UK Decision on Rosebank and Jackdaw Expected Within Weeks
Andy Burnham says the government will take a pragmatic approach as ministers weigh drilling approvals for two North Sea projects.
Key takeaways
- Andy Burnham says decisions on Rosebank and Jackdaw will be set out shortly.
- An industry-commissioned report estimates the projects could add £35 billion in value to the UK economy by 2035.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said decisions on drilling at the North Sea’s Rosebank and Jackdaw sites would be set out shortly, after delays he blamed on government process. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is expected to decide within weeks.
The sites were blocked by Scottish courts on environmental grounds in 2024. Consultations on both projects ended in August, and Fahnbulleh must weigh economic effects against environmental commitments.
A Public First report commissioned by Adura, the Shell-Equinor joint venture, estimated the projects could add £35 billion in value to the UK economy from 2026 to 2035 and generate £12.1 billion in tax revenues over the next decade. Equinor chief executive Anders Opedal said rejection would risk the UK’s appeal to investors.
This article was produced with the help of AI technology. Based on reporting by the outlets listed above.
