Labour will FINALLY approve North Sea gas field after months of dithering as energy costs soar

17 comments 17 Next A GAS field in the North Sea will finally be given the go-ahead tomorrow after months of Labour dithering, The Sun understands. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh was tonight expected to approve the licence for the Jackdaw project early Wednesday morning . A decision on the Jackdaw gas field and Rosebank oil field have been in the pipeline for years Credit: PA Miatta Fahnbulleh is expected to approve the Jackdaw gas works on Wednesday Credit: Getty Advertisement Her eco-obsessed predecessor Ed Miliband sat on the decision and instead doubled down on a Net Zero drive. Supporters of the Jackdaw gas field insist it will safeguard energy security, generate billions in taxes and protect industry jobs . 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. Located 150 miles east of Scotland , the Shell-owned project was fiercely opposed by climate activists who successfully halted its progression in the High Court. Since coming to power , Andy Burnham has pledged to take a “pragmatic” approach to North Sea oil and gas extraction. The price of gas in the UK has soared as a result of the Iran war, with the energy price cap increasing by 4 per cent this month. Jackdaw’s owner has insisted it would produce up to 6 per cent of all gas output when fully fired up. Mr Burnham has come under pressure from some Labour MPs and trade unions to approve Jackdaw to create more gas supply. But he has also been pulled the other way by Net Zero-supporting backbenchers as well as Green Party figures. Advertisement Most read in The Sun RAT-PID EXPANSION Brits face 'overwhelming' boom in rats across UK, pest controllers warn NAVY SINKING Navy fears captain shortage after low pass rate for ships' 'driving tests' TEACHER PROBE Female principal, 32, arrested over 'sexual misconduct' with student ICE TO SEE YOU Jamie 'Iceman' Stevenson pictured mingling with other gangsters at funeral The PM is also facing a decision on the Rosebank oil field which has similarly been hotly contested. Mr Burnham has committed to honour Labour’s election manifesto ban on any new North Sea drilling licences being issued. Both Jackdaw and Rosebank were already granted licences before the election in 2022 but were bogged down by legal rows. 17 comments 17