The UK government has approved the development of the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea, which is expected to increase the country's natural gas production by about 6% at its peak. Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh stated the field would begin supplying energy to UK homes by the end of the month, aiming to boost energy security. Concurrently, the government announced a New Energy Wealth Fund, established with an initial £2 billion ($2.7 billion), to invest in renewable and low-carbon energy projects. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the decision would protect jobs and help keep homes warm. However, Fahnbulleh clarified the project would not lower household energy bills. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from left-wing politicians and environmental groups, who described it as “climate vandalism” and beneficial only to oil and gas companies' profits.