Jackdaw boss warns of winter fuel shortages if gas field not approved

In the light of global economic turmoil and disruption to oil and gas supplies driven by the wars in Ukraine and Iran, Labour has shifted position, pledging to reform the energy profits levy - also known as the windfall tax which amounts to a 78% levy on production - and to allow some new drilling if it is linked (or tied-back in industry jargon) to existing facilities.

More than any other Labour politician, in opposition and in government, Miliband has crafted a policy which is positive about renewable energy such as wind, wave and solar and sceptical of new oil and gas developments.

The owners of the Jackdaw gas platform in the North Sea say it is "hyper critical" that the UK government approves production to avoid the risk of domestic supply shortages this winter.