Labour is urged to ignore pressure from eco-zealots and push ahead with drilling in Britain’s largest untapped oil field

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh approved production at the Jackdaw gas field but was expected to reject plans to develop Rosebank, Britain’s largest untapped oil field. The contrasting decisions have reignited debate over domestic energy security, jobs and investment, and the UK’s climate commitments.

Jackdaw could provide 6 per cent of North Sea gas production at full operation and is linked to £2.9 billion in economic benefits, though Fahnbulleh said it would not lower energy bills. Rosebank is estimated to hold 300 million to 500 million barrels of oil and could account for about 8 per cent of UK oil production; campaigners say its eventual emissions would be seven times Jackdaw’s. Unions and some Labour figures support both projects, while Fahnbulleh said each application must be judged separately and consistently with climate obligations.