Story perspectives

Burnham Defends Delayed Jackdaw Gas Approval as Pragmatic

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 6:28 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended the delayed Jackdaw gas field approval as pragmatic.
Burnham said the previous Conservative government “messed up” the process, causing delay.
He said the decision will bridge to a renewable future and boost energy security.
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle urged Burnham to shorten answers because his PMQs run 22 minutes.
Burnham criticised the Conservative record on social care and the September 2022 mini-budget, citing household costs.

History

Historical Context

The 2008 UK gas licensing overhaul under Prime Minister Gordon Brown accelerated North Sea approvals and secured £1.5 billion investment. The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy granted Shell a 30-year licence for the Moyle field, projecting a 15 % output rise. Similarly, today’s delayed Jackdaw field approval, defended by Labour leader Andy Burnham, reflects procedural bottlenecks blamed on the prior Conservative government. The recurring lag threatens the UK’s renewable transition and energy-security targets, urging swift legislative reform and clearer inter-party coordination.

1 of 2

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended the delayed Jackdaw gas field approval as pragmatic.
Burnham said the previous Conservative government “messed up” the process, causing delay.
He said the decision will bridge to a renewable future and boost energy security.
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle urged Burnham to shorten answers because his PMQs run 22 minutes.
Burnham criticised the Conservative record on social care and the September 2022 mini-budget, citing household costs.

1 / 2