Fury as Labour allow major Falklands oil field to go ahead despite blocking drilling in North Sea

LABOUR has sparked fury by allowing a major Falklands oil field to go ahead — while holding back drilling in the North Sea. The massive Sea Lion development was approved by the Falkland Islands Government late last year, allowing it to move to full production. It is understood it would never be sanctioned without UK backing. The field holds hundreds of millions of barrels of oil and could keep pumping for decades. Key equipment is set to be built in UK hubs including Aberdeen, Newcastle and Rosyth. Island chiefs said the scheme will support the Falklands’ “economic independence”.