The UK government has granted approval for the development of the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea, a decision that follows industry lobbying despite earlier commitments from opposition parties to block new drilling. The move comes as environmental groups and some Labour lawmakers express frustration, given the party’s 2024 pledge to prohibit new licences in the region. While the Jackdaw project proceeds, the fate of the separate Rosebank oilfield remains under review, with both developments relying on existing licences rather than new ones. Campaigners argue the approval undermines climate goals, even as energy firms push forward with North Sea extraction.
Decision was widely expected after lobbying by Shell but will dismay environmental campaigners What does the UK’s approval of the Jackdaw gasfield mean?The UK government has approved the controversial Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea, a widely expected move that will nonetheless dismay environmental campaigners and a number of Labour MPs.While Labour’s 2024 election manifesto committed to a ban on new drilling licences in the North Sea, the companies behind Jackdaw and the Rosebank oilfield project, which is being decided on separately, have sought environmental approval for existing licences. Continue reading...
