Labour approves Jackdaw gasfield despite climate criticism

Green leader accuses Labour of ‘climate vandalism’ after Jackdaw approval

The UK government has approved the Jackdaw gasfield east of Aberdeen after months of delay. The decision was announced in a government news release, with technical documents made available. Labour had previously said it would allow existing projects but issue no new oil and gas licences for the North Sea.

Jackdaw and the Rosebank oilfield had been approved by the previous Conservative government, blocked by courts, and then ordered to be reconsidered. Labour treated both as existing projects rather than new ones. But approval was not automatic for either field.

Over the past 12 months, high global energy prices have shifted public and political debate. Pressure has grown to allow more ongoing North Sea extraction. Today’s decision was not a surprise. The Rosebank decision will be much tougher because its carbon emissions are far higher than Jackdaw’s, and the environmental argument against it is stronger.

Andy Burnham welcomed the decision as an example of the “pragmatic approach” he wants on energy policy. He said, “I welcome the energy secretary’s decision, which will protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm this winter. At a time when people are really struggling, it’s right that we look in a responsible way at maximising the existing energy reserves we have in Britain that could help.” Burnham added that he remains committed to renewable energy and net zero by 2050, but oil and gas will still be required for decades.

Some Labour figures are alarmed at the decision, though there has been little public criticism from party MPs so far. Other main parties support Jackdaw going ahead. The Greens denounced the decision strongly. Zack Polanski, the Greens leader, said, “Today’s decision by Labour is a betrayal of all of our futures, Labour has abandoned all credibility in the fight against climate change.”

The energy secretary said the decision will make no difference to energy bills. The health secretary admitted the summer heatwave added to pressure on the NHS. Industry’s own assessment is that Jackdaw will create only 27 jobs.

This morning, Douglas Alexander, the Scottish secretary, was visiting a gas terminal in Peterhead to promote the Jackdaw decision. After 12.30pm, Miatta Fahnbulleh, the energy secretary, is expected to make a statement to MPs. This afternoon, Andy Burnham will welcome Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman, to Downing Street.