UK approves Jackdaw North Sea gasfield after years in limbo, drawing climate criticism

Summary

The UK government has approved drilling at the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea, a site that had been stalled for years, as it seeks to tackle high energy costs, and drilling is set to begin. Climate campaigners and green experts have condemned the decision, saying it will jeopardise the UK's climate targets, will not reduce the cost of living and will distract from the need to decarbonise the energy sector. Environmental groups have called for more clean energy instead, left-wing politicians have sharply criticised the approval, and climate activists have protested against the new gas drilling.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   21 Oct 2026, 08:23 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that climate campaigners and green experts have condemned the government's decision to allow drilling at the Jackdaw gasfield, saying it will jeopardise UK climate targets, fail to cut the cost of living and distract from decarbonising the energy sector.

2. Deutsche Welle

   21 Oct 2026, 09:21 UTCSource ↗

   Deutsche Welle reports that drilling is set to begin at the controversial North Sea Jackdaw gas field after years in limbo, as the government seeks to tackle high energy costs, and that environmental groups have criticised the move and called for more clean energy.

3. Al Jazeera

   21 Oct 2026, 10:28 UTCSource ↗

   Al Jazeera reports that the UK has approved development of the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from left-wing politicians and environmentalists.

4. Al Jazeera

   21 Oct 2026, 12:49 UTCSource ↗

   Al Jazeera's video report says climate activists have protested against the UK's decision to go ahead with new gas drilling in the North Sea.