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Jackdaw approval is a step towards a grownup North Sea policy
The UK Government has approved the Jackdaw gasfield, 150 miles east of Aberdeen, allowing it to produce gas in time for winter. The article argues the decision reflects a more practical debate about how much oil and gas Britain should produce while moving towards net zero, given its continuing reliance on fossil fuels and greater…
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MEPs back EU action on Muslim Brotherhood influence by 381 votes to 167
The European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for action against the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood and what it describes as Islamist “entryism” in Europe. Supporters say the issue threatens democratic principles and the rule of law, while critics argue the resolution fuels suspicion of Muslim communities; the European Council will decide whether to enact…
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UK benefits spending set to grow through 2030s as ministers back youth employment support
Britain’s benefits bill is expected to keep rising into the 2030s as the Government plans to spend on getting young people into work and avoids what Andy Burnham calls “crude” benefit cuts. Ministers hope employment support will eventually reduce welfare costs, while the issue has become politically contentious after earlier plans to restrict disability benefit…
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Politics latest: Burnham under pressure to approve Rosebank oil field after green light for Jackdaw drilling
Ministers have approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, prompting calls for Andy Burnham to approve Rosebank, another major project. The decision matters because it has renewed debate over energy security and jobs, alongside Labour’s climate commitments. Rosebank is described as the North Sea’s largest untapped oil field; both projects had…
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Fahnbulleh avoids endorsing longer settlement waits amid Labour divisions
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh repeatedly declined to say whether she supports a proposal to make some migrants wait longer for permanent residency, despite saying she backs broader immigration reform and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Her hesitation highlights tensions within Labour over the proposal, which has drawn criticism from senior MPs and could be revised after…
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Let them eat cake! Emmanuel Macron’s family macaron shop was guarded by police ring of steel during riots… while other shops were left to burn
French President Emmanuel Macron’s family’s macaron shop in Amiens was surrounded by riot police during anti-government unrest, while many other businesses were reportedly left unguarded and attacked. The deployment has prompted criticism over whether the family business received preferential protection. The Jean Trogneux shop was founded in 1872 by Brigitte Macron’s father and is now…
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MPs call for public equity stakes in firms built on taxpayer-funded research
The Public Accounts Committee says UK Research and Innovation is too cautious about protecting taxpayers’ interests in companies built on publicly funded research. It wants the government to consider taking equity stakes in more of the businesses it supports, so the public could benefit when successful firms grow. The report says Britain produces many university…
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Ministers approve Jackdaw gas drilling after months of uncertainty
The government has approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, ending months of uncertainty over the project. Ministers say it will support energy security this winter, protect jobs and help keep homes warm, while environmental campaigners argue it will worsen climate change without lowering bills. Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh approved the…