Jackdaw gas field in North Sea set to be approved, reports suggest

Reports suggest the UK government is poised to approve the Jackdaw gas field off the coast of Aberdeen as soon as this month, potentially overturning a prior court setback. The BBC and The Guardian say Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is also likely to approve the Rosebank oil field in the coming months. Both projects were previously approved by the last Conservative government but were struck down by courts after environmental campaigners challenged them, arguing ministers didn’t fully consider impacts. A No 10 spokeswoman said the Jackdaw decision is “quasi-judicial.” DESNZ declined to comment on speculation. Industry groups framed approval as confidence for North Sea jobs, while opponents—including Friends of the Earth Scotland and Uplift—warn further drilling worsens climate risks and doesn’t meaningfully lower energy bills.