Andy Burnham is facing fresh calls to approve oil and gas projects in the North Sea, with the Prime Minister told further investment is the only way to save “on the slide” Britain.
Founder of petrochemical giant Ineos, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has spearheaded the latest calls, saying failure to grant approvals was “insanity”.
However, it is support from within parliament which could give Burnham the political cover needed to offset resistance from his own backbench.
Sir Ed Davey has since hinted the Lib Dems may offer such support, although it remains to be seen whether his backing will allow the Government to speed up or expand approvals for the controversial fossil fuel projects.
Why does Sir Jim believe Britain is ‘on the slide’?
In an interview with the BBC Sir Jim expanded on his past criticism of how Britain was being run, arguing high taxes and immigration were damaging the country.
He took particular issue with the Government’s hesitation in approving development of the Jackdaw and Rosebank oil and gas fields.
“You would expect [the government] to exploit our natural resources and we’re clearly not doing that. We’re shutting it down,” Sir Jim said.
High taxes on operators across the North Sea were putting the sector at risk, he claimed, adding it would be “insanity” to stymie further investment.
The Ineos founder also claimed the UK could “run out of gas” this winter, citing low storage levels in Europe, and argued this made approving additional projects even more urgent.
Could Lib Dem support give Burnham cover for approvals?
Burnham has been under significant pressure to make an announcement on the future of the Jackdaw gas field, with reports suggesting the Government is preparing to green light the project.
However, any approval would spark pushback from Labour MPs, alongside accusations Burnham had broken one of the party’s manifesto promises.
Burnham has been under significant pressure to make an announcement on the future of the Jackdaw gas field (Photo: PA)With the Holborn and St Pancras by-election set to be contested by Greens leader Zack Polanski, the Prime Minister may be wary of handing Labour’s rivals momentum by giving his support to Jackdaw.
However, conditional support from Sir Ed, who said the project “made sense” ahead of the Lib Dem’s party conference, could provide Burnham with some of the political capital needed to win backing from voters.
The Lib Dem leader noted any project would need to remain in line with Britain’s broader climate goals, but hinted Jackdaw would likely pass that test.
“I would prefer to have gas produced in the North Sea from a place like Jackdaw if it passes the climate test, which it looks like it will, rather than importing gas that we know we’re going to need from the other side of the world in LNG,” he told the Press Association.
“So, if we can consume the gas that we’re going to have to do already with a lower carbon footprint, that’s the key test for us.”
While Sir Ed’s support could help Burnham sell Jackdaw to a sceptical public, the Lib Dem leader offered no hints as to his views on the Rosebank oil field.
Approving new developments across both Jackdaw and Rosebank might prove a step too far for the Prime Minister, despite his pledge to take a “pragmatic approach” to energy projects.
Hence then, the article about burnham told north sea gas and oil best way to save on the slide britain was published today ( ) and is available on inews ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Burnham told North Sea gas and oil best way to save ‘on the slide’ Britain )
Also on site :
- Man who died in Stanislaus County trench incident near Hickman identified by family
- Miranda Lambert Gets Vulnerable on New Patsy Cline-Style Song; Country Superstar Explores Love Triangle Ahead of Album Release
- Melissa Barrera Says Support for Macklemore After He Was Dropped from Ed Sheeran’s Tour Is ‘Beautiful’ and ‘I Didn’t Get That’ After Being Fired From ‘Scream’