Andy Burnham is poised to approve drilling of the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea on Wednesday, it is understood. The Prime Minister is expected to give the development the green light on following months of pressure from opposition parties and his own MPs.
He has said he would “take a pragmatic approach when it comes to the North Sea” since coming to power in the summer.
The Jackdaw gas field was approved by the former Conservative government in 2022 but was delayed by a legal ruling from a Scottish court when environmental groups argued consent was given without fully considering the climate impact.
A decision on Jackdaw is “imminent” but a decision on the Rosebank oil and gas field is set to take “a bit longer”, Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said last Thursday.
The Prime Minister added that a verdict on the North Sea projects “will come shortly”.
He said: “We’re not backing away from them, but that’s a matter that will be addressed in due course.”
Mr Burnham is maintaining the Labour manifesto moratorium on any new North Sea licences being issued.
Industry bodies have argued that starting production at the sites would provide much-needed jobs and improve the UK’s energy security as overseas conflicts threaten supply.
The Government will announce its long-awaited decision on the future of a new gas drilling operation (Image: Getty)
But environmentalists fear Jackdaw’s gas will hamper efforts to slash planet-warming carbon emissions as deadly heatwaves and extreme weather affect people across the globe.
Jackdaw, which is about 150 miles (241.4km) east of Aberdeen, is a gas field which its operators say could be connected to the UK network within months.
The Conservatives had accused Mr Burnham of “dithering and delaying” on the approval.
The Prime Minister was said to be putting off a decision on the Jackdaw gas field until after the crunch Holborn and St Pancras by-election due to fears of the threat from the Green Party.
Shadow Energy Secretary Andrew Bowie MP said: “At last, Labour have had to be dragged kicking and screaming into approving Jackdaw. But nobody should mistake one gas field for a change of heart.
“Labour’s ban on new licences and punishing windfall tax are hammering North Sea investment and putting jobs at risk. MPs could soon have the chance to vote on ending the ban – they must take it.”
“This should be the start, not the end. Labour must approve Rosebank, end the ban on licences, and scrap the Energy Profits Levy. That is what a Conservative Government would do, and it is what this Prime Minister should do if he wants anyone to believe he is serious.”
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Energy experts have warned Jackdaw’s approval will have no impact on energy bills, which have risen as a result of the increase in wholesale gas prices, driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Jess Ralston, analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said: Let’s be clear, approving Jackdaw won’t do anything meaningful to bring down energy bills or improve the UK’s energy security, which the Government has said is its priority given high levels of public concern.
“The field is expected to supply only a minuscule share of UK gas demand for a limited period, and the gas will still be sold at international market prices, leaving households and businesses exposed to the same volatile global markets that have driven up bills in recent years by the actions of Presidents Putin and Trump.”
Andy Burnham Set to Approve Controversial Jackdaw Gas Field
The proposed approval of the controversial Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea has become one of the most significant energy and environmental issues in the United Kingdom. The project has attracted considerable public attention because it raises important questions about energy security, economic growth, employment, and the government’s commitment to tackling climate change. Although supporters argue that developing the gas field is necessary to strengthen the country’s domestic energy supply, environmental campaigners believe that expanding fossil fuel production could undermine efforts to achieve a sustainable, low-carbon future. On 21 October 2026, the UK government approved the project, bringing an end to a lengthy period of political debate and legal uncertainty. The decision has intensified discussions about how Britain can balance its immediate economic needs with its long-term environmental responsibilities.
The Jackdaw gas field is located in the North Sea, approximately 250 kilometres east of Aberdeen, Scotland. The project was initially approved by the previous Conservative government in 2022. However, its development was subsequently challenged because the original environmental assessment did not adequately consider the greenhouse gas emissions produced when the extracted gas would eventually be burned. Following a legal ruling in Scotland in 2025, the previous approval could no longer stand, and the government had to reconsider the project under updated environmental requirements. After reviewing additional information and considering the potential economic and environmental consequences, Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh agreed to the project’s approval in October 2026. The North Sea Transition Authority subsequently granted the necessary consent for gas production. This decision demonstrates how environmental law and judicial scrutiny can significantly influence national energy policy.
One of the main arguments in favour of the Jackdaw gas field is that it could strengthen the United Kingdom’s energy security. In recent years, international conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and fluctuations in global energy markets have highlighted the dangers of relying heavily on imported fuel. When international supplies are disrupted, households and businesses may face higher energy bills and greater uncertainty. Supporters of Jackdaw therefore argue that producing more natural gas domestically could help the country maintain a more reliable energy supply and reduce its exposure to external shocks. According to the UK government, the project could increase domestic gas production by approximately six per cent at its peak. Although this contribution would not eliminate Britain’s dependence on imported energy, it could provide additional flexibility during periods of high demand or international instability.
Economic growth and employment are also important considerations. The development of an offshore gas field requires engineers, technicians, construction workers, transport operators, and numerous other skilled professionals. These activities can support businesses throughout the energy supply chain, particularly in communities that have historically depended on North Sea oil and gas production. The government estimates that the Jackdaw project could add approximately £2.9 billion to the UK economy, create 27 new direct jobs, and safeguard 273 existing positions. Furthermore, the project could generate tax revenues that support public services and government investment. For workers and businesses concerned about the future of the offshore energy industry, approving Jackdaw may therefore represent an opportunity to preserve valuable skills, maintain employment, and support economic activity during a period of industrial transition.
Nevertheless, the economic benefits must be examined critically. Although the project could increase domestic production, it does not necessarily follow that British consumers will experience significantly lower gas prices. Natural gas is traded within interconnected international markets, meaning that domestic producers are still influenced by global supply and demand. Consequently, additional production from Jackdaw may improve supply security without guaranteeing cheaper household energy bills. Critics also question whether investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure represents the most effective use of financial and technical resources at a time when renewable energy technologies are becoming increasingly important. These concerns highlight the difference between increasing national gas production and solving the broader problem of energy affordability.
Environmental protection is perhaps the most controversial aspect of the decision. Natural gas produces carbon dioxide when burned, contributing to global warming. Although gas generally releases less carbon dioxide during combustion than coal for an equivalent amount of energy, it remains a fossil fuel and cannot be considered entirely clean. Methane leakage during extraction, processing, and transportation also presents a serious environmental concern because methane is a powerful greenhouse gas. The climate impact of the Jackdaw project must therefore be assessed across the entire production and consumption process rather than focusing exclusively on emissions from the offshore platform.
Environmental organisations argue that approving new gas production sends a contradictory message about the UK’s climate commitments. Britain has pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, which requires substantial reductions in emissions across electricity generation, transport, heating, and industry. Expanding fossil fuel production may appear inconsistent with this objective, particularly if it encourages continued dependence on gas for longer than necessary. Campaigners also warn that infrastructure designed to operate for many years can create a form of carbon lock-in, making it more difficult to transition towards cleaner alternatives. From this perspective, the central question is not simply whether Jackdaw can produce gas safely, but whether the project is compatible with the speed and scale of emissions reductions required to address climate change.
The government, however, maintains that approving Jackdaw does not mean abandoning its environmental objectives. Ministers argue that Britain will continue to require some oil and gas during the transition towards a low-carbon economy. They also point out that the project involves an existing licensed field rather than the granting of a new exploration licence. In addition, the government has announced plans for a £2 billion initial investment in an Energy Wealth Fund intended to channel resources into renewable and low-carbon energy projects. The stated aim is to use revenues associated with the North Sea industry to support the development of cleaner energy technologies, create new employment opportunities, and strengthen the economy. Whether this approach succeeds will depend on how effectively the funding is managed and whether investment in clean energy is sufficient to deliver meaningful long-term emissions reductions.
The controversy also reflects wider political divisions within the United Kingdom. Energy policy requires governments to respond to competing demands from industry, trade unions, environmental organisations, businesses, and ordinary citizens. Supporters of offshore production emphasise the importance of protecting industrial employment and ensuring a dependable energy supply. Opponents prioritise climate responsibility and argue that public policy should accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. For political leaders, the challenge is to develop an approach that recognises these concerns without allowing short-term economic pressures to undermine long-term environmental objectives. The Jackdaw decision illustrates how difficult it can be to reconcile these competing priorities.
Furthermore, the project raises questions about the future of Scotland’s offshore energy industry. Aberdeen and surrounding areas have developed extensive expertise in oil and gas exploration, engineering, and offshore operations. As traditional production declines, these communities face the challenge of maintaining employment while adapting to emerging industries such as offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture. Supporters of Jackdaw believe that continued gas production can provide an important bridge during this transition. However, a successful transition will require more than maintaining existing fossil fuel activities. It will also depend on retraining workers, investing in new infrastructure, and ensuring that renewable energy industries offer stable, well-paid employment.
In conclusion, the approval of the Jackdaw gas field represents a significant decision for the United Kingdom because it brings together the interconnected challenges of energy security, economic development, employment, and climate change. The project could increase domestic gas production, support skilled workers, and generate substantial economic benefits. At the same time, it raises legitimate concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, the long-term dependence on fossil fuels, and the effectiveness of the government’s climate strategy. Rather than viewing economic growth and environmental protection as entirely opposing objectives, the UK should seek a carefully managed transition that addresses immediate energy needs while accelerating investment in sustainable alternatives. Ultimately, the success of the Jackdaw decision should not be measured solely by the amount of gas produced or the number of jobs preserved. It should also be judged by whether Britain can maintain energy security, protect vulnerable households, support affected communities, and meet its climate commitments. Achieving this balance will require transparent decision-making, rigorous environmental monitoring, and sustained investment in a cleaner and more resilient energy system.