UK government approves Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea

The UK government has approved the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea. The Guardian and Al Jazeera both report the decision.

The Guardian had reported beforehand that Miatta Fahnbulleh and John Healey would announce it from Aberdeen on Wednesday, after more than a year of deliberation over whether it would breach the UK's climate commitments. The Guardian called the approval widely expected, following lobbying by Shell.

Labour's 2024 election manifesto committed to a ban on new North Sea drilling licences. The Guardian reports that the companies behind Jackdaw and the Rosebank oilfield have sought environmental approval for existing licences. Rosebank is being decided separately.

Climate campaigners and green experts have condemned the decision, the Guardian reports. They say it will jeopardise UK climate targets, fail to cut the cost of living, and distract from the need to decarbonise energy. Al Jazeera reports sharp criticism from left-wing politicians and environmentalists. The Guardian says a number of Labour MPs are also dismayed.

In Aberdeen, the Guardian reports relief among workers who hope the approval will protect North Sea jobs for now. It says few expect a return to the city's boom years. It cites figures showing disposable income in Aberdeen fell by nearly 20% between 2013 and 2023, more than in any other large UK city.