The UK government expects to approve a large North Sea gas field within weeks, ending years of legal and political disputes and representing Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first major stance on the domestic oil and gas sector. The energy minister is expected to approve the Jackdaw gas project this month; a decision on the Rosebank oil field will follow. Jackdaw, about 150 miles east of Aberdeen, could begin producing gas as early as this winter, though approval is likely to prompt strong oppositi

The UK government expects to approve a large North Sea gas field within weeks, ending years of legal and political disputes and representing Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first major stance on the domestic oil and gas sector. The energy minister is expected to approve the Jackdaw gas project this month; a decision on the Rosebank oil field will follow. Jackdaw, about 150 miles east of Aberdeen, could begin producing gas as early as this winter, though approval is likely to prompt strong opposition from climate scientists and environmental groups.