Plans to begin drilling in the North Sea’s Jackdaw gas field off the coast of Scotland have been approved by ministers, confirming the future of the project which at points appeared to be uncertain.

Prime minister Andy Burnham has insisted the decision will “protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm”, while also sticking to pledges on renewable energy.

But the move is controversial , with critics arguing that it goes against the government’s green commitments.

In its 2024 manifesto, the government said it would not issue any new oil and gas licences in the North Sea, but added that it would honour existing ones such as Jackdaw.

Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh says her decision comes after “careful consideration of all relevant factors”, adding that it is in line with the government’s climate commitments.

She said: “This decision will support the country’s energy security with homegrown gas this winter and help minimise the UK’s use of imported higher emission fuels as we continue…