Commenting on Jackdaw being approved, Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra said: 

“This a pragmatic and very welcome decision from the UK Labour government and a strong vote of confidence in the future of Scotland’s world leading energy sector. 

“It is the right decision for Scotland’s energy security, our industrial base and the skilled workers who have powered our economy for generations.

“I have been at the forefront of making the argument for Jackdaw, driving the case with colleagues in the UK government and directly with the Prime Minister.

“Along with colleagues I pushed my party hard prior to 2024 and saw the establishment of the North Sea Fiscal Forum, delivered investment reliefs and got agreement from the Treasury to scrap and replace the EPL by 2030. 

“Scotland’s energy sector, its skills base, and the wider supply chains it supports are vital to our energy and economic security and crucially the transition to a lower carbon economy. 

“Energy can be the sector that powers economic growth and secures well paid jobs for Scotland’s workers.  Jackdaw is a key development in Scotland’s reindustrialisation. 

“This is about putting industry and pragmatism before narrow ideology – the next step for Scotland should be new nuclear and renewable projects built by Scottish workers.

“That will require the Scottish and UK governments to work together, and I urge them to do so.”