UK Govt announces it will not challenge legal bids against Jackdaw and Rosebank oil and gas fields

Today (29th August), the government announced plans for new environmental guidance for oil and gas firms to provide stability for industry, support investment, protect jobs, deliver economic growth, and meet its climate obligations, as the North Sea transitions to its clean energy future. It says the guidance is necessary in light of a Supreme Court ruling that requires regulators to consider the impact of burning oil and gas, scope 3 emissions, in the Environmental Impact Assessment for new projects.   

In line with its mandate to deliver an orderly and prosperous transition in the North Sea that secures current and future generations of good jobs, and meets the UK’s legally-binding targets, the government will consult on new guidance in light of the ruling. It will engage with industry, workers, trade unions, and civil society to provide clarity and certainty for the industry and ensure a fair, orderly and prosperous transition in the North Sea in line with its climate and legal obligations.  

Crucially, the government has stated it will not challenge the judicial reviews brought against development consent for the Jackdaw and Rosebank offshore oil and gas fields in the North Sea by Greenpeace and Uplift. This decision will save the taxpayer money, it says, yet stressed it does not mean the licences have been withdrawn. 

The government will also consult later this year on the implementation of its manifesto position not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields. 

Minister for Energy Michael Shanks said:   

“This government is committed to making Britain a clean energy superpower, helping to meet our first mission to kickstart economic growth. While we make that transition the oil and gas industry will play an important role in the economy for decades to come."

“As we support the North Sea’s clean energy future, this government is committed to protecting current and future generations of good jobs as we do so."

“We were elected with a mandate to deliver stability, certainty and growth. Every action we take will be in pursuit of that. We will consult at pace on new guidance that takes into account the Supreme Court’s ruling on Environmental Impact Assessments, to enable the industry to plan, secure jobs, and invest in our economy.” 

Find out more here.