Jackdaw approval sparks row over climate and energy costs

The UK government’s approval of North Sea gas production at Jackdaw has prompted a political dispute over energy costs, climate policy and how the project was handled.

At Prime Minister’s Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused the government of dithering, noting that a Conservative government first approved the project in 2022. Andy Burnham said the Tories had not carried out the process “properly” and described the current government’s choice as a “pragmatic decision”, according to the BBC.

Jackdaw’s approval followed a court ruling that overturned its earlier consent because the assessment had not accounted for emissions from burning the gas. The government has since completed a new decision process. The BBC’s video report focuses on the opposing political claims; it does not set out the project’s expected effect on household bills or emissions.

The decision adds to debate over whether further North Sea production can support energy security while meeting climate goals. The government expects Jackdaw to provide a modest increase in domestic gas output, but its approval does not mean the gas will reduce consumer prices: the government’s assessment says the project is not expected to materially affect energy prices or bills.

Jackdaw’s approval is also distinct from a decision on Rosebank, another North Sea development, which remains pending. The row over Jackdaw is therefore both about the project itself and the government’s wider approach to new oil and gas production.