Gas could flow this winter as UK approves Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea
Approval follows delayed decision
The government has agreed that the regulator can grant environmental consent for gas production at Jackdaw. The decision had been expected last month but was delayed until after the Holborn and St Pancras byelection on 8 October, where Labour defended its seat against a Green challenge and won.
Shell operates Jackdaw. The companies resubmitted environmental approval applications earlier this year after a judge ruled that they had to account for emissions from burning the oil and gas they produce. Jackdaw and Rosebank hold operating licences, but their environmental approvals had been rescinded.
Government cites climate commitments
Fahnbulleh said Jackdaw could start supplying the UK this winter, with production supported by North Sea workers. She said the decision was compatible with the government’s legally binding climate commitments and its goal of reaching net zero by 2050.
Political and public reaction
E3G’s UK energy programme lead, Ellie Mae O’Hagan, said the public opposed more drilling after a summer of deadly heatwaves. Green party leader Zack Polanski called the decision “climate vandalism” and said Labour had abandoned credibility on climate change.
Key points
- The UK has approved environmental consent for Shell’s Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea.
- Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said production could supply the UK with gas this winter.
- Campaigners oppose Jackdaw and Rosebank, while unions have backed the permits.
- A Savanta poll found nearly a third of voters would be less likely to vote Labour if it approved more North Sea oil drilling.