Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing pressure over the UK Government’s decisions on the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas projects.
During a visit to bushfire victims in the West Midlands on Friday, Mr Burnham told BBC Five Live that the UK must focus on adapting to climate change. He also said the country should consider expanding aerial firefighting resources.
However, he argued that a “pragmatic approach” was needed when considering domestic oil and gas production.
Mr Burnham said: “We’re not going to be able to stop using oil and gas for a while. That’s just a fact.”
He added: “The question is whether we can accelerate its use to pay for the transition.”
The consultation on the Jackdaw gas project concluded last week, while the consultation on the Rosebank oil field is due to close late on Monday.
The final decision will follow a quasi-legal process involving regulator Opred and approval from Energy Secretary Miatta Fernbulle.
No date has been set for the final decision. However, operators say that a swift approval could allow gas production from the Jackdaw field to begin by winter.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk