The trade body also praised the Prime Minister for adopting what it called a more pragmatic approach to energy policy, recognising that Britain will continue to need gas for years to come and that it makes more sense to produce it at home than buy it from overseas.

EUA Chief Executive Mike Foster said:

"This is a victory for common sense.

"For too long, parts of the energy debate have been detached from reality. Britain still needs gas. Around 24 million homes rely on it for heating and hot water, and many industries depend upon it too. The question is simple: do we produce more of the gas we need here in the UK, supporting British workers and paying British taxes, or do we import more from abroad?

"The Prime Minister deserves credit for recognising that energy policy must be grounded in the real world. Jackdaw is exactly the sort of pragmatic decision that puts the national interest first."

EUA said the project would help sustain thousands of highly-skilled jobs across the offshore sector and its wider supply chain, protecting communities that have powered the UK economy for generations.

The organisation also argued that domestic production is far better for the public finances than increasing reliance on imports.

"When gas is produced in British waters, the Treasury receives tax revenues. Those revenues help fund hospitals, schools and public services. They also help improve the country's finances, reducing pressure to raise taxes or put additional costs onto households. It is cash that can be spent keeping bills down or even help fund the green transition.

"Every pound generated here is a pound that stays in Britain rather than being sent overseas."

EUA said stronger Treasury revenues and a healthier economy ultimately help consumers, both by supporting public services and by reducing the wider cost pressures that feed into household bills.

The trade body pointed to its previous polling showing strong public support for using UK gas rather than relying on imports while gas remains part of the nation's energy mix. The polling found the public favour domestic production over imports by around five to one among those expressing a view

The organisation also stressed the energy security benefits of the decision.

"The last few years have shown how dangerous it is to be overly dependent on international energy markets.

"Producing more gas from the North Sea does not make Britain immune from global events, but it does make us less vulnerable. Every additional therm produced in UK waters is one less therm that needs to be shipped from overseas.

"British gas means British jobs, British tax revenues and greater resilience when international markets become unstable."

EUA has consistently argued that if Britain cuts domestic production faster than it cuts demand, the gap will simply be filled by imported gas, often transported thousands of miles by ship and sourced from countries with lower environmental and labour standards than those operating in the UK North Sea.

Mike Foster concluded:

"Net zero will only succeed if it carries the public with it. That means keeping energy affordable, keeping the lights on, protecting jobs and being honest about the country's continuing need for gas.

"Jackdaw is not a choice between climate action and economic growth. It is a recognition that Britain needs both. The Prime Minister has made the right call."