UK to approve new North Sea drilling: British media

Britain's government is set to allow development of a controversial new gas field off its coast in the North Sea, local media reported Friday.

The ruling Labour administration promised on returning to power in 2024 not to issue any new oil and gas drilling licences as it steers Britain away from polluting fossil fuels towards cleaner renewable energy.

While Prime Minister Andy Burnham has vowed to abide by his party's election manifesto commitments, the new leader has said he will take "a pragmatic approach" to oil and gas extraction in UK waters.

The Labour government declined to comment on reports Friday from the BBC and others, which cited government and industry sources, that it will this month approve drilling at the Jackdaw gas field east of port city Aberdeen.

"We do not comment on speculation," the energy department said in a statement.

It noted, however, that "the North Sea remains a vital national asset and oil and gas will continue to play an important role in our energy system for decades to come -- alongside transitioning to clean power to protect jobs and tackle the climate crisis".

"Any decision will take into account all relevant evidence, including environmental assessments and public representations received during the consultation process," the statement added.

The Guardian newspaper said Friday that Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh will in the coming months likely also approve development of the Rosebank field in the North Sea, which mainly contains oil and lies west of the Shetland Islands.

The previous Conservative government approved drilling at Jackdaw and Rosebank, before both sites became the subject of a lengthy legal battles.

"Together, Jackdaw and Rosebank represent a significant opportunity for the UK," Adura, the company managing both sites, told AFP on Friday.

Its statement added that they can provide 10 percent of the UK's gas production and 10 percent of the UK continental shelf oil output.

Additionally, the fields combined can contribute more than £28 billion ($38 billion) to the nation's economy, supporting over 3,500 jobs.

The main opposition Conservatives claim greater drilling will boost Britain's energy security as well as cutting energy bills for the country's households and businesses.

Friday's development comes as the UK faces pressure also from US President Donald Trump for more drilling of fossil fuels in the North Sea.

Critics argue that UK consumers would see no difference in their electricity bills, as gas and oil costs are determined by international market prices.

"New drilling just means more profits for oil and gas companies while making the unfolding climate crisis even worse," Tessa Khan, executive director at environmental pressure group Uplift, said Friday.