Stories

Wed, 21 Oct 2026

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 UK government expected to approve Jackdaw gas field

The long-awaited decision about the controversial North Sea field is expected on Wednesday morning.
The UK government is expected to announce a decision on whether to approve the Jackdaw gas field and Rosebank oil field, both located off the coast of Scotland. Sources close to the government indicate that approval for Jackdaw is likely, but no decision has been made on Rosebank. The decision has been delayed several months due to its high profile and controversy. The Jackdaw gas field, situated 150 miles east of Aberdeen, could be connected to the UK's energy network within months, according to its operators. Rosebank, located about 80 miles north-west of Shetland, is Britain's largest untapped oil field and would also produce some gas. Environmental groups have challenged the government's decision to approve licenses for both fields in 2022 and 2023, arguing that it failed to consider the climate impact of extracting oil and gas from these sites. The Court of Session in Edinburgh ruled last year that the licenses were unlawful due to the lack of consideration given to climate change. The government's approval would provide jobs and improve energy security, according to industry bodies. However, environmentalists claim starting production at Rosebank and Jackdaw would be unconscionable and hinder efforts to reduce carbon emissions as heatwaves and extreme weather affect people globally. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has spoken about the need for a "flexible" approach to energy policy and has pledged to honour existing oil and gas licenses, including those for Jackdaw. The UK government is expected to make an announcement on Wednesday morning, with Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh addressing MPs in the afternoon.