Key facts
- A decision on the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea will be delayed until autumn.
- The delay avoids potential controversy for Labour before the Holborn and St Pancras byelection.
- Environmental groups accuse the government of prioritizing fossil fuel interests over climate action.
- The UK government has a ban on new drilling licenses in the North Sea.
- Consultations on the Jackdaw and Rosebank projects have closed.
The UK government's decision on whether to approve the controversial Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea has been postponed until later this autumn, a move criticized by environmental campaigners as a betrayal of climate commitments. The delay, which avoids potential political fallout before the Holborn and St Pancras byelection on October 8 and the Labour party conference, has led to accusations that the government is hiding its position on fossil fuel expansion.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh was expected to recommend approval for the Jackdaw field, which could supply 6% of the UK's North Sea gas at its peak and has a lifespan of 9-12 years. However, multiple sources indicate the decision will not be made before Parliament goes into recess for party conferences. Green party leader Zack Polanski, standing in the Holborn and St Pancras byelection, has accused Labour of dishonesty and of siding with fossil fuel corporations.
Shadow energy secretary Andrew Bowie has questioned the delay, suggesting it prioritizes party interests over national energy production. A separate decision is also pending on the Rosebank oilfield. While the UK government has committed to a ban on new drilling licenses, companies with existing licenses are seeking environmental approval for projects like Jackdaw and Rosebank. Environmental groups argue that approving these fields would contradict climate goals and could cause significant economic damage due to carbon pollution.