Scotland's First Minister hopes Jackdaw approval brings certainty to north‑east

John Swinney welcomed the UK government's decision on the Jackdaw gas field, saying it should end years of uncertainty for the north‑east and support Scotland's clean‑energy ambitions.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 21 Oct 2026 11:14:10 GMT

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said the UK government’s approval of the Jackdaw gas field should provide certainty for the north‑east after years of difficulty, according to statements posted on X during a visit to Edinburgh on Wednesday.

What happened

The decision to approve the Jackdaw development, located about 150 miles off the coast of Aberdeen, was announced on 21 October 2026 by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, ending months of speculation about the project’s future.

What the reports add

The Standard and Independent noted that Swinney highlighted the role of UK‑government climate‑compatibility tests and that the field’s carbon emissions would be lower than those from imported gas.
Industry voices praised the move: Russell Borthwick, chief executive of the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, called the decision “hugely welcome” and said it would boost UK energy security.
Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay described the approval as “a victory for Scotland’s oil and gas workers” and urged the UK government to fast‑track the Rosebank project.
SNP MSP Jack Middleton welcomed the decision but warned that unanswered questions remain, including the silence on Rosebank and the future of a North Sea Wealth Fund.
Environmental groups were quoted as saying there is no case for new drilling if climate commitments are to be met.

What was said

“I hope today’s announcement on Jackdaw will provide some certainty for the north east after many years of difficulty thanks to UK Government policy,” Swinney said.

“It must also kick‑start a renewed drive to deliver our long‑standing clean energy ambitions. Climate compatibility tests must have formed the basis of the UK Government’s decision, alongside a recognition that carbon emissions from this field would have been lower than imports.”

“This is a hugely welcome decision, and exactly the sort of pragmatic call the North Sea has been crying out for. Jackdaw is 99.9% complete and, with approval now secured, gas from this field will be flowing into homes up and down the country within weeks. This is a direct, tangible boost to the UK’s energy security at a time when it matters most. Every molecule of gas we produce in the North Sea, under some of the world’s highest environmental standards, is a molecule we don’t have to import on a tanker from overseas.” – Russell Borthwick

“Andy Burnham must now stop dithering and give Rosebank the green light without any further delay. Anything less would risk our energy security, harm investment, and be a kick in the teeth for families whose livelihoods depend on it.” – Russell Findlay

“Approving Jackdaw is the right decision, but fundamental questions remain unanswered. Andy Burnham’s silence on Rosebank is deafening, and there is no assurance that the establishment of a North Sea Wealth Fund will… ” – Jack Middleton

How it came about

Earlier coverage noted that Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh had said a decision on Jackdaw was imminent while a Rosebank ruling would take longer, and that the UK government was moving cautiously after recent court judgments. The announcement followed a series of statements from the UK government indicating the decision was forthcoming, as reported in Felo’s earlier story on 20 October 2026.

Key facts

UK government approved the Jackdaw gas field on 21 Oct 2026. (standard.co.uk)
Jackdaw is located about 150 miles off Aberdeen’s coast. (independent.co.uk)
First Minister John Swinney said the approval should give certainty to Scotland’s north‑east. (standard.co.uk)
Scottish Government has not yet published a finalised energy strategy, expected possibly late 2027. (independent.co.uk)