UK approves Jackdaw gas field
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The gist
UK Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh gave the greenlight to drilling at the Jackdaw gas field on Wednesday.
The decision revives a project a Scottish court quashed over climate impact.
Background
Jackdaw is a natural gas development about 150 miles (241 km) east of Aberdeen, operated by Adura, a joint venture involving Shell and Equinor. The field and the Rosebank oil field off Shetland were approved for drilling licences by the previous Conservative government in 2022, but Scotland's Court of Session ruled in January 2025 that both approvals were unlawful because the climate impact of burning the extracted fuel had not been adequately considered. The government reopened the regulatory process, and fresh public consultations closed in August. The decision comes against Labour's 2024 manifesto pledge not to issue new North Sea oil and gas licences while honouring existing ones.
How it unfolded
- Jun 2022Jackdaw and the Rosebank oil field off Shetland were approved for drilling licences by the previous Conservative government.
- Jan 2025Scotland's Court of Session ruled the approvals for Jackdaw and Rosebank unlawful, because the climate impact of burning the extracted hydrocarbons had not been adequately considered.
- 2026Fresh public consultations on the proposals took place and closed in August.
- Oct 21, 2026Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh gave the greenlight to drilling at Jackdaw on Wednesday morning, saying the field may start supplying gas by the end of the month.
- Oct 21, 2026Fahnbulleh said a decision on Rosebank is being made separately and will take "a bit longer."
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed the decision, saying it will protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm this winter, and that the government is taking a "pragmatic" approach to the North Sea while remaining committed to renewables.
- Caution
- Environmental campaigners argue additional fossil fuel production risks undermining Britain's emissions-reduction commitments and question whether new offshore projects would materially improve energy security or cut consumer bills.
- Support
- Industry representatives and trade unions argue developing domestic resources can protect skilled jobs, support investment and reduce some reliance on overseas suppliers amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Still unverified
Before the announcement, reports that ministers would approve Jackdaw on Wednesday, October 21, were described as expected and to be treated as such until the government formally published its decision.