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UK inflation has accelerated more than expected to 3.5% as the cost of motor fuels surged at the fastest rate in four years, with diesel topping £2 a litre this month.

Following careful consideration of all relevant factors I have agreed that the regulator can grant consent for gas to be produced at Jackdaw, which will begin to supply the UK with gas from this winter thanks to the highly skilled and vital North Sea workers.

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 our transition to renewables and nuclear.