Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK will soon decide whether to grant permission for two contested North Sea projects, leaving the future of Jackdaw and Rosebank unresolved as ministers review their environmental effects.
The Independent reported that Burnham made the remarks during a visit to Motherwell, Scotland, on Friday. He said a decision would come shortly and added, “We’re not backing away from them,” but did not indicate whether either project would be approved.
The government is weighing whether to grant permission for both fields. The Independent reported that they were initially approved under the previous Conservative administration, before courts ruled that the full environmental effects of the fossil fuels should be considered.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said Thursday that a decision on Jackdaw was imminent, while Rosebank would take longer, The Independent reported. No specific announcement date was given.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said on BBC Radio Scotland that ministers were cautious in their public comments to avoid further delays from court action, according to The Independent. The outlet also reported that environmentalists may view the decisions as a test of Burnham’s credibility on climate change.
