Approval of North Sea gas field is massive boost for energy security – but here’s what Govt will focus on next

13 comments 13 Next THE controversial Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea has finally been signed-off. A boost to energy security and tax revenue worth billions of pounds to the Treasury is on its way. The controversial Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea has finally been signed-off Credit: Stuart W Conway New Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has given the project the green light Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Advertisement And job security for highly-skilled workers is guaranteed now that the legal challenges are finally resolved. A drilling licence was originally granted under the Tories but they faced a series of legal challenges from green groups. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Thank you! Email address Please provide a valid email. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email. Now, new Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has given the project the green light. The move also means the gas field, which can produce 6 per cent of domestic production, will help boost resilience — the equivalent of 1.4 million homes . READ MORE ON POLITICS POLITICS FIX Andy Burnham vowed to help cost of living - so two issues he MUST consider RED ON RED Cabinet row erupts as Energy Sec slams Mahmood's 10-year migrant settlement plan The Iran war has seen gas prices hit a three-year high highlighting our over-reliance on overseas energy. Unions and industry bodies insist that starting production at the site will offer much-needed security for domestic jobs . There were plenty of clues indicating this decision was coming. Andy Burnham said there needs to be a “pragmatic approach” towards using oil and gas for some time. But the focus will now switch to the Rosebank oil field with the decision also resting with Fahbulleh. Advertisement Most read in The Sun 'LEFT TO DIE' Body of girl, 7, exhumed as adoptive family 'tortured youngster to death' 500-DAY HELL Brave Ukrainian soldier forced to cut off own LEG before drone rescue DEADLY CRASH Female driver 'caused deadly car crash while watching porn on her phone' LIVESTREAM BLAZE Influencer dies after ‘setting himself on fire during livestream’ Meanwhile, with Budget plans nearly finished and signed off, Chancellor John Healey is being called upon to abandon plans to hike betting taxes on the sector. A levy on fruit, quiz and slot machines could be doubled which will devastate jobs and risk betting shop closures. Flutter – the home to brands such as Paddy Power and Betfair – yesterday announced 1,400 job redundancies following Rachel Reeves ‘ tax raid on the sector. The industry now hopes the Chancellor can forgo this latest revenue-raiser before inflicting more damage on the sector. 13 comments 13