Campaigners and green experts have condemned the UK government’s decision to approve drilling at the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea. The approval has drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups and political opponents.
Criticism from campaigners
Danny Gross, a climate campaigner at Friends of the Earth, questioned whether the prime minister was out of touch with reality. He pointed to the country’s recent record summer heat, drought and wildfires.
Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, said the decision benefits oil giants and their shareholders. She said it does not make life more affordable, as Andy Burnham had promised.
Kyle Lischak, head of UK at ClientEarth, argued that the companies drilling the field would leave empty oilfields with record profits. He said the public would pay the price of extreme weather for decades to come.
Jobs and energy security
Industry assessments cited by Greenpeace UK and the Green party put the project’s job creation at 27 full-time positions. Campaigners say the gas will be sold on international markets rather than bolstering UK energy security.
Ami McCarthy, head of politics at Greenpeace UK, said the approval showed the grip fossil fuel lobbyists still hold over energy policy. Zack Polanski, the Green party leader, called the decision a form of climate vandalism.
Pending decisions and international pressure
The decision on the Rosebank oilfield is still pending. Ten trade unions signed a statement last week opposing its development.
Mohamed Adow, director of Power Shift Africa, said the approval was a serious blow to Britain’s international climate credibility. Burnham and Miatta Fahnbulleh are expected to attend the Cop31 UN climate summit in Turkey next month.
