The move, which has been welcomed by the #StopRosebank campaign bringing the case, does not mean the licences for Jackdaw and Rosebank have been withdrawn.

There could still be a protracted legal battle over Rosebank if Equinor or the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) decide to defend the case.

However, #StopRosebank said the government decision “makes it even more likely that the decision to approve the field will be declared unlawful and need to be remade”.

Climate campaigners argue that going ahead with new oil and gas extraction is incompatible with the UK’s climate targets.

Energy minister Michael Shanks said: “This government is committed to making Britain a clean energy superpower, helping to meet our first mission to kickstart economic growth. While we make that transition the oil and gas industry will play an important role in the economy for decades to come.

“As we support the North Sea’s clean energy future, this government is committed to protecting current and future generations of good jobs as we do so.

“We were elected with a mandate to deliver stability, certainty and growth. Every action we take will be in pursuit of that.”