gas field, prompting sharp criticism from Labour MPs such as Zack Polanski and climate activists who call the move a betrayal of climate goals. Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh defended the decision, citing the ongoing energy crisis triggered by Middle-East conflicts and the importance of domestic gas for security, while noting it will not lower household bills.
The prime minister argued the approval protects jobs and does not hinder renewable targets. Conservative minister Kemi Badenoch attacked Labour for “dithering” and highlighted that the Conservatives originally approved the project in 2022. Industry representatives welcomed the decision as a boost to energy security but urged that the Rosebank oil field receive comparable attention, and green entrepreneur Dale Vince downplayed the environmental impact, calling the field tiny and the controversy disproportionate.
Why it matters
The decision affects UK energy policy, climate commitments and job prospects amid a cost-of-living crisis.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage highlights criticism of the Jackdaw approval as a betrayal of climate goals, while right-leaning coverage presents Burnham's push to scrap standing charges as a pragmatic, bill-saving step and frames the Tory government as responsible for delays.
LEFT
Focuses on the approval’s perceived betrayal of climate objectives and the sharp criticism from Labour MPs and climate activists
RIGHT
Portrays Burnham’s standing-charge proposal as a practical move to lower bills and criticises the previous Tory administration for mishandling the approval
The left emphasises
- sharp criticism from Labour MPs and climate activists who call the move a betrayal of climate goals
- energy secretary defending the decision by citing the energy crisis and security needs
- Conservative minister attacking Labour for “dithering”
The right emphasises
- Burnham presenting the removal of standing charges as a pragmatic step toward a cleaner energy future
- criticising the former Tory administration for botching the Jackdaw approval process
- Kemi Badenoch accusing Labour of dithering and urging a repeal of the ban on new oil and gas licences
How this story developed
- Oct 20 UK Labour government poised to green-light controversial Jackdaw North Sea gas project
- Oct 21 The government granted drilling consent for the Jackdaw gas field.
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