Jackdaw North Sea gasfield to get go-ahead in blow to climate campaigners
News Source
β’Tue, 20 Oct 2026 18:24:46 GMT
π° What Happened
The UK is set to approve the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea. Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh and chancellor John Healey will announce it. The decision comes after a year of deliberations. It is a boost for Shell and Equinor, which run the field.
Campaigners call the choice a blow to climate goals. Uplift's Tessa Khan says Jackdaw provides only 2 percent of gas demand. The field will be mostly unmanned and run remotely. Labour MPs fear the move hurts the party's green image.
π The Backstory
The North Sea is an old oil and gas basin in decline. Britain promised to cut emissions and move to clean energy. Approving new fields goes against that promise. But the UK also wants energy security and cheaper bills.
The government has long argued over whether to allow new drilling. Leaders like Andy Burnham support the industry and its jobs. Climate campaigners say every new field locks in more pollution. The battle shows how hard energy choices are.
π― Why It Matters
New gas fields affect energy bills and the planet's future. The decision shapes UK jobs and climate promises. People feel the result in heating costs and weather risks.
The UK is set to approve the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea. Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh and chancellor John Healey will announce it. The decision comes after a year of deliberations. It is a boost for Shell and Equinor, which run the field.
Campaigners call the choice a blow to climate goals. Uplift's Tessa Khan says Jackdaw provides only 2 percent of gas demand. The field will be mostly unmanned and run remotely. Labour MPs fear the move hurts the party's green image.
The North Sea is an old oil and gas basin in decline. Britain promised to cut emissions and move to clean energy. Approving new fields goes against that promise. But the UK also wants energy security and cheaper bills.
The government has long argued over whether to allow new drilling. Leaders like Andy Burnham support the industry and its jobs. Climate campaigners say every new field locks in more pollution. The battle shows how hard energy choices are.
New gas fields affect energy bills and the planet's future. The decision shapes UK jobs and climate promises. People feel the result in heating costs and weather risks.