The new Prime Minister of Britain, Andy Burnham, has signaled a pragmatic approach to North Sea oil and gas, raising expectations that his government could permit some previously approved projects to proceed.
Jackdaw and Rosebank are politically sensitive because their previous development consents were ruled unlawful after failing to account properly for downstream emissions.
Allowing either project to proceed could provoke opposition within Labour, while supporters argue domestic production would reduce reliance on imported energy.
Since taking power in 2024, the Labour Party has introduced a wide range of energy policies supporting renewable energy development and grid infrastructure updates, as well as restrictions on new oil and gas drilling.
Burnham is expected to wait for public consultations on the projects to conclude before making a formal decision.
However, if Burnham decides to back new fossil fuel projects, he risks facing a revolt within the Labour Party and staunch opposition from environmentalists.
