Jackdaw latest: Andy Burnham accused of ‘climate vandalism’ after gasfield drilling approved

Jackdaw latest: Andy Burnham accused of ‘climate vandalism’ after gasfield drilling approved Zack Polanski said the government had ‘abandoned all credibility in the fight against climate change’ - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Andy Burnham has been accused of “climate vandalism” as he faces backlash over the government’s decision to approve drilling in the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea. Green Party leader Zack Polanski described the decision as “a betrayal of all of our futures” and said Labour had “abandoned all credibility in the fight against climate change.” The energy secretary approved the project on Wednesday after months of speculation, and the scheme is expected to start supplying gas to British homes and firms within weeks. Miatta Fahnbulleh now faces pressure to approve the separate Rosebank oil and gas field, which the previous Conservative government also approved in 2022. The prime minister has insisted that the project would not hinder the government’s targets on renewable energy and would “protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm”. However, Mr Polanski said the move “will do nothing to lower bills”, but “lots for the profits of the oil & gas companies, and will continue us further down the path of floods and wildfires.” Government faces backlash after approving drilling in Jackdaw gas field The government is facing intense backlash after ministers pproved plans to begin drilling in the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea after months of speculation over the decision. Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh gave approval for the project on Wednesday, in a move she said will “support the country’s energy security with homegrown gas this winter”. Green Party leader Zack Polanski said the decision to approve Jackdaw was “climate vandalism”. He said: “Today’s decision by Labour is a betrayal of all of our futures. Labour has abandoned all credibility in the fight against climate change.” Kate Norgrove, WWF chief impact officer, said: “This is a disappointing decision and the Government now urgently needs to show that it remains 100% committed to the clean energy transition by rejecting the even more damaging Rosebank oil field.” Tessa Khan, executive director of campaign group Uplift, said Labour’s climate credibility is “on the line now” with Rosebank becoming the defining test. She said: “Approving it would see the Government knowingly breach safe climate limits.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments