Energy Secretary urged to approve Rosebank field as Jackdaw drilling moves ahead
Following the government's green light for the Jackdaw gas field, pressure is mounting for the Rosebank oil project to receive approval.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The UK government has approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field and, on 22 October 2026, both independent outlets reported calls for Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh to also approve the Rosebank oil field, the largest untapped North Sea oil resource.
What happened
On Wednesday, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed the go‑ahead for Jackdaw, with gas expected to start flowing within weeks. The same day, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch urged the government to move forward on Rosebank, framing the decision as a test of political confidence.
What the reports add
Both Independent and Standard noted that The Guardian and The Times have reported Fahnbulleh is leaning towards rejecting Rosebank, a claim the department dismissed as “speculation”. The department’s spokesperson added, “As the Energy Secretary has said, each project will be assessed on its own merits.”
In addition, the outlets reproduced former US President Donald Trump’s statement urging the UK to go “full blast” on North Sea drilling, praising the Jackdaw approval and calling for rapid exploitation of Rosebank.
What was said
Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh backed the Jackdaw scheme, saying it will help secure winter energy supplies. A department spokesperson told Independent that the Rosebank speculation was unfounded and reiterated the merit‑based assessment approach.
Kemi Badenoch told Standard that Labour’s ban on new oil and gas licences should be repealed, stating, “We have the resources, the expertise and the people. What we have lost is the confidence to make tough decisions.”
Donald Trump, speaking to reporters, said, “Great news for the wealth and prosperity of the United Kingdom… They should go FULL BLAST!!!”
How it came about
The Jackdaw approval follows a series of government statements in October, including the announcement on 21 October that the project would boost domestic gas output by about 6 % (Felo report). Earlier coverage noted the government’s cautious stance on Rosebank, with Secretary Fahnbulleh indicating a longer timeline for that field (Felo report). The current push for Rosebank reflects growing political pressure as the UK seeks to balance energy security with renewable commitments.
Key facts
- The UK government approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field on 21 October 2026. (independent.co.uk)
- Jackdaw gas is expected to start flowing within weeks. (independent.co.uk)
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for approval of the Rosebank oil field. (standard.co.uk)
- Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh’s department called reports of her leaning to reject Rosebank "speculation". (independent.co.uk)
- Donald Trump urged the UK to go "full blast" on North Sea drilling. (standard.co.uk)
Timeline
- 2026-10-16 — Energy Secretary said a decision on Jackdaw was imminent, Rosebank would take longer.
- 2026-10-21 — UK government approved Jackdaw gas field drilling.
- 2026-10-22 — Calls intensify for Rosebank approval after Jackdaw go‑ahead.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk
- [2] standard.co.uk
