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UK Approves Jackdaw Gas Drilling, Boosting Output 6%

By Drooid · Oct 24, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC · How we work

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Domestic Gas Increase

The UK government approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea on 21 October 2026.
Officials framed the decision as a pragmatic move to increase domestic gas supply, safeguard jobs and seed a wealth fund for clean-energy projects.
Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh announced the approval, citing energy security.
Jackdaw, run by Shell-Equinor JV Adura, will lift gas output 6 % and add 27 jobs.

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Backbench Compromise

The UK government approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
The decision was framed as a political compromise to placate backbench MPs after the minister previously opposed the project.
Labour spent several years securing the Jackdaw licence, highlighting internal party delays.
Andy Burnham said the approval showed pragmatism, not ideology, differing from his Rosebank position.

History

Historical Context

After the 1970 discovery of the Forties oil field and the start of production in 1975, the UK became a net oil exporter by 1981, with the Forties pipeline moving up to 575,000 barrels per day. Today, Energy Security Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh’s approval of the Jackdaw gas field echoes that 1970s drive for domestic hydrocarbons to secure supply.

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Domestic Gas Increase

The UK government approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea on 21 October 2026.
Officials framed the decision as a pragmatic move to increase domestic gas supply, safeguard jobs and seed a wealth fund for clean-energy projects.
Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh announced the approval, citing energy security.
Jackdaw, run by Shell-Equinor JV Adura, will lift gas output 6 % and add 27 jobs.

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