UK government greenlights drilling at Jackdaw gas field

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh and Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the decision supports winter energy security while keeping renewable targets intact.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 21 Oct 2026 08:00:11 GMT

The UK Government has approved plans to begin drilling in the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, the North Sea Transition Authority announced on 21 October 2026.

What happened

The approval follows a consent decision by Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, allowing the North Sea Transition Authority to grant drilling permission. The field, owned by Adura, is projected to supply about 6 % of UK North Sea gas production. The decision was made alongside a similar approval for the Rosebank oil field off Shetland, both originally granted licences in June 2022 before being overturned.

What the reports add

Both Standard and Independent reported the same core facts: the government's consent, the expected contribution of the Jackdaw field, and the involvement of Energy Secretary Fahnbulleh and Prime Minister Burnham. Neither outlet provided differing figures or contradictory statements.

What was said

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh told Standard that the move will “support the country’s energy security with homegrown gas this winter”. Prime Minister Andy Burnham added that the decision will “protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm” and stressed it will not impede renewable‑energy targets. Burnham also said, “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. We’re committed to moving towards renewable energy and reaching net zero by 2050. But even on our ambitious climate path, we’ll still require oil and gas as part of our energy needs for decades to come.”

How it came about

Felo News previously covered the pending decision in an article on 20 October, noting that Burnham would announce the outcome on 21 October and that the government had taken a pragmatic stance. Earlier, on 16 October, Felo reported that Energy Secretary Fahnbulleh described the Jackdaw decision as imminent while indicating a longer timeline for Rosebank. The current approval fulfills those expectations and revives licences first granted in 2022.

Key facts

The UK Government approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field on 21 October 2026. (standard.co.uk)
Jackdaw could deliver around 6 % of UK North Sea gas production. (standard.co.uk)
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said the move will support energy security this winter. (standard.co.uk)
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the decision will protect jobs and keep homes warm while not hindering renewable targets. (independent.co.uk)