Energy Secretary criticised for announcing Jackdaw gas approval to media before Parliament
The Energy Secretary disclosed the approval of the Jackdaw gas field to the press before informing MPs, drawing rebuke from the House speaker.
The Energy Secretary faced sharp criticism after announcing the approval of the contentious Jackdaw gas field to one outlet before any statement was made in the House of Commons. Sir Lindsay described the timing as shameful and a breach of parliamentary protocol, arguing that the media had been given priority over MPs. Ms Fahnbulleh, the Peckham MP who backs the project, did not appear herself, sending a junior minister while she participated in media interviews and toured Shell UK's St Fergus Gas Terminal in Aberdeenshire.
The decision, welcomed by the field’s owner Adura, is expected to bring gas to British homes and businesses within weeks and represents roughly 6% of North Sea output. The speaker warned that the announcement should have been scrutinised in Parliament first and hinted at a possible leak inquiry. Energy minister Michael Shanks said he would relay the speaker’s comments to his department.
Why it matters
It highlights tensions over parliamentary oversight of energy policy and the timing of government communications.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps condemn the premature media announcement, but left-leaning coverage emphasizes the Speaker’s rebuke and parliamentary procedure, while right-leaning coverage stresses the criticism as shameful and a breach of protocol favoring media over MPs.
LEFT
The announcement is portrayed as a serious breach of parliamentary process that the Speaker rebuked, stressing that policy should be disclosed to the House first.
RIGHT
The announcement is depicted as a shameful, protocol-breaking move that gave media priority over MPs, drawing sharp criticism of the Energy Secretary.
The left emphasises
- early media disclosure a serious slight to Parliament
- policy announcements must be made to the House first
- introduction of a £2 billion energy wealth fund for renewable projects
The right emphasises
- timing described as shameful and a breach of parliamentary protocol
- media given priority over MPs
- project expected to deliver gas to homes, about 6% of North Sea output
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.
- Oct 21 Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is expected to reject the Rosebank oil project.
In this story
Related stories
3 in this thread