New North Sea oil projects at risk after Ed Miliband caves to eco campaigners

Energy Secretary's Decision

Ed Miliband put new North Sea oil and gas projects in jeopardy by caving in to eco campaigners. He decided not to contest a legal challenge to moves to allow drilling, sparking concerns within the industry.

Legal Challenges and Industry Impact

Claire Coutinho claimed that the decision could potentially impact £9 billion in tax revenue and the livelihoods of 200,000 workers. Greenpeace and Uplift brought judicial reviews to halt Shell's Jackdaw development and Equinor's Rosebank project, following a Supreme Court ruling on climate considerations for new wells.

Reactions and Implications

Shadow energy minister Claire Coutinho criticized the move as "the final blow for the North Sea," expressing concerns about the shift away from domestic energy supply. Industry experts warn of risks, while Equinor assesses the implications of the decision on the Rosebank project.