Political opinion: Brighton MP raises concerns over Jackdaw gas field approval and urges Government to rule out Rosebank

Labour MP Chris Ward has raised concerns in Parliament over the Government's decision to approve new drilling at the Jackdaw field in the North Sea, warning that the decision will do nothing to reduce household energy bills and risks sending the wrong message about Britain's climate commitments.

Speaking in the House of Commons following the announcement, the MP raised constituents’ concerns about the decision and urged the Government to rule out granting similar approval to the controversial Rosebank oil field.

Chris Ward MP told the House: "I am deeply concerned about the message this decision will send…both about how serious we are about tackling the climate emergency and in defending our hard-won reputation as a world leader on climate change. It also won't take a penny off bills”.

The MP went on to urge the Secretary of State to rule out giving the green light to the Rosebank oil field and warned of the considerable concern this looming decision would cause among his Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven constituents.

Following his intervention, Chris Ward reaffirmed his opposition to new fossil fuel drilling in the North Sea and called for the Government to continue to prioritise renewable energy and reducing Britain's dependence on oil and gas.

Chris said: "New oil and gas drilling is simply not compatible with our international commitments to restrict global warming to below 1.5c. Opening up new gas fields also won't bring down people's bills.

What will make a lasting difference is investing in homegrown renewable energy, improving energy security and getting Britain off the fossil fuel rollercoaster as quickly as possible.

That’s why when a final decision on Rosebank oil field is taken, the climate emergency and our international commitments must be at the top of Minister’s minds”.