Recent file photo of protesters holding placards outside the Department of Energy in central London during a demonstration against the proposed development of the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields in the North Sea. (AFP pic)LONDON: Britain's government announced Wednesday it had approved plans to begin drilling in a controversial gas field in the North Sea, ending months of speculation about the future of the divisive project.
The decision to allow drilling in the Jackdaw field, about 150 miles (240 kilometres) east of Aberdeen was welcomed by industry groups but criticised by environmentalists who said it would worsen carbon emissions.
The government, which has faced calls from US President Donald Trump for more drilling of fossil fuels in UK waters, suggested it would help boost energy security amid price shocks from the Iran war.
