Speaker Hoyle rebukes government over Jackdaw gasfield announcement

House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has called it 'shameful' that the energy department announced the approval of the Jackdaw gasfield to the media before informing parliament.

Parliament Clash

Energy minister Michael Shanks faced sharp criticism in the Commons because energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh was in Aberdeen instead of addressing MPs directly. Speaker Hoyle slammed the absence as an 'immense discourtesy' and noted that ministerial code requires major announcements to go to the Commons first. Shanks stated he would take the feedback back to his department, while Downing Street rejected claims that Fahnbulleh undermined the home secretary regarding separate immigration policy comments.

Context

Cabinet ministers are traditionally expected to break major policy news inside the House of Commons before speaking to journalists. The Jackdaw approval has sparked intense political debate involving lawmakers, environmental groups, and international figures.