UK approves Jackdaw gasfield despite climate target warnings

The UK government approved the Jackdaw gasfield on Wednesday, a decision climate campaigners say directly jeopardises the country's climate targets and will add to global greenhouse gas emissions. The approval for the field, located 150 miles east of Aberdeen and owned by the Shell and Equinor joint venture Adura, offers only minimal job creation and fails to address energy affordability.

The decision will create just 27 full-time jobs, according to the industry's own assessment. Any broader rise in employment is likely to be small and short-lived. Critics argue the move is a serious blow to Britain’s international climate credibility, distracting from the urgent need to decarbonise the energy sector and doing nothing to reduce the cost of living.

The approval came after courts ruled that the full environmental impacts of fossil fuels must be considered. It was initially granted by the previous Conservative administration, and the current Labour government, whose 2024 manifesto promised a ban on new North Sea drilling, has adopted what Prime Minister Andy Burnham calls a 'pragmatic' approach.

Climate and health context

The approval occurs during a summer of record-breaking heatwave and drought in the UK, conditions linked to global heating. The health secretary has admitted the extreme heat added significant pressure on the National Health Service, intensifying public health concerns alongside climate warnings.

Political and industry divisions

The decision has revealed deep political and industrial splits. The Conservative party, Reform UK, and some trade union leaders including those from Unite and the GMB cheered the announcement. Russell Borthwick of the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce called it a hugely welcome decision, stating Jackdaw is 99.9% complete and will boost UK energy security, with gas expected to flow into homes within weeks.

In contrast, climate groups and other unions condemned the move. Ten unions representing firefighters, healthcare workers, and teachers had previously signed a statement opposing the development of the similar Rosebank oilfield. Green party leader Zack Polanski described the Jackdaw decision as climate vandalism and a betrayal of all our futures. Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer echoed this, calling it a devastating betrayal of our children's future.

Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh stated the decision will make no difference to energy bills. Mohamed Adow, director of Power Shift Africa, warned that approving Jackdaw damages the UK’s power to persuade other countries to move away from fossil fuels, noting the UK cannot expect developing nations to transition while drilling in its own backyard.

Scottish political reaction

Reactions in Scotland were mixed. First Minister John Swinney said the announcement provides some certainty for north east Scotland and should kickstart clean energy ambitions. Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay called it a victory for Scotland's oil and gas workers and urged Andy Burnham to approve Rosebank without delay. Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra saw a strong vote of confidence in the future of Scotland's world-leading energy sector.

Others were critical. SNP MSP Jack Middleton said while approving Jackdaw was the right decision, fundamental questions remain unanswered. Scottish Government energy minister Stephen Gethins argued that economic benefits must be felt in Scotland and that UK Treasury income from oil and gas should go into a future generations fund. Scottish Liberal Democrats spokesperson Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said Jackdaw offers limited respite and it is time to drive down gas demand.

Campaigner condemnation

Climate campaigners were united in their condemnation. Danny Gross of Friends of the Earth said the decision was maddening and questioned the prime minister's understanding of climate realities. Tessa Khan of Uplift said it benefits oil giants and their shareholders, not affordability. Kyle Lischak of ClientEarth warned companies will leave empty oilfields with record profits while the public pays for extreme weather.

WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said Scotland needs to support homegrown renewable energy instead of polluting fossil fuels. Amanda Grimm of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland stated drilling Jackdaw will not cut power bills, stop North Sea job losses, or provide reliable future energy. Caroline Rance of Friends of the Earth Scotland said the UK Government has put hundreds of thousands more people at risk from fuel poverty.

The decision places the UK's climate diplomacy under a harsh spotlight ahead of the next UN climate summit, Cop31, in Turkey next month. Both Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh are expected to attend.