US President Donald Trump has praised UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's approval of production from the North Sea's Jackdaw gas field, describing it as a move that will "make the UK a very rich country." The Jackdaw field, operated by a Shell and Equinor joint venture, is located 150 miles east of Aberdeen and is expected to begin producing gas by the end of October, potentially supplying around 1.6% of the UK's projected gas demand over the next decade. The decision follows years of legal challenges and debate over its environmental and economic impacts.
While the UK government emphasises the economic benefits and job support from the project, environmental groups have criticised the approval, arguing it undermines climate commitments and offers little impact on energy security or bills. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh stated the decision aligns with legally binding climate goals and reiterated the government's commitment to ending new oil and gas licences by 2050. Trump and Burnham also discussed ongoing UK-US energy collaboration during their talks.
Read the full story: BBC UK News.
Source: BBC UK News. Aggregated summary, not independent reporting.