Donald Trump says ‘Andy is getting it done’ as US president claims UK ‘opening up North Sea oil’
Donald Trump has praised the UK’s approval of drilling in the Jackdaw gas field, saying it could make the country wealthy and claiming the North Sea is “opening up”. He credited “Andy” with getting it done, though the article does not identify who he meant by that name; the decision on the separate Rosebank field is still pending.
Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh approved Jackdaw, which is expected to raise domestic gas production by about 6 per cent at its peak, safeguard hundreds of jobs and bring an estimated £2.9bn economic boost. Ministers say producing more gas at home makes economic and environmental sense while the UK still uses it, but campaigners warn the project will worsen climate change. Gas from the field, about 150 miles east of Aberdeen, is expected to start supplying homes and businesses by the end of October.
In short
- Trump praised approval of the Jackdaw gas field.
- Jackdaw could lift domestic gas output by 6 per cent at peak.
- Rosebank’s future remains undecided amid environmental concerns.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Approving Jackdaw could increase UK gas supplies while the country continues to rely on gas, support hundreds of jobs and deliver an estimated £2.9bn economic boost. Supporters argue that producing some of the fuel domestically makes economic and environmental sense compared with relying on imports, and could help sustain energy supply during the transition.
The case against
Opponents argue that developing new gas fields adds to fossil fuel production and emissions, worsening climate change when the UK should be moving towards cleaner energy. They may also question whether the projected economic benefits justify the climate costs, particularly if new infrastructure prolongs reliance on gas.
Americas Cricket Government Politics Sport UK World