The UK government is set to approve the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea within weeks, ending years of legal and political wrangling. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is expected to make the decision this month, with a separate decision on the Rosebank oilfield to follow later. The Jackdaw field, located roughly 150 miles east of Aberdeen, could begin producing gas as soon as this winter. Both projects are being developed by Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Equinor, and were originally granted consent in 2022 and 2023 before being quashed by the Scottish Court of Session in 2025 following a landmark Supreme Court ruling requiring carbon emissions assessments.

Climate campaigners are expected to oppose the decision, particularly after Britain's summer of heatwaves and wildfires. Tessa Khan, executive director of campaign group Uplift, urged the prime minister to heed scientists' warnings. The likely approval is driven in part by concerns over energy security ahead of winter, as Europe faces its lowest gas stocks on record following Middle East supply disruptions.

The decision aligns with Andy Burnham's emerging approach to domestic oil and gas. While Burnham has pledged not to approve new field exploration, Jackdaw's pre-existing licence means approval does not contradict that stance. Industry executives remain hopeful that Rosebank and other fields, including Ithaca Energy's Cambo field, will also gain approval.