A briefing which appears designed to position Ed Miliband for Chancellor has suggested he is in favour of approving the Jackdaw gas field.
Details passed to The Observer yesterday suggests the Energy Secretary believes the project is compatible with the UK’s climate commitments and could help strengthen domestic gas supplies following disruption caused by conflict in the Middle East.
However, he is said to be more sceptical about the Rosebank development, having previously described it as an act of 'climate vandalism'.
Allies insist Miliband is not a 'zealot on the eco issue', with one friend saying: 'He’s much more a pragmatist than he’s painted to be and that wouldn’t be difficult to show, given the way he’s being portrayed.'
The government has faced mounting pressure from industry, trade unions and politicians to back further North Sea production.
Last week, Adura chief executive Neil McCulloch said it was 'hyper-critical' that Jackdaw be approved, adding the project could meet 6% of the UK’s gas demand from 1 October.
A decision on Jackdaw is expected within weeks. If Miliband moves to the Treasury, the formal decision would fall to his successor as Energy Secretary.
Source: Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce
