Jackdaw North Sea gasfield to get go-ahead in blow to climate campaigners

A major decision on the Jackdaw gasfield will be announced this week, marking a clear signal from the UK government’s commitment to continuing North Sea fossil fuel production despite ongoing climate concerns. The approval, expected after prolonged deliberations, risks deepening tensions with environmental groups and Labour lawmakers who argue it clashes with the country’s net-zero ambitions. Energy Secretary and Chancellor will unveil the plans from Aberdeen, highlighting the economic stakes for the region’s oil and gas sector. The move raises questions over whether the government can reconcile industrial support with its climate pledges.

Move signals Andy Burnham’s commitment to North Sea industry but threatens to undermine Labour’s green credentials• What does the approval of the Jackdaw gasfield mean?The Jackdaw gasfield will be given the go-ahead on Wednesday, signalling Andy Burnham’s commitment to the North Sea fossil fuel industry and threatening to trigger a row with climate campaigners and Labour MPs.Miatta Fahnbulleh and John Healey, the energy secretary and chancellor respectively, will make the announcement from Aberdeen on Wednesday morning after more than a year of deliberations over whether doing so would violate the UK’s climate commitments. Continue reading...