Thank you for contacting me about Jackdaw Gas Field.
I understand that proposals for Shell Jackdaw development have been rejected by the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) on two occasions - most recently following a revised proposal from Shell in January.
I am aware that Shell has subsequently submitted an amended proposal which will be reviewed and a decision will be made by the Oil and Gas Authority. It should be noted that the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy must give his approval before any consent is given. My colleague's decision will be based on the environmental impact assessment for the project.
Oil and natural gas are still required for heating, cooking and transport, and are vital to the production of many everyday essentials like medicines, plastics, cosmetics and household appliances. While I am glad that the Government is working hard to drive down demand for fossil fuels, there will continue to be ongoing demand for oil and gas over the coming years, as recognised by the independent Climate Change Committee, with the UK as net importers of both oil and gas.