North Sea gasfield decision likely delayed until after Holborn and St Pancras byelection
Greens accuse Labour of hiding position to avoid criticism before contest, in which Zack Polanski is standing A decision on approving the controversial Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea is to be delayed until later this autumn, with the Greens accusing Labour of hiding their position before the crucial Holborn and St Pancras byelection. Miatta Fahnbulleh, the energy secretary, had been poised to…
Labour is delaying its decision on the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea until after the Holborn and St Pancras byelection on October 8th, according to Green Party sources. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh had been set to recommend approving the controversial Jackdaw field off Aberdeen's coast, but the decision has been pushed back due to the upcoming election.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who is contesting the seat, has criticized Labour for allegedly hiding their position to avoid scrutiny ahead of the byelection. Polanski argues that Labour is opposing climate action and supporting fossil fuel corporations, and has accused the party of "starting the campaign with an act of dishonesty and betrayal."
The delay also means Labour leader Andy Burnham may avoid controversy over the Jackdaw gasfield at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool at the end of the month. The decision on Rosebank oilfield is also pending, with environmental campaigners urging both projects to be abandoned. The North Sea remains a vital national asset, but environmental approval for the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields would not violate Labour's manifesto commitment to not issue new oil or gas licences, according to the energy department.
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